Tender, Juicy Chops in Rich Onion Gravy
Comfort food at its finest! These succulent bone-in pork chops are seared to golden perfection, then smothered in a creamy, aromatic onion gravy that’s packed with Southern flavor. Perfect over mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles for the ultimate hearty meal.
🌿 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ One-skillet wonder – Easy cleanup!
✅ Restaurant-quality gravy – Rich, velvety, and full of depth
✅ Budget-friendly – Uses simple pantry staples
✅ Meal-prep friendly – Tastes even better the next day
📝 Ingredients
(Serves 4)
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (¾–1 inch thick)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
For the Gravy:
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream (or whole milk for lighter gravy)
- ¼ tsp dried thyme
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
(Serve with: Mashed potatoes, collard greens, or buttered cornbread!)
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Season & Sear the Chops
- Pat pork chops dry and season both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat oil/butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Sear chops 3–4 mins per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
2️⃣ Make the Gravy
- In the same skillet, sauté onions for 3–4 mins until soft.
- Add garlic, cook 30 secs until fragrant.
- Sprinkle flour over onions and stir 1 min to cook off raw taste.
- Gradually whisk in broth, then cream, thyme, and cayenne. Simmer 2–3 mins until thickened.
3️⃣ Smother & Simmer
- Return chops to skillet, spooning gravy over top.
- Cover and simmer on low 15–20 mins until chops are tender (145°F internal temp).
4️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!
- Rest 5 mins, then serve over creamy mashed potatoes with extra gravy.
💡 Pro Tips
🔹 For extra tender chops: Brine in saltwater for 30 mins before cooking.
🔹 No heavy cream? Substitute with evaporated milk or full-fat coconut milk.
🔹 Gravy too thick? Thin with a splash of broth.
❓ FAQs
1. Can I use boneless chops?
✅ Yes, but reduce simmer time to 10–12 mins (they cook faster).
2. How do I store leftovers?
🧊 Fridge: Up to 3 days (gravy thickens—reheat with a splash of broth).
❄️ Freezer: Up to 2 months in an airtight container.
3. Can I make this gluten-free?
🌾 Use cornstarch instead of flour (mix 1 tbsp with 2 tbsp cold water before adding).
4. Why are my pork chops tough?
⚠️ Overcooking! Use a meat thermometer—remove at 145°F (they’ll carry over to 150°F while resting).
🍽 Serving Suggestions
- With a side of buttery cornbread
- Over cheesy grits for a Southern twist
- Paired with roasted Brussels sprouts
⏳ Time & Nutrition
Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Total: 40 mins
Calories: ~340/serving | Protein: 32g | Carbs: 8g
🌟 Final Thoughts
These smothered pork chops deliver big, comforting flavors with minimal effort. The pan gravy is so good, you’ll want to drink it with a spoon! Perfect for:
- Sunday suppers
- Potluck dinners
- Meal-prepped lunches
Dig in—your taste buds will thank you! 😋🍽️
(Recipe adapted from classic Southern cooking techniques.)
