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Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with Smothered Pork Chops. These succulent pork chops are seared to perfection and smothered in a rich, creamy gravy bursting with flavors of garlic, onions, and herbs. Each bite offers tender, juicy meat enveloped in a savory sauce that will have your taste buds dancing. Perfect for cozy family dinners or special gatherings, this dish delivers a hearty, satisfying meal everyone will love.

Top view of Smothered Pork Chops cooked in a black skillet garnished with fresh chopped parsley.

What Sets These Smotheres Pork Chops Apart?

A Southern classic comfort food, crispy coated pork chops smothered in a rich onion gravy makes this a feast you’ll keep coming back to! The best way to eat a chop is with an abundance of sauce, and trust us when we say this recipe does not skimp on the gravy.

These Smothered Pork Chops offer a perfect blend of savory and comforting flavors. The pork chops are seared to crispy, golden perfection before being enveloped in a rich gravy bursting with garlic, onions, and herbs. This harmonious combination creates a melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s both hearty and satisfying. If you LOVE pork and crave a lip-smacking recipe, then this one’s for you! Serve them next to some Crispy Garlic Roasted Potatoes for a deliciously satisfying meal.

Smothered Pork Chops: Key Ingredients

The secret to this dish is in its key ingredients. Each one brings something special to create a luxurious, flavorful gravy and perfectly cooked pork chops. Let’s dive into what makes this Smothered Pork Chops recipe truly exceptional:

  • Bone-In Pork Chops: Look for pork chops with a good amount of marbling. That’s what makes both this recipe and these Pork Chops With Creamy Mushroom Sauce truly outstanding. The fat marbling ensures the meat stays juicy and flavorful as it cooks. When shopping, choose chops that are about 3/4 to 1 inch thick for even cooking and optimal tenderness. The bone also adds extra flavor, so don’t skip it!
  • Buttermilk or Heavy Cream: Both options bring a unique touch to the gravy. Buttermilk adds a slight tang and creaminess, while heavy cream offers a luxuriously rich texture. Choose high-quality dairy to ensure the best results—full-fat versions will provide the most indulgent, creamy gravy.
  • Fresh Thyme: Fresh thyme brings a fragrant, earthy note to the dish. Look for bright green leaves without any signs of wilting. To store, wrap thyme in a damp paper towel and place it in a plastic bag in the fridge. Fresh herbs can elevate your dish, so don’t underestimate their importance.
  • Garlic and Onion Powder: These pantry staples are key to creating a robust seasoning for the pork chops. Choose high-quality, aromatic powders for the best flavor. They provide a deep, savory base that enhances the meat and complements the rich gravy.

*Note: Please see Recipe Card at the bottom for a full list of ingredients and measurements.

Additions And Substitutions

When it comes to Smothered Pork Chops, flexibility is key. Even if you don’t have every ingredient on hand, don’t worry—there are plenty of delicious alternatives that will keep the flavors rich and satisfying:

  • Add Mushrooms: Sauté some sliced mushrooms along with the onions to add an earthy flavor and extra heartiness to the dish. Or you can just pair it with our Roasted Mushrooms.
  • Use Fresh Herbs: While fresh thyme is fantastic, you can also experiment with other herbs like rosemary or sage. They’ll add their own unique aromatic notes to the gravy.
  • Incorporate Vegetables: Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or peas to the dish. They’ll not only add color but also enhance the nutritional value.
  • Spice it Up: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the gravy. It adds a subtle kick without overwhelming the dish.

