Smothered Pork Chops

 

Smothered Pork Chops: Comfort Food at Its Best 🐖🍽️

If there’s one dish that delivers hearty, down-home comfort with every bite, it’s Smothered Pork Chops. With tender, juicy pork chops simmered in a rich, flavorful gravy, this classic Southern-inspired meal is the kind of soul-satisfying food that warms you from the inside out.

Whether you're cooking for a family dinner, a cozy Sunday meal, or simply craving something savory and indulgent, this dish checks every box. And the best part? It’s easy enough for a weeknight, but impressive enough for guests.

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⭐ Why You'll Love Smothered Pork Chops

• ✅ Fork-tender chops that melt in your mouth

• ✅ Flavor-packed gravy made from scratch

• ✅ One-pan recipe for easy cleanup

• ✅ Customizable: add mushrooms, onions, or a spicy kick

• ✅ Perfect with mashed potatoes, rice, or biscuits

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🧂 Ingredients

For the Pork Chops:

• 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops (about 1 inch thick)

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp paprika

• ½ cup flour, for dredging

• 2–3 tbsp oil (vegetable or olive oil)

For the Gravy:

• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tbsp flour

• 2 cups chicken broth (or beef broth for a richer flavor)

• ½ cup heavy cream (optional, for creamier gravy)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Optional: chopped parsley for garnish

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🍳 Instructions

1. Season & Sear the Pork Chops

• Pat pork chops dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.

• Lightly dredge each chop in flour, shaking off the excess.

• Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chops for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown (they don’t need to be fully cooked yet). Remove and set aside.

2. Make the Gravy

• In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add a little more oil if needed.

• Sauté onions until soft and golden (about 5 minutes). Add garlic and cook another 30 seconds.

• Sprinkle in 2 tbsp flour and stir constantly for 1 minute to cook out the raw taste.

• Gradually pour in the broth, whisking to prevent lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer.

• Stir in heavy cream if using, and season to taste with salt and pepper.

3. Smother the Chops

• Return pork chops to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy.

• Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until the pork chops are tender and cooked through.

• Stir occasionally and spoon gravy over the chops as they cook.

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🥔 Serving Suggestions

Smothered pork chops were made to be paired with cozy sides! Here are a few ideas:

• Creamy mashed potatoes

• Steamed rice or buttered noodles

• Cornbread or biscuits

• Southern-style green beans or collard greens

• Roasted carrots or sautéed mushrooms

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🔄 Variations

• Add mushrooms: Sauté with onions for extra umami.

• Make it spicy: Add a dash of cayenne or hot sauce to the gravy.

• Use boneless chops: Just reduce the simmering time slightly.

• Creamy country-style: Double the cream for a richer, cream-based gravy.

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🍽️ Make-Ahead & Storage

• To Make Ahead: You can cook the pork chops and gravy in advance, then gently reheat when ready to serve.

• Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave.

• Freezer-Friendly: Freeze cooled pork chops and gravy for up to 2 months. Thaw in fridge overnight before reheating.

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❤️ Final Thoughts

Smothered Pork Chops are more than just a meal — they’re pure comfort on a plate. With rich, savory gravy and perfectly seasoned pork, this recipe brings big flavor with minimal fuss.

So the next time you’re craving something cozy, classic, and absolutely mouthwatering, give this recipe a try. Chances are, it’ll become a regular at your dinner table — and a favorite for years to come.

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Ready to make magic in the skillet? Smother those chops and enjoy every single bite! 🥩🧄🥔