Every time I make Smothered Pork Chops, it reminds me of cozy Sunday dinners with my family gathered around the table. The aroma that fills my kitchen takes me back to those simpler times when we’d sit together, sharing stories and laughter over hearty meals. There’s something so comforting about the combination of tender pork and that creamy, savory gravy simmering away on the stove. If you’re in need of a dish that brings warmth and joy into your home, look no further! You’re going to feel like you’re wrapping yourself in a warm hug when you try this recipe.
How to Make Smothered Pork Chops
Ingredients:
- 4 pork loin chops: This is the star of our dish! The chops are tender and flavorful, perfect for soaking up that delicious gravy.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: This will be used for dredging our pork chops. It gives them that lovely golden crust when fried.
- 1 teaspoon salt: A pinch of salt enhances flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: This adds a little kick to the seasoning.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: For that lovely aroma and flavor—you can never go wrong with garlic!
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder: It brings in a subtle sweetness, rounding out the flavors.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter: You can use either, but butter adds that rich taste I absolutely love!
- 1 onion, diced: This is going to make our gravy nice and flavorful.
- 2 cups chicken broth: The base for our gravy, giving it depth and richness.
- 1 cup heavy cream: This will make our gravy creamy and dreamy!
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: A splash of umami that really elevates the dish.
Now, let me tell you, I’ve swapped ingredients in a pinch before and used whatever I had on hand. If you’ve got other types of pork chops, or even chicken, don’t hesitate! Just tweak the cook time accordingly so you get it just right.
Cooking Steps
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Prep the Chops: Start off by patting your pork loin chops dry with a paper towel. This is an important step as it helps the flour stick better. You want them to be nice and dry before cooking!
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Season the Flour: In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. This will be the coating for our chops.
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Dredge the Chops: Take one pork chop at a time and dredge it in the seasoned flour. Make sure it is fully coated, and then shake off the excess flour. This step helps create that golden crust you see in my photos!
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Heat the Oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil or butter. You’ll want to get it nice and hot, but not smoking.
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Fry the Chops: Add the pork chops to the skillet without overcrowding them. Fry for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. It’s tempting to flip them too soon, but resist! Let them develop that lovely crust.
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Transfer and Set Aside: Once your chops are beautifully brown, transfer them to a plate and cover them with foil to keep warm. I like to let them rest while I make that delicious gravy!
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Sauté the Onions: In the same skillet, add the diced onion. Cook until they are soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Don’t rush this step—the onions add so much flavor!
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Add the Broth: Carefully stir in the chicken broth, scraping up any brown bits left in the pan. That’s where all the flavor lives!
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Make it Creamy: Pour in the heavy cream and Worcestershire sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally. You’ll notice it thickening beautifully—trust me; your kitchen will smell heavenly right about now!
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Return the Chops: Nestle the cooked pork chops back into the skillet with the sumptuous gravy. Cover the skillet and let them simmer together for about 5-10 minutes. This allows the chops to soak up all that creamy goodness!
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Serve It Up: When you’re ready to serve, plate those chops generously topped with gravy. It’s eye-catching and downright delicious!
Why I Love Making This Dish: Smothered Pork Chops have become a cherished recipe in my home. They remind me of family get-togethers, where everyone would gather around, eagerly anticipating what was on the menu. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal that brings a smile to my loved ones’ faces. Plus, it fills the kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma—nothing quite beats that!
What You’ll Need: You’ll just need a large skillet for cooking—nothing fancy! A good pair of tongs is helpful for flipping the chops too. And don’t forget your favorite spatula for serving that gravy!
Tips for Perfect Results:
- For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding some chopped fresh herbs, like rosemary or thyme, during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Make sure your oil is hot enough before you add the chops; this will ensure you get a nice brown crust.
- If you’re looking for even greater richness, try using half-and-half instead of heavy cream but do note that it won’t be as thick!
Serving Suggestions and Sides: When I serve Smothered Pork Chops, I love to pair them with creamy mashed potatoes— it’s a match made in heaven! The gravy pours over the potatoes perfectly. You could also serve them alongside sautéed green beans or buttery corn on the cob for a well-rounded meal. And don’t forget some crusty bread to soak up all that delicious gravy!
Leftovers: Oh, the leftovers! They’re just as amazing the next day. I store any extra pork chops in an airtight container in the fridge. To reheat, just place them in a skillet over low heat until warmed through. If you find the gravy has thickened in the fridge, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it back up.
FAQ Section:
Can I use boneless pork chops? Yes, you can! However, bone-in chops tend to be juicier and more flavorful in my experience. But if boneless is what you have, they will still turn out delicious.
How do I know when the pork chops are done? You’ll want to cook them until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F. If you don’t have a meat thermometer, make sure they are no longer pink in the center.
Can I make this dish ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the gravy ahead, and just reheat it over low heat when you’re ready to serve. Simply cook the pork chops fresh the day of serving.
This dish has become a favorite in my house, and I’m so excited for you to try it. Cooking Smothered Pork Chops is like a warm embrace you serve on a plate. I know you’ll love it as much as I do! When you take your first bite and feel the comfort of these flavors, I hope it makes you smile just like it does for me. Please let me know how it turns out, and if your family asks for seconds, just like mine does every time!