Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Apple-Cider Reduction

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-06-26 · Updated 2026-06-26

Tender pork chops pan-seared and finished with a sweet and tangy apple-cider reduction inspired by regional flavors. This American-inspired pork recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs 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 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 (6 oz each) bone-in pork chops
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 cup apple cider
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme

The pan we’d use for this → Best Nonstick Cookware for 2026: Top 5 Pans + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 bone-in pork chops and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2. Step 2: Add pork chops and sear for 4 minutes on the first side without moving, until golden brown, then flip and add 2 tbsp unsalted butter. Continue cooking for 3-4 minutes while spooning melted butter over chops until cooked through (internal temp 145°F).
3. Step 3: Remove chops and keep warm. Pour 1 cup apple cider, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, and 1 tbsp brown sugar into the skillet. Simmer over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until the sauce reduces by half and thickens slightly.
4. Step 4: Stir in 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme, then spoon the apple-cider reduction over the pork chops before serving.