Thick Pork Chops with Apple Cider Glaze

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Thick-cut pork chops seared to a golden crust and finished with a sweet-tart apple cider glaze. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 35 minutes pairs inches thick pork chops, olive oil, apple cider for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

★ 4.3 (9 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Season 4 pork chops (3 inches thick) with salt and pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork chops for 3 minutes per side until golden brown.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup apple cider, 2 tbsp honey, and 1 tsp Dijon mustard. Pour over the pork chops in the skillet. Transfer to the oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Thick Pork Chops with Apple Cider Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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 Thick Pork Chops with 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 inches thick pork chops from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Thick Pork Chops with 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 Thick Pork Chops with 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 Thick Pork Chops with Apple Cider Glaze?

American bbq & smoked 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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