Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Maple Dijon Glaze and Sautéed Apples
Juicy pork chops pan-seared and finished with a sweet and tangy maple Dijon glaze, paired with tender sautéed apples for a balanced flavor profile. This american-inspired pork ready in about 25 minutes pairs salt, black pepper, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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 (1 inch thick, about 6 oz each) bone-in pork chops
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 medium, peeled, cored, and sliced into 1/4-inch thick wedges apple
- 3 tbsp maple syrup
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp, chopped fresh thyme leaves
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 4 bone-in pork chops dry and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add pork chops and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 145°F. Remove pork chops and tent loosely with foil.
- Step 3: Reduce heat to medium and add 1 tbsp unsalted butter to the same skillet. Add 2 peeled and sliced apples and sauté for 4-5 minutes until tender and lightly caramelized.
- Step 4: Stir in 3 tbsp maple syrup, 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, and 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme leaves into the skillet with apples. Cook the glaze for 2 minutes until it thickens slightly and coats the apples.
- Step 5: Return pork chops to the skillet and spoon the maple Dijon glaze over them. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to heat through and meld flavors. Serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Maple Dijon Glaze and Sautéed Apples take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Maple Dijon Glaze and Sautéed Apples?
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 Maple Dijon Glaze and Sautéed Apples?
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 Maple Dijon Glaze and Sautéed Apples 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 Maple Dijon Glaze and Sautéed Apples?
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.