Smothered Pork Chops

Feb 4, 2025 by Tania Sheff · This post may contain affiliate links

Looking for a delicious and easy dinner recipe? Try this Smothered Pork Chops recipe for a flavorful and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.

Smothered pork chops are a great comfort food that combines juicy pork chops with rich onion gravy, making it a perfect dish for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion meal. This recipe strikes a balance between simplicity and rich flavors, making it a favorite among home cooks looking to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

Smothered Pork Chops Video Recipe

Ingredients

1.5 lbs pork chops (boneless or bone-in pork chops, about 1-inch thick)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ tablespoon onion powder
½ tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 large onion, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
½ cup chicken broth
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

How to make Smothered Pork Chops

1. Season the pork chops: Sprinkle salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder evenly over both sides of the pork chops. Massage the seasonings into the meat.

2. Sear the pork chops: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or a pan over medium-high heat. Sear the pork chops until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and set aside.

3. Cook the onions: To the same skillet, add butter and sliced onions. Sauté, on medium heat, gently scraping the bottom of the pan for the browned bits, until soft and caramelized, about 5 minutes.

4. Make the sauce: Sprinkle flour over the onions and stir well. Season lightly with salt. Slowly pour in chicken broth while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Simmer until slightly thickened, about 2 minutes.

5. Combine pork chops with sauce: Return pork chops to the skillet, spoon sauce over them, and cook until pork is fully cooked and tender, about 5 minutes.

6. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious smothered pork chops!

Recipe Variations

Variety is the spice of life, and smothered pork chops offer plenty of room for creativity. Here are a few variations to consider:

Cheesy Option: Before smothering the pork chops with onion gravy, sprinkle shredded cheddar or gruyere cheese over the chops and broil them for a few minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles.
Creamy Option: Add some heavy cream in Step#4. You’ll need about ⅓ of a cup.
Mushroom Twist: Add sliced mushrooms to the onions while sautéing for an earthy flavor boost. You can also replace chicken broth with beef broth for a deeper umami taste.
Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika to the seasoning mix for a spicy smothered pork chops experience.

What to Serve With Smothered Pork Chops

Pairing smothered pork chops with the right sides enhances the dining experience. Here are some delicious options:

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic accompaniment that complements the rich gravy perfectly.
Steamed Vegetables: Serve with a side of steamed green beans, asparagus, Brussels Sprouts, or broccoli to add color and nutrition to the plate.
Rice: Fluffy white rice or brown rice is ideal for soaking up the flavorful gravy. Try my Greek Spinach Rice or Turmeric Rice.
Biscuits or Dinner Rolls: These are great for sopping up any leftover gravy on the plate.

When serving smothered pork chops, consider the following tips to elevate your presentation:

Family Style: Serve the pork chops directly from the skillet for a rustic and inviting presentation.
Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives over the pork chops just before serving to add a pop of color and freshness.
Plating: Place the pork chops on a bed of mashed potatoes or rice, spooning extra gravy over the top for a beautiful and appetizing dish.

Helpful Tips for Cooking Smothered Pork Chops

Mastering smothered pork chops requires attention to detail and a few insider tips:

Even Seasoning: Ensure to rub the seasoning mixture evenly into both sides of the pork chops for balanced flavor.
Proper Searing: Achieve a golden brown crust on the pork chops by allowing them to sear undisturbed for 3-4 minutes per side over medium-high heat.
Thickening the Sauce: When adding flour to the onions, stir continuously to avoid lumps. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring to create a smooth gravy consistency.
Checking Doneness: To ensure the pork chops are fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Since we are using thick-cut pork chops in this recipe, it is a good idea to use the meat thermometer, just to make sure the chops are cooked properly.

How to Store and Reheat Smothered Pork Chops

Proper storage and reheating ensure that your smothered pork chops remain just as delicious the next day.

Storage:

Refrigeration: Allow the pork chops to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: For longer storage, place the pork chops and gravy in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating:

Stovetop: Heat a skillet over low to medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the gravy. Cover and let it warm up slowly for 5-7 minutes, turning the pork chops occasionally.
Oven: Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Place pork chops in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
Microwave: Place pork chops on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Reheat in 30-second intervals, checking frequently to prevent drying out.

pouring gravy on the Smothered Pork Chops

With its simple yet flavorful ingredients, smothered pork chops have earned their place as a beloved dish in many households. Whether you follow the classic recipe or add your own twist, this comforting meal promises to satisfy both palate and soul. Serve it up with your favorite sides and enjoy a hearty, satisfying dining experience that brings joy to the table.

More tasty recipes with pork:

Tania Sheff

Try this Smothered Pork Chops recipe for a flavorful and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 40 minutes

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 312 kcal

Ingredients

4 medium boneless or bone-in pork chops, about 1-inch thick (about 1 ½ lbs.)
1 tsp. sea salt or to taste
½ tsp. black pepper or to taste
½ tbsp. onion powder
½ tbsp. garlic powder
1 tbsp. olive oil
1 tbsp. butter
1 large onion, thinly sliced
1 tbsp. all-purpose flour
½ cup chicken broth or beef broth
1 tbsp. fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Season the pork chops: Sprinkle salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder evenly over both sides of the pork chops. Massage the seasonings into the meat.

4 medium boneless or bone-in pork chops, about 1-inch thick, 1 tsp. sea salt, ½ tsp. black pepper, ½ tbsp. onion powder, ½ tbsp. garlic powder
Sear the pork chops: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or a pan over medium-high heat. Sear the pork chops until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and set aside.

1 tbsp. olive oil
Cook the onions: To the same skillet, add butter and sliced onions. Sauté, on medium heat, gently scraping the bottom of the pan for the browned bits, until soft and caramelized, about 5 minutes.

1 tbsp. butter, 1 large onion, thinly sliced
Make the sauce: Sprinkle flour over the onions and stir well. Season lightly with salt. Slowly pour in chicken broth while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Simmer until slightly thickened, about 2 minutes.

1 tbsp. all-purpose flour, ½ cup chicken broth
Combine pork chops with sauce: Return pork chops to the skillet, spoon sauce over them, and cook until pork is fully cooked and tender, about 5 minutes.
Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious smothered pork chops!

1 tbsp. fresh parsley, chopped