Pork loin chops are seasoned with paprika, sage, thyme, and garlic powder, then lightly pan-fried and served with homemade applesauce.
Pork Chops and Applesauce
While my applesauce was simmering in the crock pot, I knew I would serve it with pork chops for an easy fall-inspired meal. The rich, savory pork pairs nicely with the sweet, tart applesauce. This 20-minute dinner is great on nights when you’re short on time. Since I used thin, boneless pork chops, they cook faster than bone-in chops.
Why This Pork Chops and Applesauce Recipe Works
This pork chops with applesauce dish is full of sweet, savory autumn flavors that remind you that Thanksgiving is just around the corner. I love cooking with seasonal ingredients like apples, thyme, and sage. With just a few more staples, you’ll have a delicious, comforting meal on the table in no time.
Done in 20 minutes: Thin pork chops cook quickly in one pan for a simple weeknight dinner.
Kid-friendly: My kids always loved this meal when they were younger.
Healthy: This recipe is low-carb, keto, and gluten-free, with 20 grams of protein per chop.
Ingredients You’ll Need
A few pantry staples elevate these pork chops, making them a dinner you’ll make on repeat. See the recipe card below for the exact measurements.
Pork chops: I used boneless, center-cut pork loin chops, about 3.5 ounces each. They’re lean but still flavorful and juicy when seasoned and cooked properly.
Since center-cut pork loin chops are pretty lean, be sure not to overcook them so they don’t dry out. See the recipe card at the bottom for printable directions.
Season the pork chops with all the spices and dried herbs.
Coat the chops in flour: Pat the flour on the pork, shaking off any excess.
How long to cook thin pork chops: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Then cook the chops for 3 to 4 minutes on each side. Once they reach 145°F (checked with a meat thermometer), remove them and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Tips from Gina’s Test Kitchen
Pork options: I used boneless pork chops since they cook so quickly, but this recipe would work just as well with bone-in chops, which stay even juicier. You’ll just need to cook them for a few extra minutes.
To prevent the chops from sticking, fully preheat the pan and use just enough butter to coat it.
Cook to a safe temperature: According to the USDA, cooking pork to 145°F and letting it rest for three minutes gives you juicy chops that are safe to eat.
Variations
Seasoning: If you don’t have one of the herbs, substitute dried rosemary or parsley. You can also swap garlic powder for onion powder.
Keep it dairy-free: Replace butter with olive oil or vegan butter.
Meal prep: Season the pork with the spice mix up to 24 hours in advance. You can also make the applesauce a day early.
Repurpose the leftovers: The pork is delicious on its own, so it’d also be great sliced and served on salads, in grain bowls, or in sandwiches.
Refrigerate the pork chops and applesauce in separate airtight containers for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the microwave. You can also air fry the pork at 350°F and heat the applesauce in a small, covered saucepan over low heat until warm.
Freeze both in airtight containers for up to 3 months. If you want smaller portions of applesauce, freeze it in an ice cube tray, then store the cubes in a ziplock bag once frozen.
½cupapple sauce for serving on the side, homemade or store bought
Instructions
Season pork chops with paprika, garlic powder, sage, thyme, salt and fresh pepper to taste.
Place flour on a small flat plate and lightly pat the chops with flour, shaking off any excess flour so they are lightly coated.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add butter when the pan is hot.
When the butter melts, place chops in the skillet and cook 3 ½ to 4 minutes.
Turn over and cook an additional 3 – 4 minutes, or until the internal temp is 145° F.
Remove from the pan and set on a platter to rest for three minutes.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.
