Prepare to fall in love with the ultimate comfort food—Southern Smothered Pork Chops. This iconic dish is rich, savory, and soul-satisfying, with tender, juicy pork chops bathed in a luscious onion gravy that tastes like it came straight out of grandma’s kitchen. And the best part? This is hands down the easiest smothered pork chop recipe you’ll ever make—no fuss, no hard-to-find ingredients, just good ol’ Southern flavor made simple.
Perfect for a weeknight dinner, Sunday supper, or anytime you need a plate full of comfort, this one-skillet wonder brings all the flavor of the Deep South to your table in under an hour.
Why Southern Smothered Pork Chops Are a Must-Try
This dish is the epitome of Southern home cooking—hearty, humble, and full of flavor. Here's why it’s a must-make:
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Simple ingredients, big flavor
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Fork-tender pork chops every time
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Rich, homemade gravy that clings to every bite
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One pan means easy cleanup
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Pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, rice, or cornbread
Ingredients for the Best Southern Smothered Pork Chops
Everything you need is likely already in your pantry or fridge:
For the Pork Chops
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4 bone-in pork chops (¾ to 1 inch thick)
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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1 teaspoon paprika
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½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
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1/2 cup all-purpose flour, for dredging
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2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or bacon drippings for added flavor)
For the Onion Gravy
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1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
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2 tablespoons butter
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2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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2 cups chicken broth
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1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
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1/2 teaspoon thyme (dried or fresh)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
How to Make Smothered Pork Chops, Southern-Style
1. Season and Dredge the Pork Chops
Pat the pork chops dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne. Dredge lightly in flour, shaking off the excess.
2. Brown the Chops
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add oil. Sear the pork chops for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside. Don’t worry about cooking them through just yet—they’ll finish in the gravy.
3. Make the Onion Gravy
Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, add butter and sliced onions. Sauté until onions are soft and golden brown—about 10 minutes.
Sprinkle flour over the onions and stir well to make a roux. Cook for 1–2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
Slowly pour in chicken broth while stirring continuously. Add Worcestershire sauce and thyme. Bring to a gentle simmer and let the gravy thicken for 3–5 minutes.
4. Smother the Pork Chops
Return the pork chops to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy. Spoon some of the gravy and onions over the top.
Cover and simmer on low for 25–30 minutes, or until the pork chops are fork-tender and cooked through (internal temp of 145°F).
5. Serve and Savor
Serve hot with mashed potatoes, white rice, or creamy grits, and spoon plenty of that rich onion gravy over everything. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Tips for Perfect Smothered Pork Chops
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Use bone-in pork chops for the juiciest, most flavorful result.
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Don’t skip the sear—it locks in flavor and creates beautiful color.
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For even more depth, add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream to the gravy.
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Cooking low and slow ensures ultra-tender meat.
Delicious Southern Sides to Serve
No Southern meal is complete without the sides. Pair your smothered pork chops with:
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Creamy mashed potatoes
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Buttery white rice
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Collard greens or green beans
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Sweet cornbread or biscuits
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Fried okra or candied yams for a soul food feast
Variations You’ll Love
Smothered Pork Chops with Mushrooms
Add sliced mushrooms to the onions for an earthy, rich variation of this classic gravy.
Creamy Smothered Chops
Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream to the gravy before adding the pork chops for a silky, luxurious finish.
Slow Cooker Option
Brown the chops and onions first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
Keto-Friendly Version
Use almond flour for dredging and a low-carb thickener like xanthan gum for the gravy.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the gravy.
This dish also freezes well—just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop for best results.
Southern Comfort on a Plate
When you need a comforting, satisfying meal that brings everyone to the table, Southern Smothered Pork Chops never disappoint. The juicy pork, the creamy onion gravy, the one-skillet simplicity—everything about this dish screams down-home deliciousness.
Whether you're feeding your family on a busy weeknight or cooking for guests on the weekend, this recipe is a guaranteed hit. It's rich, it's hearty, and it's downright swoon-worthy.
