Skillet Pork Chops with Apples and Sage

Pan-seared pork chops get a sweet-savory finish with caramelized apple slices, crisp sage, and a splash of apple cider. The apples soften into the pan, picking up all the browned bits while the pork stays juicy and tender. It's a quick, one-pan supper that tastes like autumn.

By TasteBuds

Recipe details

Yield
2 people
Prep time
10 minutes
Cook time
20 minutes
Total time
25 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 (about 1 inch thick, 8–10 oz each) bone-in pork chops
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper, freshly ground
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 medium apples (Honeycrisp, Gala, or Granny Smith work well)
  • 8–10 leaves fresh sage leaves
  • ½ cup apple cider (not hard cider)
  • 1 tbsp butter (optional, for finishing)

Instructions

  1. Pat 2 pork chops dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with 1 tsp salt and ½ tsp black pepper, freshly ground.
  2. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large cast-iron or heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Add the 2 pork chops to the skillet. Sear without moving them for 4 minutes, until a deep golden crust forms on the bottom.
  4. Flip the chops with tongs and sear the other side for another 4 minutes, until browned and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Transfer the chops to a plate and tent loosely with foil to rest.
  5. While the pork rests, core and slice 2 medium apples into ¼-inch wedges.
  6. Add the 2 medium apples, sliced to the same skillet (don't wipe it out). Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 4 minutes, until the edges begin to soften and turn golden.
  7. Add 8–10 fresh sage leaves to the skillet. Cook for 1 minute, until the sage crisps and smells fragrant.
  8. Pour in ½ cup apple cider. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Let the cider simmer for 2–3 minutes, until reduced by half and slightly syrupy.
  9. If using, stir in 1 tbsp butter until melted and glossy. Taste the pan sauce and adjust salt if needed.
  10. Return the 2 pork chops to the skillet, spooning the apples and sauce over the top. Let everything warm together for 1 minute, then serve straight from the pan.