Smothered Pork Chops
Smothered Pork Chops are a Southern classic, featuring tender, juicy pork chops covered in a rich, savory gravy made with onions, garlic, and a blend of seasonings. The pork chops are first browned to perfection and then simmered in the gravy, creating a flavorful, melt-in-your-mouth dish. Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or with your favorite vegetables for a hearty and comforting meal.
Ingredients:
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for browning)
- 1/2 cup flour (for dredging)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)
For the Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce (optional, for depth of flavor)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork Chops:
- Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. This helps the coating stick better and ensures a nice sear.
- In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Dredge each pork chop in the flour mixture, pressing gently to coat evenly on all sides. Shake off any excess flour.
2. Brown the Pork Chops:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the pork chops to the skillet. Brown each side for about 4-5 minutes, until they develop a nice golden crust.
- Remove the pork chops from the skillet and set them aside on a plate. They will finish cooking in the gravy.
3. Make the Gravy:
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the pan, scraping up any browned bits left from the pork chops (this is where a lot of the flavor is).
- Add the sliced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions become soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce (if using). Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and thyme. Let the gravy simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
4. Smother the Pork Chops:
- Return the browned pork chops to the skillet, spooning the gravy over the top of each chop.
- Cover the skillet with a lid and let the pork chops simmer in the gravy for about 10-15 minutes (depending on thickness), or until the pork chops are fully cooked and tender. The internal temperature of the pork should reach 145°F (63°C) when measured with a meat thermometer.
- If the gravy becomes too thick, you can add a splash of broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
5. Serve:
- Once the pork chops are done, remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the gravy with fresh parsley.
- Serve the smothered pork chops hot, spooning the gravy over the top. Pair it with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables to make a complete meal.
Tips for Success:
- Tender Pork Chops: For the most tender pork chops, use bone-in chops, which tend to retain moisture better. If using boneless pork chops, be sure not to overcook them, as they can dry out quickly.
- Gravy Consistency: If you like a thicker gravy, simply simmer it a bit longer to reduce it. If you prefer a thinner gravy, add a bit more broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the seasonings in the gravy to your taste. For added flavor, you can add a dash of hot sauce for some heat or smoked paprika for a smoky touch.
- Make Ahead: You can make the gravy ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat it and finish cooking the pork chops.
Serving Suggestions:
- Mashed Potatoes: Smothered pork chops pair perfectly with creamy mashed potatoes. The rich gravy is ideal for spooning over the potatoes.
- Rice: Serve the pork chops over steamed white rice or brown rice to soak up the flavorful gravy.
- Greens: Pair with collard greens, green beans, or roasted Brussels sprouts for a well-rounded, comforting Southern meal.
Variations:
- Smothered Pork Chop with Mushrooms: Add sliced mushrooms to the onions while they cook to create a mushroom gravy, enhancing the flavor and texture.
- Smothered Pork Chops with Bacon: For extra flavor, you can crisp up some bacon in the skillet before browning the pork chops, then crumble it and add it to the gravy.
- Spicy Smothered Pork Chops: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the gravy for a bit of heat.
Smothered Pork Chops are a classic Southern dish that combines crispy, golden pork with a rich, savory gravy. It’s the perfect comfort food for any occasion, and it’s sure to become a family favorite! Enjoy!
