Smothered Pork Chops

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You’re going to love my Smothered Pork Chops recipe! They are lightly breaded, tender pork chops simmered in a rich and creamy onion gravy that makes a family meal everyone at the table will love. Pork chop recipes just don’t get any better than this!

Jump to:

• Smothered Pork Chops Recipe
• What are Smothered Pork Chops?
• Bone-in Smothered Pork Chops Ingredients
• How to Make Smothered Pork Chops
• How to Make Smothered Pork Chop Gravy
• Smothered Pork Chops in the Oven
• Pork Chops Recipes Tips
• Easy Pork Chop Recipes
• Pork Chop Recipe Temperature
• How to Store and Reheat Pork Chops
• Reheating Smothered Pork Chops in Gravy:
• Smothered Pork Chops FAQs
• Pork Chop Cuts
• Side Dishes for Pork Chops
• 📋 Recipe
• Pork Chop Recipes – Smothered Pork Chops
• 💬 Reviews

Smothered Pork Chops Recipe

I’m excited to share my all-time favorite pork chop recipe – Smothered Pork Chops! There is a reason this is our #1 pork chop recipe. They are just amazing. Run to the store and get the ingredients – they never disappoint!

The sauce is out of this world and the pork becomes so juicy and tender. Smothered pork chops are a perfect make-ahead meal when entertaining. I love making them early in the day and allowing them to simmer just before guests arrive.

Oh my goodness!!! Made this tonight. Amazing! The entire family devoured the pork chops and licked their plates clean. I will be making this again 🙂

Nancy

What are Smothered Pork Chops?

They’re called “smothered” because of the cooking technique used to make them. Smothering involves cooking your food in the liquid, in a pan with a lid over low heat.
This is a classic Southern dish and one of the best comfort food recipes ever! Pork loin chops are coated in seasoning and flour, then pan-fried golden-brown and simmered in a rich, creamy onion gravy.

Bone-in Smothered Pork Chops Ingredients

• bone-in pork chops 1-1½ inches thick
• salt
• paprika
• black pepper
• garlic powder
• onion powder
• all-purpose flour divided
• vegetable oil
• onion peeled and cut into ¼ inch thick slices
• cloves of garlic peeled and minced
• butter
• chicken broth
• buttermilk
• water
• Freshly chopped parsley for garnish

How to Make Smothered Pork Chops

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together salt, paprika, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Sprinkle the mixture liberally over both sides of each pork chop.
   
2. Set aside some flour to thicken the gravy. Spread out the remaining flour on a large plate. Coat each side of the pork chop in a light layer of flour.
   
3. Place a deep, 12-inch cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add vegetable oil. Once the skillet is hot enough, brown the seasoned pork chops on each side until golden, but not cooked all the way through, about 5 minutes per side.
   
4. Remove the pork chops to a plate.

If you are looking for a super easy pork chop recipe, you can stop here and these pork chops will be delicious. But if you want amazing gravy and an over-the-top eating experience, keep on going!

The kids and husband absolutely loved this recipe. This one for sure is a keeper.

Jennifer

How to Make Smothered Pork Chop Gravy

1. Add sliced yellow onion to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until beginning to caramelize, 10-15 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
2. Push the onion and garlic to the side of the pan. Add butter in the center of the pan. Once it melts, mix in the remaining flour. Continue to stir until the mixture becomes a golden roux.
   
3. Slowly pour in chicken broth while continuously whisking to remove any lumps, then mix with the onions and garlic and any browned bits that may have stuck to the bottom of the pan.
4. Bring the broth to a boil, then reduce to medium-low and simmer until it starts to thicken about 15 minutes. Reduce heat to low and whisk in ¼ cup buttermilk and ¼ cup water.
5. Gently nestle back in the browned pork chops, cover, and continue to simmer over low heat until the pork chops are tender and the thickest part is at least 145°F, 15-25 minutes. The time may vary based on the size of the pork chop.
6. Remove the skillet from heat, adjust the seasonings as needed, and serve the pork chops warm with the pork chop gravy and a light sprinkling of fresh parsley.

I tried it! It came out great especially the gravy..I’ve always been challenged when it comes to making gravy but this recipe is actually good🤤 it! ❤️ Going to make it again, the gravy was excellent.

Trevor

Smothered Pork Chops in the Oven

I love making this recipe on the stovetop, but you can also finish them off in the oven instead. I like this idea for a busy weeknight. I will make everything in the morning and finish off this delicious pork chops dish in the oven.

Place the cast iron pan (or another oven-safe pan) in your oven preheated to 350˚F, after nestling the chops in the gravy. Cook for about 30 minutes, until tender.

