Smothered Pork Chops
Smothered pork chops are seared and simmered in a creamy onion gravy for a cozy one-skillet dinner.
Smothered pork chops are a timeless comfort food that delivers big flavor with simple ingredients. The pork is seared for a golden crust, then gently simmered in a rich, creamy gravy made from onions, garlic, and broth. It’s a Southern-inspired classic that feels hearty and satisfying, especially when served with mashed potatoes or buttered noodles.
Despite its rich flavor, this recipe comes together easily in one skillet and requires minimal prep. The onions slowly caramelize into sweetness, the cream rounds out the sauce, and the pork stays juicy and tender. It’s just the kind of meal to keep in your back pocket for cool-weather dinners or anytime you want a meal that truly comforts.
Why You’ll Love It
Hearty and comforting. A creamy onion gravy makes this a deeply satisfying main dish.
One-pan convenience. The whole dish comes together in a single skillet.
Weeknight-friendly. It’s easy enough for a busy evening but feels special enough to serve guests.
Versatile pairings. Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or whatever’s on hand to soak up the sauce.
Steps to Make Smothered Pork Chops
- Season the pork chops and sear them in a hot skillet until golden brown on both sides.
- Remove the pork and use the same skillet to cook the onions slowly until browned and tender.
- Stir in garlic and flour to form a flavorful base for the sauce.
- Add broth and simmer, letting the flavors deepen and the sauce reduce slightly.
- Return the pork to the pan, pour in the cream, and let everything simmer gently until the chops are tender and fully cooked.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with your favorite sides.
Recipe Variations
- Bone-in pork chops. Swap boneless for bone-in and increase simmer time slightly.
- Mushroom gravy. Add sliced mushrooms with the onions for a deeper, earthier flavor.
- Cajun twist. Use Cajun seasoning and a pinch of cayenne for heat.
- Herb-infused. Stir in chopped thyme or rosemary with the onions for an herbal note.
- Cheesy version. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the pork after simmering, then cover briefly to melt.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered egg noodles.
- Pair with steamed broccoli, glazed carrots, or sautéed greens.
- Add a simple green salad or warm dinner rolls on the side.
How to Store and Reheat
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freeze? Not recommended, as the creamy sauce may separate when thawed.
To Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
Smothered Pork Chops
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 pounds pork chops, boneless, about 6
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 cup onion, sliced
- 2 teaspoons garlic, grated or finely minced
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Season and cook the chops: Season the pork chops with poultry seasoning, kosher salt, and pepper.Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot and simmering, add the pork chops and cook for 5 minutes on each side. They should be well-browned on both sides. Transfer the chops to a plate and set aside.
- Cook the onions: Add the butter to the pan and place it over medium heat. Add the onion and a dash of salt and sauté for 7 to 10 minutes or until the onions are browned. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute longer. Stir the flour into the onion mixture until it is well incorporated, and cook for 1 minute.
- Make the sauce: Add the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits left in the bottom of the pan. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes. Taste the sauce mixture and adjust the seasonings.
- Finish the pork in the sauce: Stir in the cream and add the pork back to the pan. Simmer for 10 minutes or until the pork is thoroughly cooked. The minimum safe temperature for pork is 145°F.
- Serve: Garnish the pork chops with fresh chopped parsley. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.
