Southern Smothered Pork Chops

Dive into the comforting flavors of the South with this hearty recipe for Southern Smothered Pork Chops. Perfectly seasoned bone-in pork chops are pan-seared to golden-brown perfection, then bathed in a rich, creamy onion gravy infused with garlic, thyme, and a touch of paprika. The caramelized onions add depth and sweetness, while a splash of milk or heavy cream creates an irresistibly silky sauce. This soul-warming dish comes together in just 50 minutes, making it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners or special family gatherings. Serve these tender pork chops over fluffy white rice, buttery mashed potatoes, or with fresh steamed vegetables for a complete, comforting Southern feast. Don't forget the garnish of parsley for a pop of color and freshness!

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces bone-in pork chops
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 large (sliced) yellow onion
• 3 cloves (minced) garlic
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 0.5 cup whole milk (or heavy cream)
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
• 2 tablespoons (chopped) parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Season the pork chops on both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.

Step 2

Dredge the seasoned pork chops lightly in the flour, ensuring an even coating. Shake off any excess.

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat.

Step 4

Sear the pork chops in the skillet for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Remove the chops from the skillet and set aside.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining butter to the skillet, followed by the sliced onions. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and caramelized.

Step 6

Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 7

Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of the leftover dredging flour into the skillet and stir well, cooking for about 1 minute.

Step 8

Slowly pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to release any browned bits. Simmer the mixture for 2-3 minutes until it starts to thicken.

Step 9

Stir in the milk (or heavy cream) and sprinkle in the fresh thyme. Mix well and bring the gravy to a gentle simmer.

Step 10

Return the seared pork chops to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy. Cover the skillet and cook on low heat for 15-20 minutes, or until the pork chops are tender and fully cooked (internal temperature of 145°F/63°C).

Step 11

Taste the gravy and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.

Step 12

Garnish with chopped parsley (if using), and serve the smothered pork chops hot over rice, mashed potatoes, or alongside your favorite vegetables.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1692.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2726.8

Total Fat 169.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 61.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 618mg	0%
Sodium 4007.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 75.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 6.2g	0%
Total Sugars 14.0g
Protein 212.3g	0%

Vitamin D 62IU	0%
Calcium 353.0mg	0%
Iron 11.6mg	0%
Potassium 3528.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 56.9%

Protein: 31.8%

Carbs: 11.3%