Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Apple Cider Pan Sauce and Sautéed Brussels Sprouts

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender pork chops pan-seared to golden perfection, finished with a tangy apple cider pan sauce, served alongside caramelized Brussels sprouts. This american-inspired pork ready in about 35 minutes blends salt, black pepper, olive oil 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 450 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

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 until shimmering. Add pork chops and sear for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 145°F; transfer chops to a plate and tent with foil.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 lb halved Brussels sprouts cut side down. Sauté over medium heat for 6-8 minutes without stirring until caramelized and tender; season with a pinch of salt.
  4. Step 4: Remove Brussels sprouts to the plate with pork. Add 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 1 cup apple cider and 1/2 cup chicken broth, scraping up browned bits from the pan. Stir in 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves and 1 tsp honey; simmer for 4-5 minutes until the sauce reduces and thickens slightly.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 2 tbsp unsalted butter to the sauce until melted and glossy. Return pork chops and Brussels sprouts to the skillet to warm through and coat with sauce for 1-2 minutes.
  7. Step 7: Serve the pork chops topped with apple cider pan sauce and Brussels sprouts on the side.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Apple Cider Pan Sauce and Sautéed Brussels Sprouts take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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 Brussels Sprouts?

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 Brussels Sprouts?

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 Brussels Sprouts 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 Brussels Sprouts?

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