Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Michigan Cherry Glaze

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

Juicy pork chops pan-seared to perfection and finished with a sweet and tangy cherry glaze inspired by Michigan’s cherry-growing regions. This american-inspired pork ready in about 30 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 320 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 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 bone-in pork chops (6 oz each) and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add pork chops and sear 4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through to 145°F internal temperature. Remove chops and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium, add 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet, and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Step 4: Add 1/2 cup dried tart cherries, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, and 2 tbsp maple syrup to the skillet. Stir, scraping browned bits from the pan, and simmer for 4-5 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, return pork chops to the skillet, and spoon glaze over them for 1 minute to warm through before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Michigan Cherry 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 Michigan Cherry 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 Michigan Cherry 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 Michigan Cherry 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 Michigan Cherry 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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