Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Lake County Apple Cider Glaze

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

Juicy pork chops pan-seared to golden perfection and finished with a tangy apple cider glaze inspired by the regional flavors of Lake County, Indiana. This american-inspired pork ready in about 30 minutes pairs about 6 oz each bone-in pork chops, salt, freshly ground 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 bone-in pork chops (about 6 oz each) and season both sides evenly with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add the pork chops. Sear for 4 minutes without moving until the underside is golden brown, then flip and sear the other side for 3 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves to the skillet. Tilt the pan and spoon the melted butter over the chops repeatedly for 2 minutes to baste.
  4. Step 4: Remove chops from the skillet and set aside to rest while you make the glaze. Pour off excess fat, then add 1 cup Lake County apple cider and 2 tbsp brown sugar to the skillet. Simmer over medium heat for 5-6 minutes until the glaze thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Step 5: Return pork chops to the skillet, turning to coat with the glaze for 1 minute. Serve immediately with the glaze spooned over the top.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Lake County Apple Cider 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 Lake County Apple Cider 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 Lake County Apple Cider 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 Lake County Apple Cider 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 Lake County Apple Cider 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.

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