Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Apple and Fennel Slaw

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender pan-seared pork chops served with a crisp and tangy apple-fennel slaw for a refreshing Whole30-compliant meal. This american-inspired whole30 (whole30) ready in about 30 minutes pairs about 6 oz each bone-in pork chops, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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.

★ 4.2 (10 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 4 bone-in pork chops dry and season both sides with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add pork chops and sear for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 145°F). Remove and let rest.
  3. Step 3: In a medium bowl, combine 1 thinly sliced small fennel bulb, 1 julienned medium Granny Smith apple, and 1/4 thinly sliced small red onion.
  4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until emulsified.
  5. Step 5: Pour dressing over fennel-apple mixture and toss gently to coat.
  6. Step 6: Serve pork chops alongside the fresh apple and fennel slaw.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Apple and Fennel Slaw take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Fennel Slaw?

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 salt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Apple and Fennel Slaw?

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 Fennel Slaw 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.

Is Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Apple and Fennel Slaw whole30?

Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30 based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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