Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Apple Cider Pan Sauce and Sautéed Spinach
Tender pork chops pan-seared to golden perfection, served with a tangy apple cider pan sauce and garlicky sautéed spinach for a balanced home-cooked meal. This american-inspired pork ready in about 30 minutes blends (1-inch thick) bone-in pork chops, salt, black pepper into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 medium shallot, finely chopped
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 6 cups fresh baby spinach
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 4 bone-in pork chops dry and season evenly with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear pork chops for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 145°F). Remove chops and keep warm.
- Step 2: Reduce heat to medium and add 2 tbsp unsalted butter and 1 medium finely chopped shallot to the skillet. Sauté for 2 minutes until softened.
- Step 3: Pour in 1 cup apple cider and 1/2 cup chicken broth, scraping up browned bits from the pan. Simmer sauce for 5-7 minutes until reduced by half and slightly thickened. Stir in 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves.
- Step 4: In a separate pan, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add 6 cups fresh baby spinach and cook, stirring, for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Season with a pinch of salt.
- Step 5: Serve pork chops topped with apple cider pan sauce alongside garlicky sautéed spinach.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Apple Cider Pan Sauce and Sautéed Spinach take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Apple Cider Pan Sauce and Sautéed Spinach?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Apple Cider Pan Sauce and Sautéed Spinach?
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 Cider Pan Sauce and Sautéed Spinach 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 Cider Pan Sauce and Sautéed Spinach?
American pork 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.
Related recipes
Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Herb Butter
Pan-Seared Pork Loin Chops with Apple Cider Reduction
Herbed Pan-Seared Pork Tenderloin with Garlic Jus
Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Roasted Mushroom Ragout
Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Indiana Maple Mustard Glaze
Honey-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Carrots
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
