Whole 30 Whole30 Lemon-Pepper Pork Chops with Apples and Greens
Bone-in pork chops seared to a deep golden crust, sweet-tart apple slices, wilted baby kale, and a bright pan sauce built from chicken broth, lemon juice, and fresh thyme — this is the kind of dinner that feels genuinely special without requiring a complicated ingredient list. The lemon zest and coarsely ground black pepper pressed directly into the meat before searing create a fragrant, slightly crispy crust that makes every bite worth it. One of the trickier parts of eating this way is finding sauces and sides that don't sneak in added sugar, dairy, or off-plan thickeners, but this pan sauce comes together naturally from the drippings, broth, and a splash of apple cider vinegar — no shortcuts needed. Ghee stands in beautifully for butter when cooking the apples and greens, adding richness while keeping everything compliant. The whole dish comes together in a single skillet, which means less cleanup and more time actually enjoying your meal. It serves four, making it a solid option for a weeknight family dinner or a meal-prep anchor you can feel good about.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the pork chops
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick, 6–8 oz each)
- 1 ½ tsp coarsely ground black pepper
- 1 tsp fine sea salt
- 1 tbsp lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
For the apples and greens
- 2 medium apples (such as honeycrisp or fuji), cored and sliced ¼ inch thick
- 1 tbsp ghee
- ½ tsp fine sea salt
- 5 oz baby kale or baby spinach (about 5 packed cups)
For the pan sauce
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
Instructions
- 1
Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, combine the black pepper, 1 tsp fine sea salt, and lemon zest, then press the mixture evenly onto both sides of each chop.
- 2
Heat the avocado oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the pork chops and sear undisturbed for 4 minutes, until the underside is deep golden brown and releases easily from the pan. Flip and sear the second side for 3–4 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) on an instant-read thermometer. Transfer the chops to a cutting board and let them rest while you cook the apples and greens.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!