Smoky Maple-Glazed Pork Chops with Apple Slices
Pan-seared pork chops with a sweet-smoky glaze, served with caramelized apple slices for balanced flavor. This american-inspired one pot ready in about 35 minutes pairs (1-inch thick) pork chops, maple syrup, smoked paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 410 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.
Ingredients
- 4 (1-inch thick) pork chops
- 3 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 medium apple
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Season pork chops with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper on both sides. Heat 1 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Step 2: Sear pork chops for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 145°F; remove and set aside.
- Step 3: Add diced onion to skillet and cook for 3 minutes until softened. Stir in 3 tbsp maple syrup, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/4 cup chicken broth, scraping up browned bits.
- Step 4: Return pork chops to skillet, spooning glaze over them. Simmer for 3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 5: While pork cooks, slice apples into 1/4-inch wedges, melt remaining 1 tbsp butter in a separate pan, and cook apples for 5-6 minutes until golden and tender, stirring occasionally.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Smoky Maple-Glazed Pork Chops with Apple Slices 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 Smoky Maple-Glazed Pork Chops with Apple Slices?
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 (1-inch thick) pork chops from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Smoky Maple-Glazed Pork Chops with Apple Slices?
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 Smoky Maple-Glazed Pork Chops with Apple Slices 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 Smoky Maple-Glazed Pork Chops with Apple Slices?
American one pot 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Perfect for a weeknight dinner. The pork chops were juicy and the maple-apple combo was amazing.
- ★★★★★
Loved how the recipe was simple and the flavors came together so well. My husband even asked for seconds!
- ★★★★★
Easy one-pan meal that impressed my dinner guests. The apples added the perfect sweet touch.