Perfect Smothered Pork Chops: Step-By-Step

Ready to create a soul-warming Smothered Pork Chops? Follow these simple steps with images to guide you through the process. You’ll achieve tender pork chops smothered in a rich, flavorful gravy bursting with the savory notes of garlic, onions, and fresh herbs. This dish is sure to impress and delight your family and friends:

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  1. Pat and Season: Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels to remove any moisture. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, seasoning salt, pepper, and olive oil.
  1. Dredge in Flour: Thoroughly coat each pork chop in flour. Shake off any excess flour to avoid a heavy coating. Keep the remaining flour for later steps to help thicken the gravy.
  1. Fry the Pork Chops: Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the pork chops in a single layer until golden browned on each side. Set aside.
  1. Prepare the Gravy: In the same pan, heat butter over medium heat. Add sliced onions and a pinch of salt, cooking until soft and caramelized. Stir in garlic and thyme until fragrant.
  1. Thicken the Gravy: Add the remaining flour to the pan, mixing it into the onions. Cook briefly, then pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits. Let the liquid reduce and thicken.
  1. Whisk in Buttermilk: Gradually whisk in the buttermilk (or cream), ensuring it’s fully incorporated into the sauce. Let it simmer gently until it thickens, developing a rich, creamy consistency.
  1. Coat the Pork Chops: Return the pork chops to the pan, coating them in the sauce. Let them simmer until fully cooked through.
  1. Garnish and Serve: Taste test and season with salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.

You’ve now created a delicious, comforting dish that everyone will love. If you enjoyed making these Smothered Pork Chops, be sure to check out more mouthwatering recipes on our site. For another satisfying meal, try our Honey Garlic Butter Chicken or indulge in the rich flavors of our Easy Honey Garlic Pork Chops or for something sweet and savory, you can give my Mashed Sweet Potatoes a try.

Recipe FAQ’s

What Is The Best Cut Of Pork Chop For This Recipe?

Bone-in pork chops are ideal for this recipe as they provide extra flavor and help retain moisture, ensuring juicy and tender meat.

Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?

Yes, you can use boneless pork chops, but keep an eye on the cooking time as they may cook faster than bone-in chops.

How Do I Know When The Pork Chops Are Fully Cooked?

Pork chops are fully cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Let them rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

Can I Substitute Buttermilk With Something Else?

Yes, you can use heavy cream or even a mixture of milk and a little lemon juice or vinegar as a substitute for buttermilk.

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4.99 from 75 votes

Smothered Pork Chops

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4 serves
Juicy Smothered Pork Chops seared and cooked in a rich onion gravy is a delicious and easy dinner recipe. Perfect for any night of the week! Not for the faint hearted, you can serve them with anything.
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Ingredients 
 

PORK CHOPS:

  • 1 pound bone-in pork chops about 3/4-1 inch thick.
  • 1/2 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne
  • 1 teaspoon seasoning salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon cracked pepper
  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

FOR GRAVY:

  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 large onion thinly sliced
  • 1 pinch salt a pinch to taste
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme chopped
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth divided
  • 3/4 cup buttermilk or heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon flat-leaf parsley fresh and chopped for garnish

Instructions 

FOR PORK CHOPS

  • Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels to remove any moisture. Season pork chops with garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, seasoning salt, pepper and olive oil.
  • Dredge each chop in the flour; shake off the excess and KEEP THE REMAINING FLOUR.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet or pan over medium heat. When hot, fry the pork chops in a single layer on each side until golden browned, about 3-4 minutes per side.
  • Remove pork chops from the pan and keep warm.

FOR GRAVY

  • In the same pan, heat 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
  • Add in sliced onions and add a pinch of salt. Cook while stirring occasionally, until soft and caramelized, about 10 minutes. (Add in 1 tablespoon of the chicken broth if the pan becomes too dry.)
  • Add the garlic and thyme; cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  • Add 2 tablespoons of the remaining flour to the pan. Mix the flour into the onions and cook to dissolve, about 2 minutes.
  • Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the liquid reduce and thicken slightly, about 2 minutes.
  • Whisk in the buttermilk (or cream) and simmer for 1-2 minutes until thick and creamy.
  • Return the pork chops to the pan. Coat them in the sauce and let simmer until the pork is completely cooked through, about 5 minutes (or until the pork is cooked to your desired doneness). (The sauce will continue to thicken due the coating on the pork. If too thick, add a little cream or broth to thin out until reaching your desired consistency.)
  • Taste test and season with salt and pepper, if needed. Garnish with the chopped parsley before serving. Serve warm.

