Smothered Pork Chops

Featured in Delicious Main Course Recipes for Every Occasion.

These Smothered Pork Chops transform an everyday cut of meat into a restaurant-worthy meal with minimal effort. The recipe begins with well-seasoned boneless pork chops that are dredged in flour and seared to golden perfection. What makes this dish special is the luscious creamy gravy made right in the same pan, capturing all the flavorful fond from the seared meat. The combination of caramelized onions, garlic, and fresh thyme creates a deeply savory base, while heavy cream adds richness and body to the sauce. This one-pan wonder delivers complex flavors in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something that tastes like it took much longer to prepare.
Home Delicious Recipes
Updated on Mon, 24 Feb 2025 14:00:26 GMT
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Smothered Pork Chops transform simple ingredients into a comforting masterpiece of tender meat and rich, velvety gravy. This classic Southern-inspired dish features perfectly seared pork chops that simmer slowly in a luscious onion cream sauce, creating fork-tender meat that practically melts in your mouth. The combination of caramelized onions, aromatic herbs, and savory broth creates a gravy so good you'll want to drizzle it over everything on your plate.

During a recent family dinner, my uncle who rarely comments on food took one bite and declared, "Now this is how pork chops should always be served." The clean plates around the table confirmed everyone agreed.

Essential Elements

  • Quality pork chops: Choose thick-cut boneless for best results
  • Caramelized onions: Create the flavor foundation
  • Fresh thyme: Adds aromatic depth to the gravy
  • Heavy cream: Creates silky, rich texture
  • Flour coating: Helps develop golden crust
  • Proper seasoning: Building flavor at every step
  • Chicken broth: Adds savory depth to the gravy
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Creating Perfect Chops

Preparation Strategy:
Bring meat to room temperature for even cooking. Pat completely dry for proper searing.
Seasoning Technique:
Season generously and coat lightly with flour. This creates perfect crust and helps thicken the gravy.
Searing Process:
Maintain high heat for golden exterior. Don't rush this step - it's essential for flavor development.
Gravy Development:
Build flavors gradually by caramelizing onions. Incorporate fond (browned bits) from pan for maximum depth.

My grandmother always said a good gravy can elevate any meal, and this recipe proves her wisdom with its silky, flavorful sauce that transforms ordinary pork chops into something truly special.

Perfect Pairings

Create a complete comfort food experience by serving alongside creamy mashed potatoes that capture every drop of the delicious gravy. Add steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts for color and freshness. Warm dinner rolls are perfect for sopping up any remaining sauce.

Creative Variations

Experiment with adding mushrooms to the gravy for earthiness, or incorporate a splash of white wine for brightness. Try using bone-in chops for extra flavor, or add a pinch of smoked paprika for subtle smokiness.

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Storage Success

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to recombine any separated sauce. Add a splash of cream or broth if needed to restore the gravy's consistency.

After perfecting this recipe through countless Sunday dinners, I've found that success lies in the details - the patience to properly sear the meat, the careful building of flavors in the gravy, and the gentle simmering that brings everything together. Whether you're cooking for family or entertaining guests, these Smothered Pork Chops deliver comfort and satisfaction in every bite.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use bone-in pork chops instead of boneless?
Yes, bone-in pork chops work beautifully but may require 1-2 minutes of additional cooking time. The bone adds flavor, but make sure to check for doneness with a meat thermometer.
→ How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Substitute the butter with olive oil or plant-based butter, and replace the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free cooking cream. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
→ What should I serve with smothered pork chops?
These pork chops pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles to soak up the gravy. For vegetables, try green beans, roasted asparagus, or a simple side salad.
→ Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare the dish completely and reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the oven. The gravy may thicken when refrigerated, so add a splash of chicken broth when reheating if needed.
→ Why are my pork chops tough?
Pork chops can become tough if overcooked. Use a meat thermometer to cook them to exactly 145°F. Also, allowing them to come to room temperature before cooking helps them cook more evenly.

Smothered Pork Chops

Juicy pork chops seared to perfection and smothered in a rich, creamy onion gravy that's ready in just 25 minutes.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
25 Minutes

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ For the Pork Chops

01 4 boneless pork chops, room temperature
02 2 teaspoons onion powder
03 1 teaspoon garlic powder
04 1 teaspoon salt
05 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
06 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (reserve 2 tablespoons for the gravy)
07 2 tablespoons salted butter
08 1 tablespoon olive oil

→ For the Gravy

09 1 tablespoon salted butter
10 1 cup chopped yellow onion
11 4 minced garlic cloves
12 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
13 1 cup chicken broth
14 3/4 cup heavy cream
15 2 tablespoons reserved flour from coating pork chops

Instructions

Step 01

Pat dry pork chops with paper towel. Let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking.

Step 02

In a small bowl, mix together the dry rub spices: onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and ground black pepper. Sprinkle the seasoning mix over all sides of the pork chops. Rub it into the meat using a spatula or hands.

Step 03

Sprinkle all-purpose flour (after reserving 2 tablespoons for the gravy) onto a plate. Add the seasoned pork chops to the plate, coating them on all sides with the flour. Shake off any excess and place on a separate plate.

Step 04

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add butter and olive oil. Once the butter has melted and the pan is hot, add the seasoned pork chops in a single layer. Sear on each side for 3-4 minutes, until a crispy golden brown crust forms. Remove and transfer to a plate.

Step 05

In the same hot pan, add the extra tablespoon of butter. Once melted, add chopped yellow onion and cook about 5 minutes, until the onions caramelize and get a little crispy.

Step 06

Stir in the reserved flour and fresh thyme. Stir together to mix with the onions. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Scrape off any crispy pieces from the bottom of the pan using a spatula. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the liquid thickens.

Step 07

Add heavy cream and stir together.

Step 08

Add the cooked pork chops back to the pan. Scoop the sauce over top of each one. Let everything gently simmer until the pork chops are heated through and fully cooked (internal temperature of 145°F). Serve hot.

Notes

  1. Let pork chops come to room temperature before cooking for even cooking
  2. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness (145°F internal temperature)
  3. Scraping the pan fond adds extra flavor to the gravy

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet
  • Meat thermometer
  • Paper towels
  • Small bowl for spice mix
  • Plates for flour coating
  • Spatula

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy
  • Wheat

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 486
  • Total Fat: 30 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 20 g
  • Protein: 34 g