Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Apple-Cider Regional Spice Glaze

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

Tender pork chops pan-seared and finished with a sweet and tangy apple-cider glaze infused with warm regional spices. This american-inspired pork ready in about 30 minutes pairs salt, black pepper, ground cinnamon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 390 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 390 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 evenly with 1.5 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, and 1/4 tsp ground allspice.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and sear for 4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 145°F). Remove chops and set aside, covering loosely with foil.
  3. Step 3: Pour 1 cup apple cider and 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar into the same skillet, scraping up browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 tbsp honey and add 2 sprigs fresh thyme. Let the sauce simmer for 6-8 minutes until reduced by half and slightly thickened.
  5. Step 5: Remove thyme sprigs and whisk in 1 tbsp unsalted butter until the glaze is glossy. Return pork chops to the pan and spoon the glaze over them before serving.

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 Regional Spice Glaze 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 Regional Spice Glaze?

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 salt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Apple-Cider Regional Spice Glaze?

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 Regional Spice Glaze 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 Regional Spice Glaze?

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