Smothered Pork Chops

How to Make Smothered Pork Chops

Step 1: Season the Pork Chops

Start by seasoning the pork chops on both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Make sure to rub the seasoning in well, ensuring each chop is evenly coated. You can also add a pinch of dried thyme for extra flavor, but this step is optional.

Step 2: Sear the Pork Chops

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the pork chops in the pan, making sure not to overcrowd the skillet (you may need to cook them in batches if your pan is small).

Sear the pork chops for about 4-5 minutes per side until they develop a golden-brown crust. Don’t move the chops around too much while they cook to allow a nice sear to form. Once they’re browned on both sides, transfer the pork chops to a plate and set them aside.

Step 3: Caramelize the Onions

In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Stir occasionally to prevent burning, and cook the onions over medium heat for 8-10 minutes until they are soft, golden, and caramelized. The caramelization process is key for bringing out the natural sweetness in the onions and deepening the flavor of the gravy.

Once the onions are caramelized, add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4: Make the Gravy

To create the gravy, sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic mixture. Stir well to incorporate the flour, and cook for about 1-2 minutes to get rid of the raw flour taste. This step will help thicken the gravy as it simmers.

Next, slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Add the Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce (if using), and Dijon mustard (if using). Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a simmer.

Let the gravy cook for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly. If you like a thicker gravy, you can add a little more flour or let it simmer longer.

Step 5: Return the Pork Chops to the Skillet

Once the gravy has thickened to your liking, return the seared pork chops to the skillet. Spoon some of the gravy over the chops, cover the skillet with a lid, and reduce the heat to low. Let the pork chops simmer in the gravy for about 10-15 minutes, or until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). The pork will absorb some of the gravy, making it tender and flavorful.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Once the pork chops are fully cooked, taste the gravy and adjust the seasonings if needed with additional salt and pepper. Remove the skillet from the heat.

Garnish the smothered pork chops with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness, and serve with your favorite sides, like mashed potatoes, rice, collard greens, or cornbread.

Tips for Perfect Smothered Pork Chops

1. Don’t Skip the Searing: The searing step is crucial for developing flavor. Searing the pork chops helps lock in moisture and creates a beautiful crust. Be sure to get a nice golden-brown sear on both sides before moving on to the gravy.
2. Use Bone-In Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops tend to stay juicier and more flavorful than boneless cuts. If you prefer boneless chops, however, they will work just as well in this recipe, just be mindful of the cooking time as they tend to cook a little faster.
3. Customize the Gravy: Feel free to adjust the flavor of the gravy based on your preferences. If you want a richer flavor, use beef broth instead of chicken broth. For a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the gravy. A splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice can brighten up the gravy if you like a tangy contrast.
4. Make It a Meal: Smothered pork chops are delicious on their own, but they’re even better with sides that soak up the delicious gravy. Serve them with mashed potatoes, buttermilk biscuits, rice, or mac and cheese. Don’t forget some greens, like collard greens, green beans, or a fresh salad.
5. Make Ahead: If you want to prep ahead, you can make the gravy and store it separately in the fridge for a day or two. Then, just reheat the gravy, sear the pork chops, and simmer them in the gravy when you’re ready to serve.

Conclusion: Comfort in Every Bite

Smothered pork chops are a soul-satisfying dish that’s perfect for anyone who loves rich, flavorful comfort food. With juicy pork chops seared to perfection and smothered in a savory gravy made from caramelized onions and garlic, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, smothered pork chops are the kind of meal that brings people together and makes everyone feel at home.

So, the next time you’re in the mood for a meal that’s full of flavor and easy to make, give these smothered pork chops a try. Paired with your favorite sides, this dish will become a new family favorite in no time!