Smothered Pork Chops (Tender, Juicy, and Smothered in Flavor!)

These Smothered Pork Chops are the epitome of comfort food! Tender, juicy pork chops are seasoned, seared to golden perfection, and then simmered in a rich and creamy onion and thyme gravy. I love how this recipe transforms simple pork chops into a truly decadent and flavorful meal. It's perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special Sunday supper. Get ready to experience pork chop perfection!

Why You'll Love These Smothered Pork Chops

• Tender and Juicy: Searing the pork chops before simmering them in the gravy ensures they stay incredibly moist and tender.
• Rich and Flavorful Gravy: The combination of caramelized onions, garlic, thyme, and heavy cream creates a truly decadent and flavorful gravy.
• Easy to Make: This recipe uses simple ingredients and straightforward instructions.
• Comfort Food Classic: Smothered pork chops are a comforting and satisfying meal that's sure to please everyone.

Ingredients for Smothered Pork Chops

Here's what you'll need to make this delicious dish. The full list with measurements is in the recipe card below.

Pork Chops and Seasoning

• Boneless pork chops (Meat)
• Onion powder (Spice)
• Garlic powder (Spice)
• Salt (Seasoning)
• Ground black pepper (Spice)
• All-purpose flour (for coating and gravy) (Dry Ingredient)
• Salted butter (Fat)
• Olive oil (Oil)

Gravy

• Salted butter
• Yellow onion, chopped (Vegetable)
• Minced garlic cloves (Aromatic)
• Fresh thyme (or dried thyme) (Herb)
• Chicken broth (Liquid)
• Heavy cream (Dairy)

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Variations

I love these Smothered Pork Chops as is, but here are a few variations:

• Use Bone-In Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops will add even more flavor to the dish.
• Add Mushrooms: Sauté some sliced mushrooms along with the onions for added flavor and texture.
• Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the gravy.
• Different Herbs: Use rosemary, oregano, or a blend of Italian herbs instead of thyme.
• Add wine: Deglaze the pan with some wine.

How to Make Smothered Pork Chops

Let me show you how to make these incredibly tender and flavorful Smothered Pork Chops:

Prepare Pork Chops

1. First, I pat the boneless pork chops dry with paper towels. Letting them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking helps them cook more evenly.
2. In a small bowl, I mix together the dry rub spices: onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and ground black pepper.
3. I sprinkle the seasoning mix over all sides of the pork chops, rubbing it into the meat with a spatula or my hands.

Flour the Pork Chops

1. I sprinkle all-purpose flour (reserving 2 tablespoons for the gravy later) on a plate.
2. I add the seasoned pork chops to the plate, coating them on all sides with the flour. I shake off any excess flour.

Sear the Pork Chops

1. I heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. I add the butter and olive oil.
3. Once the butter has melted and the pan is hot, I add the seasoned pork chops in a single layer to the hot pan.
4. I sear them on each side for 3-4 minutes, until a crispy golden brown crust forms.
5. Then, I remove the pork chops from the skillet and transfer them to a plate.

Make the Gravy

1. In the same hot pan, I add the extra butter.
2. Once it has melted, I add the chopped yellow onion and cook for about 5 minutes, until the onions caramelize and get a little crispy.
3. I stir in the reserved 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and the fresh thyme. I stir everything together to mix it with the onions.
4. I pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. I scrape off any crispy pieces from the bottom of the pan using a spatula (these add so much flavor!).
5. I cook for 1-2 minutes, until the liquid thickens slightly.
6. Now, I add the heavy cream and stir everything together.

Simmer Pork Chops in Gravy

1. I add the cooked pork chops back to the pan, nestling them into the gravy.
2. I scoop the sauce over the top of each pork chop.
3. I let everything gently simmer until the pork chops are heated through and fully cooked. I use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Serve

1. Once cooked, I serve.

Tips and Tricks for the BEST Smothered Pork Chops

Here are my secrets for making these pork chops truly melt-in-your-mouth delicious:

• Pat the Pork Chops Dry: Patting the pork chops dry before seasoning them helps the seasoning adhere better and promotes browning.
• Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the pork chops in a single layer to ensure they sear properly. Work in batches if necessary.
• Scrape Up the Browned Bits: The browned bits on the bottom of the pan after searing the pork chops are full of flavor. Be sure to scrape them up when you add the broth.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: The best way to ensure perfectly cooked pork chops is to use a meat thermometer.

How to Serve

These Smothered Pork Chops are delicious served with:

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are the perfect accompaniment to these smothered pork chops.
• Rice or Noodles: Serve them over rice or egg noodles to soak up the delicious gravy.
• Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: Green beans, asparagus, or broccoli are all great choices.
• Biscuits or Cornbread: Serve with warm biscuits or cornbread for a truly comforting meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Leftover smothered pork chops can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or in the microwave.

FAQs about Smothered Pork Chops

• Can I use bone-in pork chops?
  • Yes, you can use bone-in pork chops. They may take a bit longer to cook.
• Can I make this without the heavy cream?
  • You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, but the gravy won't be as rich and creamy.
• Can I make this in a slow cooker?
  • Yes, you can.

Enjoy these incredibly tender and flavorful Smothered Pork Chops! They're a comforting and satisfying meal that's perfect for any night of the week.

Print