Is there any flavor combination more classic, more comforting, or more perfectly suited for a crisp autumn evening than savory, juicy pork chops and warm, sweet-tart apples? This incredible, from-scratch, one-pan Pork Chops with Sautéed Apples is the ultimate fall dinner, ready in under 30 minutes. It’s a timeless classic for a reason, and this foolproof recipe will show you just how easy it is to make this delicious meal a new family favorite.
This isn’t just another pork chop recipe; it’s your definitive guide to a perfectly cooked, never-dry pork chop. We’ll show you the simple secrets to a beautiful golden-brown sear and a tender, juicy interior. The best part? The warm, buttery, cinnamon-spiced apples are cooked right in the same pan, soaking up all the delicious, savory drippings to create the most amazing sweet and savory flavor imaginable.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Recipe Overview: The Ultimate Fall Comfort Food
What makes this Pork Chops with Apples recipe so spectacularly delicious is its incredible simplicity and its perfect harmony of flavors. The dish features tender, boneless pork loin chops, which are pan-seared in butter to create a beautiful, caramelized crust. The magic happens right after, when we use the same skillet to quickly sauté thinly sliced tart apples with brown sugar and warm spices until they are tender and coated in a luscious, buttery glaze. It’s a complete, satisfying, and deeply comforting one-pan meal that is perfect for any night of the week.
| Metric | Time / Level |
| Total Time | 25 minutes |
| Active Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Difficulty Level | Easy |
| Servings | 4 |
The Essential Ingredients for This Classic Meal
This recipe uses a handful of simple, high-impact ingredients to create its signature comforting and savory flavor.
- The Pork Chops:
- Boneless Pork Loin Chops: This recipe calls for 4-ounce, boneless chops. For a quick-cooking dish like this, it’s a great idea to choose chops that are about 1/2 to 3/4-inch thick. If your chops are thicker, you may want to pound them to an even thickness to ensure they cook quickly and stay juicy.
- The Sautéed Apples:
- Tart Apples: For the absolute best, most balanced flavor, it is crucial to use a firm, tart apple. A classic Granny Smith is a perfect choice. Other fantastic, firm apples that are a good balance of sweet and tart include Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Gala. These varieties will hold their shape when cooked and not turn into a mushy applesauce.
- The Warm Spices: A classic, cozy, and aromatic blend of brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg creates a perfect, “apple-pie-like” flavor that is the perfect complement to the savory pork.
- The Crunchy Element: A handful of chopped pecans, toasted in the pan with the apples, adds a wonderful, buttery crunch and a nutty flavor that takes the dish to the next level.
Step-by-Step to Perfect Pork Chops and Apples
This delicious, one-pan meal is incredibly simple to prepare.
Step 1: Prepare the Spice Mix and the Pork
Step 1: In a small bowl, mix together the 3 tablespoons of brown sugar, the 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, the 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and the 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
Step 2: Pat your 4 boneless pork loin chops completely dry with a paper towel.
Pro Tip: Patting the meat dry is the number one secret to getting a beautiful, golden-brown crust or sear!
Part 2: Cook the Perfect Pan-Seared Pork Chops
Step 1: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of the butter over medium heat.
Step 2: Carefully add the pork chops to the hot skillet. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side.
Pro Tip: The only 100% foolproof way to guarantee a juicy, perfectly cooked pork chop is to use an instant-read thermometer. Pork is perfectly and safely cooked when the internal temperature in the thickest part of the chop registers 145°F (63°C).
Step 3: Transfer the cooked pork chops to a clean plate, cover them loosely with foil to keep them warm, and let them rest while you make the apples. Do not wipe out the skillet! All those delicious, browned bits are pure flavor.
Part 3: Make the Sautéed Apples
Step 1: Add the 4 thinly sliced medium tart apples, the 2 tablespoons of chopped pecans, your prepared brown sugar and spice mixture, and the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the same skillet.
Step 2: Cook and stir the mixture until the apples are tender and have been beautifully coated in the buttery, brown sugar glaze.
To serve, place a hot, juicy pork chop on each plate and top it with a generous spoonful of the warm, sautéed apples.
The Best Juicy Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Apples
A simple, one-pan meal featuring pan-fried pork chops served with warm, spiced apples and pecans. Boneless pork loin chops are cooked in a large skillet with butter until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F. In the same skillet, thinly sliced tart apples are then cooked with butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until tender, creating a simple and delicious pan sauce. The dish is finished with a sprinkle of chopped pecans.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter, divided
- 4 boneless pork loin chops (4 ounces each)
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 medium tart apples, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons chopped pecans
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the pork chops and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until a thermometer inserted into the center reads 145°F.
