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Skillet Pork Chops and Apples (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)

These skillet pork chops and apples combine juicy seared pork chops and tender caramelized apples, a combination of sweet and savory that makes the perfect main dish for apple season. Gluten-free and dairy-free too.

Top down view of pork chops and apples in skillet

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Hearty Pork Chops with Apples, Onions and Figs

When the weather’s cold out and you want something satisfying, flavorful and great for this time of year, this recipe for skillet pork chops and apples is sure to hit the sweet spot.

The contrast between savory pork chops and the natural sweetness of caramelized apples, onions and figs creates a beautiful balance that’s difficult to beat.

Skillet pork chops and apples with fresh figs
Fork holding up pork chop from skillet

Why You’ll Love this Recipe:

  • Simple Ingredients: The main ingredients required for making these skillet pork chops with apples and onions are easily accessible at the local grocery store (nothing fancy required!).
  • Easy to Make: Preparing these pork chops is uncomplicated, and this delicious main dish comes together easily.
  • Totally Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free: The best part is that this pork chops and apples recipe is 100% gluten-free and dairy-free, which means that even those with Celiac disease or gluten or lactose intolerances can enjoy them without issues!
Up close view of caramelized apples and pork chops in skillet

Ingredients You’ll Need:

Here’s a visual overview of the ingredients required for making these skillet pork chops and apples recipe.

(For exact measurements, please scroll down to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.)

Ingredients for pork chops and apples recipe laid out on marble board.

Recipe Notes + Substitutions:

  • Pork Chops: Boneless pork chops or bone-in pork chops will work (although bone-in pork chops will stay juicier during cooking).
  • Apples: I recommend using firm green apples such as Granny Smith as they hold their shape and their tartness balances the sweetness of figs.
  • Onions: Feel free to use yellow onions, white onions or red onions.
  • Broth: You can also use either vegetable brothchicken broth or beef broth.
  • Figs: I recommend using fresh figs, but if you only have dried figs, make sure to soak the dried figs in warm water for 10 minutes before adding the rehydrated figs to the skillet.
  • Condiments: For extra flavor, I’ve used dried sage, but you can also use other types of dried herbs (such as dried basildried parsleydried rosemarydried thyme, etc.)
  • Thyme: I like garnishing the final dish with fresh thyme, but feel free to use whichever fresh herbs you prefer.

How to Make Pork Chops and Apples:

A plate with seasoned pork chops
Season Pork Chops: Rub pork chops on both sides with olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Let them rest at room temperature for 5–10 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients — this helps them cook more evenly.
Searing pork chops in skillet
Sear Marinated Pork Chops: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork chops for about 4 minutes per side until they develop a golden-brown crust. Transfer to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
Sautéing sliced apples, onions and garlic in skillet
Cook Onions, Apples and Garlic:  Reduce heat to medium-low. Add the sliced onions and apple slices to the same pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5–6 minutes until the onions become translucent and the apples start to soften and caramelize slightly. Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
Add Broth & Simmer: Pour in the broth, add dried sage and thyme sprigs, and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Let it simmer for 5 minutes so the flavors blend and the sauce slightly reduces.
Holding up a pork chop in a skillet of gravy
Return Pork Chops to Pan & Add Figs: Return the pan-seared pork chops to the pan, nestling them into the sauce. Add the sliced figs, gently stir, and simmer uncovered for 5 more minutes. The fruit should soften and release its juices, coating the pork in a glossy, aromatic glaze. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
A fork in a skillet with pork chops and apples
Garnish & Serve: Serve warm, spooning the sauce, apples, and figs over the top. Garnish with fresh thyme.

Dish by Dish Tips:

  • Sear Pork Chops: Don’t skip searing the pork chops as this will give them a beautiful golden brown color, and makes them taste better.
  • Bone-In is Best: For the juiciest pork chops, make sure to get bone-in chops.

Other Pork Recipes You’ll Enjoy:

P.S. If you try this recipe, I’d love for you to leave a star rating below, and/or a review in the comment section further down the page. I always appreciate your feedback. Be sure to check out my entire Recipe Index for all the recipes on the blog. You can also follow me on Pinterest, Facebook or Instagram! Sign up for my Email List to get fresh recipes in your inbox each week!

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Up close shot of pork chops and caramelized apples in skillet.

Skillet Pork Chops and Apples (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 1 review

  • Author: Felicia Lim
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

These skillet pork chops and apples combine juicy seared pork chops and tender caramelized apples, a combination of sweet and savory that makes the perfect main dish for apple season. Gluten-free and dairy-free too.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 4 bone-in pork chops
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 4 figs
  • 2 green apples
  • 1 onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 6 thyme sprigs
  • 1/2 cup broth
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried sage

Instructions

  1. Season Pork Chops: Rub pork chops on both sides with olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Let them rest at room temperature for 5–10 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients — this helps them cook more evenly.
  2. Sear Marinated Pork Chops: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork chops for about 4 minutes per side until they develop a golden-brown crust. Transfer to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
  3. Cook Onions & Apples:  Reduce heat to medium-low. Add the sliced onions and apple slices to the same pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5–6 minutes until the onions become translucent and the apples start to soften and caramelize slightly.
  4. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 2 minutes, just until fragrant (be careful not to burn the garlic!).
  5. Add Broth & Simmer: Pour in the broth, add dried sage and thyme sprigs, and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Let it simmer for 5 minutes so the flavors blend and the sauce slightly reduces.
  6. Return Pork Chops to Pan & Add Figs: Return the pork chops to the pan, nestling them into the sauce. Add the sliced figs, gently stir, and simmer uncovered for 5 more minutes. The fruit should soften and release its juices, coating the pork in a glossy, aromatic glaze. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  7. Garnish & Serve: Serve warm, spooning the sauce, apples, and figs over the top. Garnish with fresh thyme.

Notes

Pork Chops: I highly recommend using bone-in pork chops as they stay juicier during cooking.

Apples: I recommend using firm green apples such as Granny Smith as they hold their shape and their tartness balances the sweetness of figs.

Broth: You can also use either vegetable broth, chicken broth or beef broth.

Figs: I recommend using fresh figs, but if you only have dried figs, make sure to soak the dried figs in warm water for 10 minutes before adding the rehydrated figs to the skillet.

Condiments: For extra flavor, I’ve used dried sage, but you can also use other types of dried herbs (such as dried basil, dried parsley, dried rosemary, dried thyme, etc.)

Thyme: I like garnishing the final dish with fresh thyme, but feel free to use whichever fresh herbs you prefer.

  • Prep Time: 5 mins
  • Cook Time: 40 mins
  • Category: Main Dishes
  • Method: Stovetop

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2 Comments

  1. Before adding the broth, I cooked off some Calvados.for a really nice taste treat then added the broth and finished the recipe as written.Delicious!

    1. Hi Carol, wow the addition of Calvados sounds divine, especially since it’s apple brandy and goes great with the apples 🙂 Thanks for your note, and hope to see you around the blog again sometime soon!