Best Maple Pork Chops & Apples – One-Pan Fall Dinner

When the air gets crisp and the leaves start turning, I crave dinners that warm the kitchen and fill the house with cozy aromas. This maple glazed pork chop recipe is my fall go-to—it's a one-pan wonder that's both comforting and impressive enough for company.

I still remember the first time I made this for my family. The sweet smell of apples and maple simmering with savory pork had everyone wandering into the kitchen asking, 'What's for dinner?' It's become a tradition we look forward to all season long.

About the Ingredients

4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick, 6 oz each)

Bone-in chops stay juicier. If using boneless, reduce cooking time by 2-3 minutes per side.

1 tablespoon olive oil

Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point. Avocado oil works too.

1 teaspoon salt

Kosher salt is best. Adjust to taste.

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Freshly ground is ideal.

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Or use 2 minced garlic cloves added with the apples.

2 medium apples, cored and sliced (about 2 cups)

Use firm, sweet-tart apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji. Granny Smith adds more tartness.

1 medium onion, thinly sliced

Yellow or sweet onion works best.

1/4 cup pure maple syrup

Use real maple syrup, not pancake syrup. Grade A or B both work.

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

Adds brightness to balance the sweetness. White wine vinegar is a good substitute.

1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)

Fresh thyme adds a lovely earthy note. Rosemary also works.

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Warm spice that enhances the apple flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• Pat the pork chops dry before seasoning to get a good sear.
• Don't overcrowd the pan—cook in batches if needed to ensure browning.
• Let the pork rest after cooking so the juices redistribute.
• If the sauce reduces too much, add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Season the Pork Chops

Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

2. Sear the Pork Chops

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (375°F / 190°C). Add the pork chops and sear for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 135°F (57°C). Transfer to a plate and set aside.

3. Sauté Apples and Onions

In the same skillet, add the sliced apples and onions. Cook over medium heat (350°F / 175°C) for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and brown slightly.

4. Make the Maple Glaze

Stir in the maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, thyme, and cinnamon. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

5. Return Pork to Skillet

Nestle the pork chops back into the skillet, spooning some of the apples and sauce over the top. Reduce heat to medium-low (325°F / 160°C), cover, and simmer for 5-7 minutes, until the pork is cooked through to 145°F (63°C) and the sauce has thickened slightly.

6. Rest and Serve

Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve the pork chops with the apple-onion mixture and sauce spooned over the top.

Delicious Variations

• Add 1/4 cup dried cranberries along with the apples for a tart twist.
• Substitute pear for one of the apples for a more delicate flavor.
• For a savory kick, add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary with the apples.

How to Store Maple Glazed Pork Chops with Apples and Onions

Frequently Asked Questions

I hope this maple glazed pork chop skillet becomes a fall favorite in your home like it is in mine. What's your go-to autumn dinner? Share in the comments below!

Maple Glazed Pork Chops with Apples and Onions

Juicy pork chops with sweet maple apples and onions, a one-pan fall dinner ready in 50 minutes.

★★★★½ 4.8 (156 ratings)

15 minPrep time35 minCook time4Servings420 kcalCalories

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🧂 Ingredients

• 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick, 6 oz each)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 medium apples, cored and sliced (about 2 cups)
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

📋 Instructions

1. 1Season the Pork Chops — Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
2. 2Sear the Pork Chops — Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (375°F / 190°C). Add the pork chops and sear for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 135°F (57°C). Transfer to a plate and set aside.
3. 3Sauté Apples and Onions — In the same skillet, add the sliced apples and onions. Cook over medium heat (350°F / 175°C) for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and brown slightly.
4. 4Make the Maple Glaze — Stir in the maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, thyme, and cinnamon. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
5. 5Return Pork to Skillet — Nestle the pork chops back into the skillet, spooning some of the apples and sauce over the top. Reduce heat to medium-low (325°F / 160°C), cover, and simmer for 5-7 minutes, until the pork is cooked through to 145°F (63°C) and the sauce has thickened slightly.
6. 6Rest and Serve — Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve the pork chops with the apple-onion mixture and sauce spooned over the top.

👨‍🍳 Chef's Note: For a thicker sauce, remove the pork and apples after cooking, then simmer the sauce on high for 2-3 minutes until reduced.

Servings: 4

Cuisine: American

Course: Dinner

Nutrition (per serving): 420 kcal · 35g protein · 30g carbs · 18g fat

Written by Maya Chen
Maya writes about sustainable living and zero-waste practices, focusing on small, actionable changes for everyday life. She shares practical tips on reducing plastic, composting, and mindful consumption, drawn from her own experiments at home.