Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Spiced Apple Punch Glaze

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-07-29 · Updated 2026-07-29

Tender pork chops pan-seared to golden perfection and finished with a tangy glaze made from spiced apple punch, delivering a balance of sweet and savory. This American-inspired pork recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, brings together bone-in pork chops, salt, black pepper for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. 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, about 6 oz each bone-in pork chops
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 cup spiced apple punch
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 minced garlic cloves
• 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme

The instant-read thermometer we’d check this pork with → Best Instant-Read Thermometers for 2026: Fast, Accurate Picks Under $100

Instructions

1. Step 1: Pat 4 bone-in pork chops dry and season both sides evenly with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add pork chops and sear for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through to 145°F internal temperature.
3. Step 3: Remove pork chops from the skillet and tent with foil to keep warm.
4. Step 4: Reduce heat to medium, add 2 tbsp unsalted butter to the skillet, then stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Step 5: Pour in 1 cup spiced apple punch, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp brown sugar, and 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon. Simmer for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the glaze thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
6. Step 6: Return pork chops to the skillet, spoon glaze over them, and cook for 1-2 more minutes to heat through and meld flavors before serving.