Southern Smothered Pork Chops (Classic Comfort Done Right!)

If comfort food had a heart, it would taste like Southern Smothered Pork Chops. Tender, juicy pork chops are seared to perfection and then simmered in a rich, creamy onion gravy until melt-in-your-mouth delicious. It’s the kind of soul-warming meal that brings families to the table — and keeps them coming back for seconds.

This timeless Southern favorite transforms a simple cut of meat into a hearty, flavor-packed dinner. Served over mashed potatoes, rice, or even buttermilk biscuits, every bite is pure comfort and nostalgia. Whether it’s Sunday supper or a cozy weeknight meal, this recipe is a true taste of the South.

🥘 Why You’ll Love These Smothered Pork Chops

• Tender and juicy every time: The slow simmer ensures fall-apart softness.
• Rich, savory gravy: Loaded with caramelized onions, garlic, and a touch of cream.
• One-skillet recipe: Less mess, more flavor!
• Down-home comfort: A Southern staple perfect for family dinners.
• Customizable: Works with bone-in or boneless chops, and pairs with almost any side.

If you’ve been craving old-fashioned Southern comfort, this dish will transport you straight to Grandma’s kitchen.

🍴 Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Pork Chops:

• 4 bone-in pork chops (about ¾-inch thick)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter

For the Onion Gravy:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth
• ½ cup milk or heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• Fresh parsley for garnish

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Season the Pork Chops:
   Pat pork chops dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Rub seasoning onto both sides of the chops.
2. Dredge in Flour:
   Lightly coat each pork chop in flour, shaking off excess. Save 2 tablespoons of the leftover flour for the gravy.
3. Sear the Pork Chops:
   Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and sear for about 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
4. Make the Onion Gravy:
   In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Add sliced onions and cook 6–8 minutes, stirring often, until golden and caramelized. Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute more.
5. Create the Roux:
   Sprinkle in the reserved flour and stir to coat the onions. Cook for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden. Slowly whisk in chicken broth, followed by milk or cream, until smooth and thickened.
6. Simmer with Pork Chops:
   Return pork chops (and any juices) to the skillet. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until pork chops are tender and cooked through.
7. Finish and Serve:
   Taste gravy and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.

Southern Smothered Pork Chops

Tender seared pork chops smothered in a rich, creamy onion gravy. A Southern classic perfect for Sunday dinners or cozy weeknights.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Southern

Calories: 480

Ingredients

  

Pork Chops

• 4 bone-in pork chops about ¾-inch thick
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 0.5 cup all-purpose flour for dredging
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter

Onion Gravy

• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 yellow onion thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tbsp flour for roux
• 1.5 cups chicken broth
• 0.5 cup milk or heavy cream
• 0.5 tsp smoked paprika optional
• fresh parsley for garnish

Equipment

• Cast iron skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Tongs

Method

 

1. Season pork chops with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
2. Dredge chops in flour, reserving 2 tablespoons for gravy.
3. Sear pork chops in olive oil and butter over medium-high heat until golden. Remove and set aside.
4. Add butter and onions to skillet; cook until golden brown. Stir in garlic and reserved flour.
5. Slowly whisk in chicken broth and milk until smooth. Simmer until slightly thickened.
6. Return pork chops to skillet, cover, and simmer 20–25 minutes until tender.
7. Season to taste, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.

Notes

For extra tenderness, use bone-in chops and simmer gently on low heat. Serve with mashed potatoes or rice.

🍂 Tips for Perfect Smothered Pork Chops

• Don’t skip the sear: Browning the pork first locks in flavor and gives the gravy rich color.
• Low and slow: Simmering gently ensures the meat stays juicy and tender.
• Use a heavy skillet: A cast-iron pan works best for even heat and flavor development.
• Make it creamier: Add a splash of cream cheese or sour cream for ultra-rich gravy.
• Boost the flavor: Stir in a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or Worcestershire sauce to the gravy for depth.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

This dish is pure Southern comfort and pairs perfectly with:

• Mashed potatoes: The ultimate gravy companion.
• Steamed rice or buttered noodles: Soak up all that creamy sauce.
• Collard greens or green beans: Add a veggie side for balance.
• Cornbread or biscuits: Because every drop of gravy deserves to be sopped up!

🍳 Variations

• Mushroom Smothered Chops: Add sliced mushrooms to the gravy for an earthy flavor.
• Spicy Southern Chops: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce for a little kick.
• Garlic Herb Twist: Add thyme, rosemary, or sage for an aromatic upgrade.
• Smothered Pork Steak: Substitute pork steaks if you prefer a heartier cut.

💡 Fun Fact: The Southern Secret

Smothered dishes are a cornerstone of Southern cuisine, dating back generations. “Smothering” refers to the cooking method — searing meat and then slowly simmering it in flavorful gravy until tender. It’s a culinary tradition born from necessity and perfected with love.

From Louisiana Creole kitchens to Georgia supper tables, smothered pork chops have stood the test of time as the ultimate expression of Southern hospitality.

🧺 Storage & Reheating Tips

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Cool completely and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in fridge overnight before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk to loosen the gravy.

⚡ Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: 480
• Protein: 36g
• Carbs: 12g
• Fat: 32g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Sugar: 2g