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5 from 4 votes

Smothered Pork Chops

Learn how to make smothered pork chops with golden onion gravy following this easy Smothered Pork Chops recipe! This delicious dish is loved even by the pickiest eaters.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time1 hour
Total Time1 hour 20 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: easy smothered pork chops, smothered pork chops, smothered pork chops recipe, southern smothered pork chops
Servings: 4 pork chops
Calories: 552kcal

Equipment

  • 12-inch Cast Iron Skillet or other large skillet

Ingredients

  • 4 thick-cut bone-in pork chops I recommend rib chops; 3 or 4 will do
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • ¾ teaspoon black pepper
  • teaspoons paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¾ cup all-purpose flour set aside 3 Tablespoons
  • 3 Tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 large yellow onion peeled and cut into thin slices
  • 3 cloves garlic peeled and minced or smashed
  • 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • ¼ cup buttermilk
  • ¼ cup water
  • Fresh chopped parsley for garnish, if desired

See our Beef Temperature Chart for helpful tips on cooking any cut of beef!

Instructions

  • In a bowl, whisk salt, paprika, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder together. Sprinkle seasoning to generously coat both sides of each pork chop.
    2 teaspoons salt, ¾ teaspoon black pepper, 1½ teaspoons paprika, ¼ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, 4 thick-cut bone-in pork chops
  • Set aside 3 Tablespoons flour from your flour. With the remaining flour, spread it out on a large plate. Coat pork chops on each side with a light layer of flour.
    ¾ cup all-purpose flour
  • Place a 12-inch deep cast iron pan over medium heat and add vegetable oil. Once hot, brown pork chops on each side until golden, but not cooked through, 5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside to a plate.
    3 Tablespoons vegetable oil
  • Add sliced onion to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions begin to brown and caramelize, 10-15 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, 30 seconds to 1 minute.
    1 large yellow onion, 3 cloves garlic
  • Push onions and garlic to the side of the pan. Add butter to the center of the pan. Once it melts, mix in the 3 Tablespoons flour. Stir until the flour-butter mixture is golden.
    2 Tablespoons unsalted butter, ¾ cup all-purpose flour
  • Slowly pour chicken broth into the pan while continuously whisking to remove any lumps. Once mixed through and not lumpy, mix the onions and garlic back in. Scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan to mix through.
    2 cups chicken broth
  • Bring the broth to a boil, then reduce to medium-low. Simmer until it begins to thicken, about 15 minutes.
  • Reduce heat to low and whisk in buttermilk and water.
    ¼ cup buttermilk, ¼ cup water
  • Gently add the pork chops to the gravy and continue to simmer over low heat until they are cooked through and tender, 15-25 minutes. The thickest part of the pork chop should read 145°F on a meat thermometer.
  • Remove the skillet from the heat and serve topped with fresh parsley if desired!
    Fresh chopped parsley

Video

Notes

  • Use thick-cut bone-in pork chops for this recipe. Thinner pork chops will cook more quickly and are easier to overcook and become tough. Rib chops will give you the most tender pork.
  • I recommend using a big cast iron skillet for this recipe. Mine is a 12-inch deep pan. This gives the perfect sear on the chops and distributes heat perfectly so you can prepare a big meal without any part cooking unevenly.
  • When searing the pork chops, don't be tempted to move them around. Let them sear for 5 minutes on each side so they get that nice golden brown sear.
  • These smothered pork chops are incredible on their own, but they're even better with a few nice sides. Try serving them over mashed potatoes, rice, or with greens on the side.
  • Always check the temperature using a meat thermometer before removing the pork chops from the heat. This is really the only way to make sure you don't under- or over-cook your chops.

Nutrition

Serving: 1pork chop | Calories: 552kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 40g | Fat: 32g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 136mg | Sodium: 1712mg | Potassium: 728mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 274IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 76mg | Iron: 2mg