Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Apple-Onion Compote

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-06-17 · Updated 2026-06-17

Juicy pan-seared pork chops topped with a sweet and tangy apple-onion compote inspired by classic 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, about 6 oz each bone-in pork chops
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1, thinly sliced medium yellow onion
• 1 large, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes Granny Smith apple
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
• 1/4 cup water

The instant-read thermometer we’d check this pork with → Best Instant-Read Thermometers for 2026: Fast, Accurate Picks Under $100

Instructions

1. Step 1: Season 4 bone-in pork chops evenly with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper on both sides. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2. Step 2: Add the pork chops and sear for 4-5 minutes per side until a golden crust forms and internal temperature reaches 145°F. Remove from skillet and let rest on a plate tented with foil.
3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium and add 1 tbsp unsalted butter to the skillet. Once melted, add 1 thinly sliced medium yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
4. Step 4: Stir in 1 large diced Granny Smith apple, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, and 1/4 cup water. Simmer gently for 7-8 minutes until the apples are tender and the compote thickens slightly.
5. Step 5: Spoon the warm apple-onion compote over the rested pork chops and serve immediately.