This classic, Southern Smothered Pork Chops recipe is pure comfort food at its finest. Pan-fried, super flavorful pork chops covered beautifully in rich onion gravy! A perfect dish that’s so easy to whip up, flavor-filled, and extra extra cozy!

Smothered Pork Chops Recipe

These smothered pork chops are pan-roasted to perfection & then simmered in a delicious caramelized onion gravy & finished with fresh herbs.

Prep Time:10minutes minutes

Cook Time:20minutes minutes

Ingredients 

• 4 thick-cut bone-in pork chops
• 1 ½ tablespoons oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into chunks
• 3 peeled and thickly sliced medium-size yellow onions
• 3 finely minced cloves of garlic
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 32 ounces chicken stock, beef stock, or combination of both
• ¼ cup heavy whipping cream
• sea salt and pepper taste

Instructions

• Season the pork chops well on each side with sea salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste.
• Add the oil into a large frying or cast-iron pan over high heat until it begins to lightly smoke.
• Next add in the pork chops and butter and turn the heat down to medium-high and cook for 3-4 minutes or until very browned.
• Turn the pork over, baste, and cook for another 3-4 minutes and set aside.
• In the same pan turn the heat down to medium and add in the onions and cook for 5-7 minutes or until lightly browned.
• Next, stir in the garlic and cook for 1 to 2 minutes.
• Stir in the flour until completely mixed in and then add in the stock and turn the heat up slightly to medium-high and cook until it becomes thick like gravy, about 3-4 minutes.
• Add the pork chops back in the pan to heat them up and finish by stirring in the heavy cream.
• Garnish with optional finely minced fresh parsley, rosemary, and thyme.

Nutrition

• Calories: 469kcal
• Carbohydrates: 21g
• Protein: 37g
• Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Cholesterol: 124mg
• Sodium: 398mg
• Potassium: 879mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 7g
• Vitamin A: 306IU
• Vitamin C: 7mg
• Calcium: 49mg
• Iron: 2mg

Fresh thyme (optional, for added depth in flavor) 

Let the pork chops rest for 30 minutes before cooking. This makes them taste better and be more tender. Using organic produce makes the dish even tastier. Each ingredient is important for a dish that’s both satisfying and comforting. 

Pork Chops	4 boneless thick-cut
All-purpose flour ½ cup (2 tbsp reserved)	Chicken stock 1 ½ cups
Heavy whipping cream ½ cup	Unsalted butter 4 tablespoons
Onion	1 sliced
Garlic	4 cloves, minced

Preparation Steps 

First, we prepare the pork chops. Here’s how I do it: 

• Pat the 4 pork chops dry with paper towels.This helps get a great sear. 
• Season the pork chops with kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. 
• Dredge each chop in flour for a crispy coating.
• Use about ½ cup of flour, saving 2 tablespoons for later. 
• Let the pork chops sit at room temperature for 15-30 minutes.

This helps them cook evenly. 

Now, let’s cook the pork chops:  

• In a 10-inch cast iron skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. 
• When hot, add the pork chops. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden and 145°F inside. 
• Take the pork chops out and let them rest. 
• In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 chopped medium white onion.
• Cook for 8-10 minutes, until the onions are caramelized. 
• Add 2 tablespoons of flour to the onions, stirring to make a roux. 
• Cook for 1-2 minutes. 
• Slowly whisk in 2 cups of chicken stock and 1/3 cup of heavy cream.
• Add 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce and 2 teaspoons of fresh thyme for flavor. 

Let the gravy simmer for a few minutes until it thickens. 

Put the pork chops back in the skillet. Simmer in the gravy for 5 minutes to make them tender and flavorful. By following these steps, you’ll make delicious smothered pork chops. They’re perfect for a comforting meal. Enjoy your cooking journey! 

The Perfect Gravy: Homemade Pork Chops Gravy 

The gravy is the star of smothered pork chops. It makes the dish truly comforting. Making homemade pork chops gravy adds rich flavors to every bite. We’ll look at how to make a tasty onion gravy and other variations. 

