Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Regional Apple-Mustard Sauce

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

Juicy pan-seared pork chops served with a tangy apple-mustard sauce. This american-inspired pork ready in about 30 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 380 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 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 4 bone-in pork chops dry and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Add pork chops and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side until a golden brown crust forms and internal temperature reaches 145°F. Remove chops and tent with foil to rest.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium and melt 2 tbsp unsalted butter in the same skillet. Add 1 finely diced small onion and sauté for 3 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 diced medium apple and cook for 4 minutes until softened but not mushy.
  5. Step 5: Add 3 tbsp Dijon mustard, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, and 1/2 cup chicken broth, stirring to combine. Simmer the sauce for 5 minutes until it thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme leaves, return the pork chops to the skillet, spooning sauce over them. Heat through for 2 minutes before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Regional Apple-Mustard Sauce 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 Regional Apple-Mustard Sauce?

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 Regional Apple-Mustard Sauce?

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 Regional Apple-Mustard Sauce 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 Regional Apple-Mustard Sauce?

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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