Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Apple Cider Reduction and Sautéed Spinach

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

Tender pork chops pan-seared to golden perfection, topped with a tangy apple cider reduction, accompanied by garlicky sautéed spinach. This american-inspired pork ready in about 30 minutes pairs (6 ounces each) bone-in pork chops, teaspoons salt, teaspoon black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 4 bone-in pork chops dry and season both sides with 1.5 teaspoons salt and 1 teaspoon black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and sear for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 145°F). Remove chops and keep warm.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 cup apple cider, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, and 1 tablespoon honey. Stir and simmer over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until the liquid reduces by half and thickens slightly.
  4. Step 4: While the sauce reduces, in a separate pan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Add 8 cups baby spinach to the garlic butter and toss for 2-3 minutes until wilted but still bright green. Season with a pinch of salt.
  6. Step 6: Plate the pork chops, spoon the apple cider reduction over the top, and serve alongside the sautéed spinach. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Apple Cider Reduction and Sautéed Spinach take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Cider Reduction and Sautéed Spinach?

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 teaspoons salt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Apple Cider Reduction 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 Reduction 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 Reduction 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.

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