Introduction
If you’re craving soul-warming Southern comfort food, look no further than Smothered Pork Chops! These tender, juicy pork chops are slow-cooked in a rich, creamy onion and garlic gravy, making them the perfect down-home meal for any night of the week.
Served with mashed potatoes, rice, or buttermilk biscuits, this dish has been a Southern staple for generations. The secret? Seasoning the pork chops just right and letting them simmer in a flavorful homemade gravy until fork-tender.
Whether you’re cooking for Sunday dinner or just need a hearty meal, this recipe will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Ingredients (in Grams)
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops (about 175-200g each, ¾-inch thick)
- 1 teaspoon salt (6g)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper (3g)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (3g)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder (3g)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (3g)
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, 2g for heat)
- 100g all-purpose flour (about ¾ cup, for dredging)
- 30g unsalted butter (2 tablespoons)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (30ml)
For the Gravy:
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced (about 120g)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 10g)
- 500ml chicken broth (2 cups)
- 250ml heavy cream (1 cup, for extra creamy gravy)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (5ml, for depth of flavor)
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves)
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper (3g)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (for thickening, optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Season and Dredge the Pork Chops
- Pat the pork chops dry with a paper towel.
- In a small bowl, mix salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.
- Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the pork chops.
- Dredge each pork chop in flour, shaking off the excess.
Step 2: Sear the Pork Chops
- Heat butter and oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the pork chops and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown.
- Remove the pork chops from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Gravy
- In the same skillet, add sliced onions and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until softened.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Reduce heat to low, stir in heavy cream, and let the gravy simmer for 3 minutes.
Step 4: Simmer the Pork Chops
- Return the pork chops to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy.
- Cover and simmer on low heat for 20-25 minutes, until the pork is tender and cooked through.
- If the gravy needs thickening, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water, then stir into the gravy and simmer for 2 more minutes.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
- Remove from heat and let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes.
- Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or buttery biscuits, spooning extra gravy over the top.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving – Based on 4 Servings)
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Protein: 40g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Sodium: 780mg
(Nutritional values may vary based on portion sizes and ingredient brands.)
Tips and Tricks
1. How Do You Keep Pork Chops from Drying Out?
- Use bone-in pork chops if possible; they retain more moisture.
- Don’t overcook – remove from heat when they reach 145°F (63°C).
2. Want an Extra Creamy Gravy?
- Add ½ cup sour cream for an ultra-rich, tangy flavor.
3. Can I Make This in a Slow Cooker?
- Yes! Brown the pork chops first, then place everything in a slow cooker on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
4. What to Serve with Smothered Pork Chops?
- Mashed Potatoes – Classic pairing!
- Rice or Egg Noodles – Great for soaking up the gravy.
- Buttermilk Biscuits – For a true Southern meal.
- Green Beans or Collard Greens – A must-have side!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Juicy, Flavorful Pork Chops
✔ Rich, Creamy Gravy
✔ Simple One-Pan Recipe
✔ Comfort Food at Its Best!
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