Skillet Pork Chops with Apples & Kale (Cozy One-Pan Fall Dinner)

If autumn had an official dinner, it would be this right here, golden seared pork chops nestled into caramelized apples, sweet carrots, wilted kale, and a glossy pan sauce that tastes like comfort and coziness had a baby. Everything cooks in one cast iron skillet, it smells like a dream, and the cleanup? Practically nonexistent.

It’s the kind of meal that makes people ask, “Is this a weeknight dinner or a magazine cover?”
(Just smile. Let them wonder.)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One pan, zero drama
Perfect balance of savory pork + sweet apples
A 30-minute dinner that feels way fancier

Nutrient-packed with kale + carrots
Cast-iron sear = unmatched flavor

This is the comfort food upgrade you didn’t know you needed.

Ingredients

For the Pork Chops

• 4 boneless or bone-in pork chops, 1 inch thick

• 1 ½ tsp salt

• 1 tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Skillet Mix

• 2 apples, thinly sliced (Honeycrisp or Pink Lady are perfect)

• 1 medium onion, sliced

• 2 cups chopped kale

• 1 large carrot, sliced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

For the Pan Sauce

• ½ cup chicken broth

• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

• 1 tbsp honey

• 1 tbsp butter (for finishing)

How to Make These Pork Chops

1️⃣ Season & Sear

Pat the pork chops dry (this step = crust magic).
Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Heat your black cast iron skillet over medium-high.
Add olive oil and sear the chops 3–4 minutes per side until golden.
Remove and set aside.

2️⃣ Sauté the Veggies

Add onions, carrots, and apples to the skillet.
Cook 4–5 minutes until lightly caramelized.
Stir in the garlic and kale — let it wilt beautifully.

3️⃣ Build the Sauce

Pour in chicken broth, Dijon, honey, and apple cider vinegar.
Scrape the bottom of the skillet to pull up all that flavor.

Simmer 2 minutes.

4️⃣ Bring It All Together

Return pork chops to the skillet, nestling them between the apples and veggies.

Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook 5–7 minutes until cooked through.
Finish with a swirl of butter for glossy perfection.

5️⃣ Serve & Swoon

Bring the skillet straight to the table.
(This dish belongs on a black cast iron pan—it’s the moment.)

What to Serve With It

• Garlic mashed potatoes

• Wild rice pilaf

• Roasted sweet potatoes

• Crusty sourdough

• Maple-glazed green beans

Storage

• Fridge: 3–4 days

• Freezer: up to 2 months

• Reheat: low and slow in a covered skillet with a splash of broth