If you’re looking to bring a cozy autumn evening right to your dinner table, One Pan Pork Chops with Apples and Onions is the answer. Juicy, golden-seared pork chops, tender apples, and perfectly caramelized onions all simmer together in a heavenly herb-scented sauce—and best of all, it’s all done in just one pan!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pan Wonder: You get the magic of minimal cleanup with all the flavor—dinner comes together quickly, and there’s just one pan to wash!
- Perfect Balance of Sweet and Savory: Apples and onions create a gorgeous flavor contrast with the juicy, savory pork—in every bite!
- Fast Enough for a Busy Night: The entire recipe takes under 30 minutes from start to finish, but tastes like you spent hours at the stove.
- Seasonal Cozy Goodness: The fresh herbs, apples, and onions turn a simple pork chop into a comforting meal you’ll crave any time of year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One Pan Pork Chops with Apples and Onions stars a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients—each bringing something special to the party, from juicy pork to crisp apples and woodsy fresh herbs. Let’s peek at what you’ll need for flavor-packed results.
- Olive oil: Divided for searing and sautéing, olive oil gives a beautiful golden crust and helps soften the apples and onions.
- Bone-in pork chops: Choose chops about 3 to 4 ounces each—bone-in means extra moisture and savory flavor, plus a stunning presentation.
- Kosher salt and black pepper: Season simply, to let the main ingredients shine and add depth right from the start.
- Low sodium chicken stock: Forms the base of the sauce, deglazes the pan, and keeps everything moist.
- Dijon mustard (or whole-grain Dijon): Just a touch adds zing and complexity to the sauce—classic with pork!
- Fresh sage, rosemary, and thyme: These chopped herbs infuse the dish with a warm, woodsy aroma that’s irresistible with pork and apples.
- Apples (such as Gala): Thinly sliced apples melt gently into the sauce and bring sweet-tart brightness—use your favorite firm, sweet variety.
- Red onion: Sliced red onion adds color, sweetness, and a mellow background to every savory bite.
Variations
The beauty of One Pan Pork Chops with Apples and Onions is just how easy it is to adapt to your tastes, pantry supplies, or dietary preferences. Don’t be afraid to mix things up!
- Go Boneless: Swap bone-in pork chops for boneless if you prefer—just be sure to adjust cooking time as they cook faster.
- Try Different Apples: Use Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith to play with textures and vary the sweetness or tartness.
- Make It Dairy-Free: If you like a creamy sauce, swirl in a spoonful of coconut cream or your favorite non-dairy alternative for richness without lactose.
- Add Greens: Toss in a couple handfuls of spinach or kale right near the end for color and a nutritional boost.
- Change Up the Herbs: Fresh marjoram or parsley can step in for any of the listed herbs for a different herbal note.
How to Make One Pan Pork Chops with Apples and Onions
Step 1: Season and Sear the Pork Chops
Pat your pork chops dry with a paper towel, then sprinkle both sides generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Heat half the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, add your pork chops—it’s important to leave a little space between each for the best sear! Cook for 3-5 minutes per side, until each chop is beautifully golden and almost cooked through. Transfer the chops to a plate; they’ll finish cooking in the sauce later.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
While the pork rests, whisk together the chicken stock and Dijon mustard in a small bowl and set aside. Add the remaining olive oil to the hot pan, then toss in the thinly sliced apples and red onion. Sauté everything for about 4 minutes, stirring just enough to encourage browning but not so much that the apples fall apart. Sprinkle over the sage, rosemary, thyme, an extra pinch of salt and pepper, and toss to coat—just wait for that aroma!
Step 3: Make the Sauce and Finish Cooking
Give your stock-mustard mixture one more whisk, then pour it into the pan with the apples and onions. Use a wooden spoon to gently scrape up those gorgeous brown bits from the bottom—this is where big flavor happens. Nestle your seared pork chops (and any juices from the plate) back into the skillet, tucking them down between the apples. Let everything simmer together for another 2-3 minutes, until the pork is perfectly cooked and the sauce has thickened and reduced by about half.
Pro Tips for Making One Pan Pork Chops with Apples and Onions
- Pan Selection Matters: A heavy-bottomed skillet (like cast-iron) ensures even browning and helps keep the pork juicy without burning.
