Southern-style smothered pork chops are the epitome of comfort food—tender, juicy pork chops bathed in a creamy, savory gravy, served hot and hearty. This dish brings that down-home flavor right to your table with just one skillet and a handful of simple ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or looking to impress with soul-satisfying fare, this recipe delivers every time.
These pork chops are first seared to a golden crust, locking in their natural juices and adding rich flavor. The real magic, however, happens in the gravy—onions, garlic, and a silky roux form the base, enriched with chicken broth and cream. Once everything simmers together, the pork becomes fork-tender and infused with that luscious Southern taste.
Not only is this recipe delicious, but it’s also fast and unfussy. With only 10 minutes of prep time, you’ll have a skillet full of indulgence on the table in just over half an hour. It’s a perfect example of how simple ingredients can yield deeply satisfying results.
Serve this with a generous scoop of mashed potatoes, a side of green beans, or flaky buttermilk biscuits to soak up every drop of gravy. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug—familiar, hearty, and full of love.
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless or bone-in pork chops
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika (to taste)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter option)
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Pat the pork chops dry and season both sides generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Heat oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork chops for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the sliced onions. Cook until they’re soft and lightly caramelized, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously for 1 minute to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, making sure the mixture is smooth and lump-free.
- Pour in the cream and stir. Let the gravy simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Return the pork chops to the skillet. Spoon some of the gravy over the top. Cover and let simmer on low heat for 5–10 minutes, or until the pork chops are fully cooked and tender.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot with your favorite Southern sides.
Variations:
- Mushroom Gravy: Add ½ cup of sliced mushrooms along with the onions for an earthy depth of flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the gravy for a bold twist.
- Herbed Version: Stir in fresh thyme or rosemary to infuse the gravy with aromatic herbs.
- Lighter Option: Use milk instead of cream and lean boneless chops to reduce calories.
Tips:
- For extra tenderness, opt for bone-in pork chops with some marbling.
- Searing the pork well helps to build flavor—don’t skip this step!
- Make sure the flour is fully cooked before adding broth to avoid a raw taste.
- Allow the gravy to simmer gently after adding the cream to achieve a smooth, rich consistency.
- Let the pork rest for a couple of minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
This smothered pork chops recipe is a true Southern gem, perfect for anyone craving cozy, classic comfort food done right.
