Southern Smothered Pork Chops is a classic comfort food dish featuring tender, pan-fried pork chops simmered in a rich and creamy onion gravy. This hearty meal pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, rice, or cornbread, making it a staple in Southern cuisine. With its deep flavors and satisfying texture, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your home.
Ingredients
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about ¾ to 1 inch thick)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or butter for extra flavor)
For the Gravy:
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth (or beef broth for a deeper flavor)
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional, for a creamier gravy)
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tsp dried thyme (or 1 tsp fresh thyme)
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Season and Dredge the Pork Chops
- Pat the pork chops dry with a paper towel to help the seasoning stick.
- In a small bowl, mix together salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
- Rub this seasoning mix evenly over both sides of the pork chops.
- Dredge each pork chop lightly in flour, shaking off any excess. This helps create a crispy crust and thickens the gravy later.
Step 2: Pan-Fry the Pork Chops
- Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the pork chops and sear for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown. (They don’t need to be fully cooked yet, as they will finish cooking in the gravy.)
- Remove the pork chops from the skillet and set them aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Onion Gravy
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low and melt 2 tablespoons of butter.
- Add the sliced onions and cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and caramelized.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of flour over the onions, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.
- Slowly pour in the chicken broth, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
- Add the Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Let the gravy simmer for 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- (Optional) Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream for a richer, creamier gravy.
Step 4: Simmer the Pork Chops in the Gravy
- Return the pork chops to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy.
- Cover and let them simmer over low heat for 15-20 minutes, or until the pork chops are tender and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 145°F / 63°C).
- Occasionally spoon the gravy over the pork chops to infuse them with flavor.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
- Remove the skillet from heat and let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes.
- Serve the smothered pork chops hot with mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered biscuits.
- Spoon extra gravy over the top for an extra burst of Southern goodness!
Tips & Variations
- For extra tenderness, use bone-in pork chops, as they stay juicier during cooking.
- Prefer a thicker gravy? Add an extra tablespoon of flour when making the roux.
- Spice it up! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce for a little Southern heat.
- Don’t overcook the pork chops! They should be tender but not dry, so keep an eye on them while simmering.
- Make it dairy-free by omitting the heavy cream or using coconut milk as a substitute.
Conclusion
Southern Smothered Pork Chops is a soul-warming dish packed with rich, savory flavors. Whether you’re serving it for Sunday dinner or a cozy weeknight meal, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your household. Pair it with classic Southern sides like collard greens or cornbread for the ultimate comfort food experience.
Have you tried this recipe? Let us know how it turned out in the comments! 😊