- Rest the Pork After Searing: Letting the pork rest on a plate while you cook the apples keeps the meat moist and gives the juices time to redistribute—no dry chops here.
- Apple Slicing Trick: Slice apples thinly and evenly for quick cooking and soft, tender pieces that hold their shape in the sauce.
- Herb High-Fives: Use fresh herbs for the brightest flavor—add a little extra at the end for a burst of color and aroma just before serving.
How to Serve One Pan Pork Chops with Apples and Onions
Garnishes
A flourish of extra chopped fresh herbs like sage, rosemary, or parsley makes these pork chops look even more inviting. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt right before serving adds a delightful crunch, and if you’re feeling fancy, a few thin apple slices fanned alongside each chop peak through with beautiful autumn color.
Side Dishes
This wholesome skillet dinner shines with creamy mashed potatoes or tender egg noodles, both perfect for soaking up the herb-mustard sauce. For a lighter spread, try steamed green beans, roasted brussels sprouts, or a pile of lemony arugula salad alongside—it’s the kind of meal that feels both satisfying and fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
For a rustic, shareable feel, serve One Pan Pork Chops with Apples and Onions straight from your prettiest skillet at the table—let guests help themselves! Want to impress? Stack pork chops on a platter, spoon the glossy apples and onions on top, and drizzle with all the luscious sauce. Mini skillets or shallow bowls turn each serving into its own little comfort-food celebration.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let leftovers cool, then tuck everything into an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. The apples and onions get even more flavorful as they mingle in the sauce overnight, so this dish is just as delicious reheated for lunch the next day.
Freezing
To freeze, pop cooled pork chops, apples, onions, and sauce into a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating so everything warms up gently together.
Reheating
To reheat One Pan Pork Chops with Apples and Onions, add a splash of chicken broth or water and warm gently on the stove over low heat, covered, until heated through. You can also use the microwave in short bursts, turning the pork so it stays juicy.
FAQs
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Can I use boneless pork chops instead of bone-in?
Absolutely! Boneless chops are a great swap and cook a bit faster than bone-in. Watch them closely, as they can dry out quicker—just shave a minute or so off each side and check for doneness.
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Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes—One Pan Pork Chops with Apples and Onions contains no flour or gluten-based thickeners, so it’s naturally gluten-free. Just be sure your mustard and chicken stock are certified gluten-free if you’re sensitive.
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Do I have to peel the apples?
No need to peel the apples! The skins soften nicely during cooking, add extra nutrition and color, and help the apple slices keep their shape in the sauce.
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Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
You bet! If your pan is large enough, double everything and sear pork chops in batches for the best browning. After that, follow the recipe as written—just extend simmering time slightly if your pan is very full.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to cozy up to a plate of One Pan Pork Chops with Apples and Onions—the kind of comforting, beautiful meal that brings everyone straight to the table. Try it soon and discover how easy a weeknight celebration can be!
Print
One Pan Pork Chops with Apples and Onions Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Total Time: 26 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
These One Pan Pork Chops with Apples and Onions are a delicious and comforting dish perfect for a cozy dinner at home. Juicy pork chops are seared to perfection, then cooked with sweet apples, savory onions, and a flavorful herb-infused sauce.
Ingredients
Pork Chops:
- 2 Tbsp olive oil, divided
- 3–4 oz bone-in pork chops
- Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
Sauce:
- 3/4 cup low sodium chicken stock
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard or whole-grain Dijon
- 1 Tbsp fresh sage, chopped
- 1 1/2 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1/2 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Additional:
- 2 medium apples, thinly sliced (Gala recommended)
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Season Pork Chops: Season pork chops with salt and pepper.
- Sear Pork Chops: Sear in olive oil until mostly done. Remove and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce: Whisk together chicken stock and mustard.
- Cook Apples and Onions: Saute apples and onions with herbs.
- Add Pork Chops: Return pork chops to the pan.
- Simmer: Cook until pork chops are done and liquid reduces.
Notes
- Make sure to leave enough space between pork chops when searing to ensure even cooking.
- Adjust seasoning according to personal preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pork chop with apples and onions
- Calories: 382
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 570mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
