Smothered Pork Chops are a comforting, home-cooked dish that brings together juicy, pan-seared pork chops with a rich, savory onion and mushroom gravy. This Southern classic is perfect for a hearty dinner, offering a balance of tender meat and flavorful sauce that pairs well with mashed potatoes or rice. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight meal or hosting a family gathering, this dish is sure to impress.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream (or whole milk)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Season and Dredge the Pork Chops
Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and thyme. Lightly coat the pork chops in flour, shaking off any excess.
Step 2: Sear the Pork Chops
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil and melt the butter. Once hot, add the pork chops and sear for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Onions and Mushrooms
Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and mushrooms. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and slightly caramelized. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: Prepare the Gravy
Pour in the chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Stir well to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes.
Step 5: Return the Pork Chops to the Skillet
Lower the heat to medium-low and return the pork chops to the skillet. Cover and let them simmer in the gravy for 15-20 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Step 6: Add Cream and Thicken the Gravy
Stir in the heavy cream and let it simmer for another 5 minutes. If the gravy is too thin, mix cornstarch with water and stir it into the sauce to thicken.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish. Serve the smothered pork chops with mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered vegetables for a complete meal.
Smothered Pork Chops are a true comfort food, delivering rich, creamy flavors with each bite. This dish is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner at home or serving it to guests, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy this classic Southern recipe and make it a staple in your kitchen!