Easy Smothered Pork Chops

Smothered pork chops are a classic comfort food dish featuring tender, juicy pork chops enveloped in a rich, savory onion and mushroom gravy. This easy recipe brings all the flavors of Southern home cooking to your table with minimal effort. Whether served over mashed potatoes, rice, or with a side of vegetables, these smothered pork chops make for a satisfying and hearty meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Simple: Uses common ingredients and can be made in under an hour.
• Rich & Flavorful: The creamy onion and mushroom gravy elevates the pork chops to the next level.
• Comforting & Hearty: A classic Southern dish that is perfect for family dinners.
• One-Pan Recipe: Less cleanup, more enjoyment!

Ingredients

• 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• ½ cup heavy cream or whole milk
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening, if needed)
• Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pork Chops

Pat the pork chops dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Dredge the pork chops lightly in flour, shaking off any excess.

2. Sear the Pork Chops

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or butter 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.

3. Sauté the Onions and Mushrooms

In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and mushrooms. Cook over medium heat for 4-5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

4. Make the Gravy

Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes.

5. Thicken the Gravy (If Needed)

If the gravy is too thin, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the sauce. Simmer for another 1-2 minutes until thickened.

6. Smother the Pork Chops

Return the pork chops to the skillet, spooning the gravy over them. Cover and let them simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F.

7. Serve & Enjoy

Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.

Variations

• Creamy Mushroom Gravy: Increase the mushrooms and use a mix of heavy cream and sour cream for extra richness.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
• Low-Carb Version: Skip the flour dredging and use a keto-friendly thickener like xanthan gum for the gravy.
• Herb-Infused: Add thyme or rosemary for an extra layer of flavor.

Servings & Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to maintain moisture.

FAQs

How do I prevent my pork chops from drying out?

Avoid overcooking. Use a meat thermometer and remove the chops from heat once they reach 145°F.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Sear the pork chops first, then place them in the slow cooker with the onions, mushrooms, and gravy ingredients. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

What’s the best type of pork chop for this recipe?

Bone-in pork chops retain more moisture, but boneless chops work well too.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

Yes, but the gravy will be thinner. You can thicken it with extra cornstarch if needed.

What should I serve with smothered pork chops?

Mashed potatoes, rice, roasted vegetables, or buttered noodles pair beautifully with this dish.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Use a gluten-free flour blend for dredging and replace cornstarch with arrowroot powder.

Can I use canned mushrooms instead of fresh?

Yes, but fresh mushrooms provide better texture and flavor. If using canned, drain and rinse before adding.

Is this dish spicy?

No, but you can add red pepper flakes or cayenne if you want a spicy version.

Can I make the gravy thicker?

Yes, add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water) to the sauce while simmering.

Can I substitute chicken for pork?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs or breasts work well with the same cooking method.

Conclusion

Easy smothered pork chops bring the best of home-cooked comfort food to your table. With juicy pork chops coated in a creamy, savory gravy, this dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Simple to make and packed with flavor, these smothered pork chops are sure to become a family favorite. Serve them with your favorite sides, and enjoy a hearty, delicious meal!

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