Notes

*FOR BONELESS PORK CHOPS
Reduce searing time to about 2 minutes per side and finish cooking them in the sauce. Be very careful not to overcook or dry out your pork chops as they become tough and chewy.

Nutrition

Calories: 389kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 79mg | Sodium: 825mg | Potassium: 475mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 387IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 95mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Tried this? Leave a comment below!
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Hey Good Food Lovers! It’s nice to see you! My name is Karina. Welcome to Cafe Delites, my beloved space for the last 10 years where my passion for food has flourished and connected millions!

4.99 from 75 votes

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96 Comments

  1. April Rodriguez says:

    I made this today and everyone loves it. Thank you for this amazing recipe

  2. Joyce Koziol says:

    5 stars
    I made this for dinner this evening and it was delicious. Husband really liked it, he is hurting a little. Made with mashed potatoes and corn. i’m the type that follows a recipe, sometimes it’s pretty good and some times…..not so much, this one came out perfect.

    1. Carissa Dukes says:

      5 stars
      Made this today and it was great I added mushrooms to the onions and it was amazing!! I substituted the heavy cream/buttermilk for half and half and it was so good!!!

  3. Joyce says:

    5 stars
    I made this for dinner this evening and it was delicious. Husband really liked it, he is hurting a little. Made with mashed potatoes and corn. i’m the type that follows a recipe, sometimes it’s pretty good and some times…..not so much, this one came out perfect.

  4. Ann Wilson says:

    5 stars
    We made this for Sunday dinner with whipped mashed potatoes and green salad. The pork chops were seasoned perfectly and that gravy was so flavorful. The garlic, onion and hint of thyme was so delicious. This recipe is definitely a keeper!

  5. Joy Phillips says:

    5 stars
    I saw this and remembered onion gravy that my mom made with pork chops and calves liver. I made this last night and served with mashed potatoes and fresh green & yellow wax beans from our garden. I’m still full! The only thing I did differently was to thin the buttermilk gravy with heavy cream (oh yeah!) at the end. Broth would have worked also. Thank you for
    a fabulous meal! I have now circulated your recipe far & wide today!

  6. Chris Intemann says:

    5 stars
    DELICIOUS!!! The only thing I added was mushrooms because I couldn’t decide if I wanted to make this recipe or your Pork chops with creamy mushrooms. LOL I love this site and all your recipes. Thank you Karina!!

    1. Anita M. says:

      5 stars
      I did the same exact thing!!! I was torn between both the recipes so I combined the mushrooms haha!!

  7. Jamie says:

    5 stars
    Made it for dinner. Delicious.

  8. Nichole says:

    5 stars
    We just made this for dinner and it is absolutely delicious. Wouldn’t change a thing. I’ve tried other recipes for smothered pork chops but this is the one that stands out.

    1. Beth C says:

      5 stars
      What a wonderful recipe! I had 2.5 pounds of sirloin pork chops that I’d de-boned and de-fatted before I found this recipe. It’s very forgiving, as I didn’t have cream (used milk), etc. Very easy to make if you use a gallon baggie to shake the chops, rather than dredging individually. The only thing I would do next time is add a tad more salt to the dredge, but it was perfectly tasty letting the family salt to taste!

  9. Julie says:

    What is seasoning salt? Thanks!

    1. Karina says:

      Hi Julie. Seasoned salt is a blend of salt with different herbs and spices. You can use regular salt if you don’t have it, or chicken salt. It just adds a little extra flavour to the meat.

    2. Holly says:

      Seasoning or Seasoned salt is commonly known by the brand name Lawrys.

  10. Capri Mendoza says:

    5 stars
    Made this last night. It was delicious! The whole family loved this and licked their plates clean. Thanks again Karina!