Creating a Rich Onion Gravy 

I start by sautéing onions until they’re caramelized. This step is key for a deep flavor. Then, I mix the onions with flour to make a roux. This thickens the gravy perfectly. I slowly add low-sodium chicken broth and half and half. This makes the gravy smooth and creamy. Seasoning it to taste adds to the savory Southern flavor. 

Alternative Gravy Variations 

Trying different gravy variations is fun. For mushroom lovers, a mushroom gravy is great. Just sauté mushrooms with onions before making the roux. There are also dairy-free gravy options for special diets. Use vegetable broth and fresh herbs for a unique taste. Feel free to play with ingredients to make your perfect comfort food. 

Best Side Dishes 

• Mashed Potatoes – Creamy and rich, perfect for gravy. 
• Collard Greens – A Southern favorite, hearty and cultural. 
• Jalapeño Cornbread – Spicy kick adds flavor. 
• Sweet Potato Hash – Cooked in bacon drippings for flavor. 
• Carrot Salad – Apple slices and raisins add sweetness. 
• Green Bean Casserole – Cheddar cheese and crunchy topping bring comfort. 
• Roasted Garlic Green Beans – Quick and healthy. 
• Air Fryer Broccoli – Cooked in 6 minutes, adds nutrients. 

Complementary Beverages 

Drinks are key for smothered pork chops. Some drinks make the meal even better: 

• Sweet Tea – Classic choice for a southern feel. 
• Buttermilk – Creamy texture pairs well with pork. 
• Light Red Wine – Balances the gravy’s richness. 

Homemade Lemonade – Refreshing contrast to savory flavors. 

Choosing the Right Cuts of Pork Chops 

Choosing bone-in pork chops is best for keeping meat moist. The fat around the bone helps keep it juicy. The USDA says pork should be cooked to 145°F but not over 165°F to stay juicy. I prefer chops that are about 1 inch thick. This size cooks evenly. Center-cut rib chops are perfect for this. 

Cooking Techniques for Maximum Flavor 

Several ways can make pork chops taste better. Start by pan-searing to lock in juices and create a tasty crust. Cook each side for 3-4 minutes, then cook for 20-25 minutes more until it reaches 145°F. After taking the chops off the heat, they will cook a bit more. So, I always check the temperature. It’s important not to let it get too hot to keep it moist. Using good fats like butter or olive oil adds a lot of flavor. Seasoning at the right time adds depth to the dish. Letting the pork chops warm up for 30 minutes before cooking helps them cook evenly. By following these tips, I always get tender meat that’s perfect with my favorite pork chops recipe. 

Exploring Comfort Food through Southern Cooking 

Comfort food is key in Southern culture. It brings families together at dinner. Meals are more than food; they connect traditions and heritage. These meals warm our hearts and make us feel at home. The smothered pork chop is a favorite comfort food. 

Importance of Comfort Food in Southern Homes 

Comfort food in Southern homes is very special. It brings back happy memories and makes families closer. Sharing meals shows love and togetherness. Comfort foods like smothered dishes help families bond. Each meal is filled with stories and laughter, making memories. 

Family Traditions Surrounding Smothered Dishes 

Smothered dishes are big in family traditions. They’re a hit at holidays and family gatherings. Recipes are passed down with pride. Comfort food is at the heart of Southern homes. It connects us across generations. Smothered dishes remind us of love and togetherness in Southern cooking. 

Final Thoughts on Smothered Pork Chops with Gravy 

Smothered pork chops with gravy are a beloved dish in Southern cuisine. They are tender pork chops in a rich, tasty gravy. This dish makes everyone happy and brings back family memories. When you make this recipe, enjoy the journey. You can bake or simmer the pork chops. The effort you put in will make every bite special. With simple ingredients and care, you’ll make a dish that feels like home. Smothered pork chops with gravy are more than food. They bring people together. So, invite your family, serve big portions, and enjoy the comfort of this classic dish. 

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