Pan-Seared Pork Chops with New Jersey Apple Cider Glaze

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

Juicy pork chops glazed with a sweet and tangy apple cider reduction inspired by New Jersey’s regional flavors. This American-inspired pork recipe, ready in about 35 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 4 bone-in pork chops with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper evenly on both sides. Let rest at room temperature for 10 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the pork chops and sear for 4 minutes on the first side without moving until golden brown.
  3. Step 3: Flip the pork chops and add 2 tbsp unsalted butter along with 2 minced garlic cloves. Spoon the melted butter and garlic over the chops while cooking for another 3-4 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145°F. Remove chops and tent with foil.
  4. Step 4: Pour 1 cup New Jersey apple cider, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, and 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves into the skillet. Simmer over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the glaze is reduced by half and coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Step 5: Return the pork chops to the skillet and spoon the warm glaze over them for 1 minute to reheat and coat. Serve immediately with the glaze drizzled on top.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Pork Chops with New Jersey Apple Cider Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 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 New Jersey 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 bone-in pork chops from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Pork Chops with New Jersey 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 New Jersey 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 New Jersey 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.

Related recipes