Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Apple Cider Glaze

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-06-25 · Updated 2026-06-25

Juicy pork chops pan-seared to perfection and coated in a sweet and tangy apple cider glaze inspired by regional American flavors. This American-inspired pork recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs bone-in pork chops, apple cider, brown sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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 pieces, about 6 oz each bone-in pork chops
• 1 cup apple cider
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves

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Instructions

1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 bone-in pork chops (about 6 oz each) and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add pork chops and sear for 4 minutes on each side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 145°F; transfer to a plate and tent with foil.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 1 cup apple cider, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, and 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves; stir and simmer for 5-7 minutes until the glaze thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
4. Step 4: Return pork chops to the skillet and spoon glaze over them, cooking for an additional 2 minutes to heat through and absorb flavors before serving.