Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Apple-Onion Jam
Juicy pan-seared pork chops topped with a sweet and savory apple-onion jam, perfect for a comforting dinner. This american-inspired pork ready in about 35 minutes pairs (6 oz each) 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.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces (6 oz each) bone-in pork chops
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium, thinly sliced yellow onion
- 1 large, peeled and diced green apple
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 4 bone-in pork chops and season evenly with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper on both sides.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add pork chops and sear for 4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 145°F), then transfer to a plate and tent with foil.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 1 medium thinly sliced yellow onion and 1 large peeled, diced green apple. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes until soft and fragrant.
- Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp brown sugar, 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, and 1/4 cup water. Simmer for 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until mixture thickens into a jam-like consistency.
- Step 5: Return pork chops to the skillet and spoon the apple-onion jam over them. Cook for 2 more minutes to meld flavors and warm the chops through. Serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Apple-Onion Jam take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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-Onion Jam?
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-Onion Jam?
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-Onion Jam 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-Onion Jam?
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.
