Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Spiced Apple-Onion Relish

By Lauren Mitchell, Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-06 · Updated 2026-05-06

Juicy pan-seared pork chops topped with a warm spiced apple and caramelized onion relish, balancing savory and sweet flavors for a comforting meal. This american-inspired pork ready in about 40 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 370 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, about 6 oz each bone-in pork chops
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 medium, thinly sliced yellow onion
• 1 large, peeled, cored, and diced into 1/2-inch cubes Granny Smith apple
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground cumin
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tsp, chopped fresh thyme leaves

Instructions

1. Step 1: Season 4 bone-in pork chops evenly with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper on both sides. Set aside to rest for 10 minutes.
2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking, about 2 minutes. Add the pork chops and sear for 4 minutes on the first side without moving until a golden crust forms.
3. Step 3: Flip the pork chops and add 1 tbsp unsalted butter to the pan. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, spooning the melted butter over the chops occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F; remove from pan and tent with foil to rest.
4. Step 4: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 1 medium thinly sliced yellow onion. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
5. Step 5: Add 1 large diced Granny Smith apple, 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon, and 1/4 tsp ground cumin to the onions. Stir to combine and cook for 3 minutes until the apple starts to soften.
6. Step 6: Pour in 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp brown sugar, and 1/4 cup water. Stir well and simmer for 5-6 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
7. Step 7: Remove from heat and stir in 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme leaves. Spoon the warm spiced apple-onion relish over the rested pork chops and serve immediately.