Hey everyone, Jason Griffith here from Chef Maniac! There are some flavor combinations that just sing, and for me, the pairing of savory pork with the sweet, delicate notes of sautéed pears is pure magic. Today, we’re making Skillet Pork Chops with Sautéed Pears – a dish that feels incredibly gourmet and special, yet comes together surprisingly quickly in just one pan. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory, making it an ideal meal for a cozy weeknight or a relaxed weekend dinner.

Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely adore Skillet Pork Chops with Sautéed Pears because it delivers such sophisticated flavors with remarkable ease. It’s a fantastic one-pan meal, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your delicious creation. The pork chops become beautifully seared and juicy, while the pears caramelize, releasing their natural sweetness to form a luscious pan sauce. It’s a healthy, flavorful, and visually appealing dish that’s perfect for when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to enjoy seasonal fruits!

List of Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these fantastic Skillet Pork Chops with Sautéed Pears:

• 4 boneless pork chops, about 1-inch thick (center-cut or loin chops)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 ripe but firm pears (such as Bartlett, Anjou, or Bosc), cored and sliced into 1/2-inch wedges
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Swaps and Notes

• Pork Chops: Boneless, center-cut pork chops are ideal for quick searing and consistent tenderness. Bone-in chops can be used, but will require slightly longer cooking times.
• Pears: Choose pears that are ripe enough to be flavorful but still firm enough to hold their shape when sautéed. Apples (like Honeycrisp or Fuji) can be a good substitute if pears aren’t available, but the flavor will be different.
• Herbs: Dried thyme is a classic pairing with pork and fruit. Fresh rosemary adds a wonderful aromatic touch but is optional. Sage or a touch of cinnamon could also be lovely.
• Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar complements the pears beautifully and adds a necessary tang to the sauce. White wine vinegar can be used as an alternative.
• Broth: Chicken broth helps create a light pan sauce. Vegetable broth also works.

List of Steps for the Recipe

1. Prepare Pork Chops: Pat the pork chops thoroughly dry with paper towels. This is crucial for a good sear. Season both sides generously with salt, freshly ground black pepper, dried thyme, and garlic powder.
2. Sear Pork Chops: In a large, oven-safe skillet (cast iron or stainless steel works great), heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully add the seasoned pork chops to the hot skillet (cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding). Sear for 3-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and a beautiful crust forms. The internal temperature should be around 130-135°F (54−57∘C) at this point. Remove the pork chops from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
3. Sauté Pears: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the sliced pears in a single layer. Sauté for 3-4 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and slightly tender.
4. Deglaze & Create Sauce: Pour the apple cider vinegar and chicken broth into the skillet with the pears, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Bring to a gentle simmer and let the liquid reduce slightly, about 1-2 minutes, forming a light pan sauce.
5. Finish Pork Chops: Return the seared pork chops to the skillet, nesting them among the pears and sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, spooning the pan sauce over the chops, until the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63∘C).
6. Rest & Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat. Let the pork chops and pears rest in the skillet for 5 minutes. This allows the juices in the pork to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness. Garnish with fresh rosemary if desired. Serve immediately, spooning the sautéed pears and pan sauce over the pork chops.

Tips for Success

• Pat Dry for Sear: Always pat your pork chops thoroughly dry before seasoning and searing. This is key for that beautiful golden crust.
• Don’t Overcook Pork: Pork chops, especially boneless ones, cook quickly. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure they reach 145°F (63∘C) for juicy results, then let them rest.
• Hot Skillet: A hot skillet is essential for a good sear on the pork. If your pan isn’t hot enough, the pork will steam instead of brown.
• Don’t Crowd the Pan: Cook pork chops in batches if your skillet isn’t large enough to hold them in a single layer without touching.
• Rest the Meat: This simple step makes a huge difference in the juiciness of your pork chops.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Skillet Pork Chops with Sautéed Pears is a complete and elegant meal, but it pairs wonderfully with:

• Simple Sides: A side of fluffy wild rice, couscous, creamy mashed potatoes, or roasted sweet potatoes would be excellent for soaking up the pan sauce.
• Green Vegetables: Steamed green beans, asparagus, or a light side salad with a simple vinaigrette would complement the richness of the dish.
• Wine Pairing: A crisp, dry Riesling, a Pinot Gris, or a light-bodied Pinot Noir would pair beautifully with the sweet and savory notes.

Storage and Leftover Tips

Leftover pork chops and pears can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a tiny splash of chicken broth or water to re-moisten the sauce. Be careful not to overcook the pork chops when reheating, as they can dry out.

More Recipes You Will Love

If you loved the ease and sophisticated flavors of these Skillet Pork Chops with Sautéed Pears, you’ll definitely want to explore some of my other favorite one-pan wonders and comforting main courses:

• For another quick and flavorful skillet meal with sausage, my Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage is a go-to.
• If you’re craving some deep, comforting Southern flavors, my Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo is an absolute must-try.
• For a fantastic one-pan dinner that’s incredibly convenient and always a hit, my Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole is a lifesaver.
• And if you’re looking for ultimate comfort food made fast, don’t miss my Instant Pot Lasagna.
• Sometimes, all you need is a classic done right, so don’t forget my foolproof Classic Spaghetti Recipe with Homemade Sauce.

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Final Thoughts

Skillet Pork Chops with Sautéed Pears is a truly elegant and satisfying dish that proves you don’t need a complicated recipe to create something special. The balance of savory pork and sweet, tender pears is simply divine, making it a perfect meal for any occasion. Give it a try – you’ll be amazed at how easily this delicious dish comes together!

What are your favorite sweet and savory main course combinations? Share your ideas in the comments below! And for more delicious, easy recipes that elevate your home cooking, be sure to follow Chef Maniac.