- Remove the cooked pork chops from the skillet and keep them warm.
- Add the sliced apples, chopped pecans, the brown sugar mixture, and the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the same pan.
- Cook and stir over medium heat until the apples are tender.
- Serve the pork chops with the warm apple mixture spooned on top.
Notes
- This is a very quick one-pan meal, making it ideal for a busy weeknight.
- Cooking the apples in the same skillet used for the pork allows them to absorb the savory pan drippings, creating a more flavorful sauce.
- Using a meat thermometer is the most reliable way to ensure the pork is cooked to a juicy and safe temperature without being overcooked.
What to Serve With Your Pork Chops and Apples
This beautiful skillet dinner is a fantastic, hearty meal. To round it out into a complete dinner, here are a few simple and classic pairings:
- Roasted Vegetables: Simple, roasted Brussels sprouts, green beans, or sweet potatoes are a wonderful, comforting accompaniment.
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The perfect, classic partner for this dish, ideal for sopping up every last drop of the delicious, buttery pan juices.
- A Simple Salad: For a lighter meal, a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is a perfect, fresh counterpoint.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Make-Ahead: For a super-fast and impressive weeknight meal, you can get a head start by preparing the brown sugar and spice mixture and slicing your apples (keep them in a bowl of cold water with a squeeze of lemon juice to prevent browning) up to a day in advance.
- Storage: Store any leftover pork chops and the sautéed apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: The best way to reheat the pork chops without drying them out is to place them in a covered skillet over a low heat with a small splash of water or apple cider until they are warmed through.
For more recipe follow my pinterest account
Creative Recipe Variations
- Add a Savory Herb: For a more complex and sophisticated flavor, you can add about 1 to 2 teaspoons of fresh, chopped sage or thyme to the skillet to sauté along with the apples.
- Make a Quick Pan Sauce: For a more “saucy” dish, you can deglaze the pan after the apples have softened. Simply pour in about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of apple cider or a dry white wine. Let it bubble and cook for a minute or two, scraping up all the browned bits, until it has reduced to a beautiful, glossy glaze.
- Use a Different Nut: If you’re not a fan of pecans, this recipe is also absolutely fantastic with an equal amount of toasted, chopped walnuts or even some slivered almonds.
Enjoy The Ultimate Cozy Fall Dinner!
You’ve just created a truly special dish that is a perfect harmony of wholesome, classic ingredients and delicious, satisfying flavors. These classic Pork Chops with Sautéed Apples are a testament to the power of a simple, from-scratch meal to bring comfort and joy. It’s a rewarding and deeply satisfying recipe that is sure to become a new family favorite for all the cozy days of the year.
We hope you enjoy every last, perfect, and delicious bite!
If you enjoyed making this recipe, please leave a comment below or share it with a friend who loves a good, easy, one-pan meal!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the absolute secret to a juicy, not dry, pork chop?
There are two main secrets! First, be sure to start with a thick-cut pork chop (at least 3/4- to 1-inch thick if possible). Thinner pork chops are much more likely to overcook. Second, and most importantly, be very careful not to overcook them. The best way to check for doneness is with an instant-read thermometer. Pork is perfectly cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Q2: What are the best apples to use for a cooked, savory dish like this one?
You want to use a firm apple that will hold its shape when cooked and not turn into a mushy applesauce. An apple that is a good balance of both sweet and tart is perfect for complementing the savory pork. Fantastic choices include Honeycrisp, Braeburn, Gala, or a classic Granny Smith if you prefer a tarter flavor.
Q3: How do I know for sure when my pork chops are cooked through?
The only 100% foolproof way to guarantee a juicy, perfectly cooked pork chop is to use an instant-read thermometer. Pork is perfectly and safely cooked when the internal temperature in the thickest part of the chop registers 145°F (63°C). Remember to let the pork rest for at least 3-5 minutes before you serve it!
Q4: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
This dish comes together so quickly that it is at its absolute best when it is made fresh. However, for a fantastic time-saving trick, you can prepare the brown sugar and spice mixture and slice your apples ahead of time.
Q5: Can I use bone-in pork chops for this recipe?
Of course! A thick-cut, bone-in pork chop would be fantastic in this recipe and will be even juicier. You will just need to increase the cooking time by a few minutes on each side to ensure that the meat is cooked all the way through to the bone.