Pork Chops Recipes Tips

• Generously season both sides of your pork chops and adjust the seasoning for the gravy to taste.
• Use bone-in chops if possible. You want your chops about 1 to 1½ inches thick. If you’re using boneless chops, watch them while they simmer as they overcook more easily.
• I use flour in two parts of this recipe. Once, to flour the chops, and another time to make the roux. Divide the flour out ahead of time to make it easier.
  
• Brown the chops before making the gravy – this adds so much flavor.
• Use a deep-side cast iron pan for best results.
• If your pork chop gravy gets too thick while simmering, thin it out with just a bit of chicken broth.
• Don’t add the buttermilk until after the chicken broth has begun to thicken and the heat is reduced to low.

This recipe was a hit with my family! I’m glad I tried because it’s the best meal I’ve made in a very long time & everyone loved it. Thanks for sharing.

Annette on Pinterest

Easy Pork Chop Recipes

I love feeding my family pork chops for so many reasons. They are economical, high in protein, and are always a hit any time I make them. Pork chop dinner ideas are perfect when entertaining.

Try them with all my best Pork Chop Sides!

Boneless Pork Chop Recipes

Bone-In Pork Chop Recipes

Pork Chop Recipe Temperature

When they’re ready, pork chops should be cooked to 145°F at the thickest part of the chop. Always use a meat thermometer for the best results.

You always want to check your pork chops to make sure they are properly cooked. When using the smothered method, it will not be a problem but I am a believer in always using a meat thermometer to check.

Size of Pork Chop	Pork Chops Cooking Time (Simmering)
½-inch thick boneless pork chops	12 minutes or until internally 145°F
1-inch thick boneless pork chops	17 minutes or until internally 145°F
1½-inch thick boneless pork chops	23 minutes or until internally 145°F
½-inch thick bone-in pork chops	15 minutes or until internally 145°F
1-inch thick bone-in pork chops	20 minutes or until internally 145°F
1½-inch thick bone-in pork chops	25 minutes or until internally 145°F

How to Store and Reheat Pork Chops

Refrigeration:

If you plan to consume the smothered pork chops within a few days, store them in an airtight container or a covered dish in the refrigerator. Make sure the chops are completely covered with gravy to prevent drying out. Gravy acts as a protective layer to keep the meat moist.

Freezing:

To store smothered pork chops for an extended period, you can freeze them. Place the chops and gravy in an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag, ensuring there’s no excess air inside to minimize freezer burn. Label the container with the date.

Reheating Smothered Pork Chops in Gravy:

1. Thawing: If the smothered pork chops are frozen, it’s best to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. Slow thawing ensures even reheating and prevents the meat from becoming overcooked or dry.
2. Oven: Reheating smothered pork chops in the oven is a great option to maintain their tenderness and flavor:
   • Preheat your oven to around 325°F (163°C).
   • Place the pork chops and gravy in an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chops reaches 145°F (63°C).
   • Baste the pork chops with some of the gravy while reheating to keep them moist.
3. Stovetop: Reheating on the stovetop can be a faster option:
   • Use a non-stick skillet or pan over low to medium heat.
   • Place the smothered pork chops in the skillet with the gravy.
   • Stir and gently heat them for 5-10 minutes or until they are heated through, being careful not to boil the gravy.
4. Microwave: If you’re short on time, you can use the microwave, but it may not preserve the same texture as oven or stovetop reheating:
   • Place the smothered pork chops in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap.
   • Heat on medium power in short intervals, checking and stirring frequently to distribute the heat evenly.
   • Use a food thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the pork chops reaches 145°F (63°C).

Smothered Pork Chops FAQs

Pork Chop Cuts

There are four different cuts of pork chops you could use in this recipe. The most preferable is the center-cut rib chop.

• Rib Chop: This is the best cut of the pork chop. The cut comes from the rib section and typically has the bone along one side. It is very tender and makes for the juiciest pork chops.
• Loin Chop: This cut has a t-bone in it. The loin chop has two different kinds of meat on it. The darker loin meat on one side and tenderloin meat on the other side. It is perfect if you want to try two types of meat in one chop.
• Boneless Chop: It is the leanest cut of pork. It is delicious but you have to be careful because it is very easy to overcook this cut. It easily dries out as it has very little fat, and connective tissue, and doesn’t have any bones. Cooked properly though, boneless pork chops are amazing.
• Shoulder Chop: This is my least favorite cut of pork chop. They are flavorful, but also have a lot of gristle and bones. The shoulder chop is best when braised.

Side Dishes for Pork Chops

• Elote Recipe
• Instant Pot Rice
• Mashed Potatoes Recipe
• Cornbread Casserole

This is one of the best Southern Sunday dinner ideas – we know you will love it.

Did you try this recipe? Leave a comment and a rating below to let us know what you think! We love to hear from you!

📋 Recipe