Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Apple and Cinnamon
Juicy pork chops seared until golden and finished with a sweet-tart apple and cinnamon glaze. This american-inspired one pot ready in about 40 minutes pairs pork chops, olive oil, apples for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 (1-inch-thick, bone-in) pork chops
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 medium (Honeycrisp, cored and sliced into 1/4-inch wedges) apples
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp apple cider
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 4 (1-inch-thick, bone-in) pork chops dry with paper towels and season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the pork chops and sear for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown, then transfer to a plate.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp butter, and 2 medium apples (sliced into 1/4-inch wedges). Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until apples are tender and slightly caramelized.
- Step 4: Return the pork chops to the skillet, add 2 tbsp apple cider and 1 tsp ground cinnamon. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 8-10 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145°F, turning once.
- Step 5: Remove pork chops and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve with the apple and cinnamon sauce spooned over the top.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Apple and Cinnamon take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Apple and Cinnamon?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pork chops from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Apple and Cinnamon?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Apple and Cinnamon for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Apple and Cinnamon?
American one pot like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Perfect for date night!
- ★★★★★
My kids devoured these. The cinnamon and apple made it feel like a special meal without much fuss.
- ★★★★★
The pork was so tender and the apple-cinnamon sauce was perfect for a weeknight dinner.







