Chef John's Richly Smothered Pork Chops

These pork chops smothered in a savory onion gravy are sure to impress. This Southern classic is surprisingly simple to prepare and packed with flavor.

How to Prepare Smothered Pork Chops

The full recipe is outlined below, but here's a quick summary of what to expect when preparing these tender, smothered pork chops:

Ingredients for Smothered Pork Chops

Here are the ingredients you'll need to create this highly rated recipe for smothered pork chops:

• For the chops: large bone-in pork chops, poultry seasoning (store-bought or homemade), salt, and black pepper
• For the sauce: oil, butter, yellow onion, garlic, all-purpose flour, chicken broth (store-bought or homemade), buttermilk, and water

How to Prepare Smothered Pork Chops

Here's a quick guide to what you can expect when preparing these homemade, smothered pork chops:

1. Season the pork chops and brown them. Set them aside and discard any excess grease.
2. Sauté the onions in butter, add garlic, and then incorporate the flour.
3. Pour in the broth and the reserved pork juices.
4. Add the buttermilk and water. Let the mixture simmer until it thickens.
5. Return the pork chops to the skillet and coat them with the sauce.
6. Cook the pork chops until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F.

What to Serve with Smothered Pork Chops?

Smothered pork chops are delicious with hearty, starchy sides like mashed potatoes. Other great pairings include plain rice or risotto. For soaking up the savory gravy, consider homemade rolls or cornbread. If you're looking to balance the richness, try serving with roasted broccoli or cauliflower rice.

Dinogo Community Feedback and Tips

“Everyone in the family loved it!” says mom2cook. “The sauce was so rich and creamy. I didn’t have buttermilk, so I made my own by adding vinegar to milk. I also threw in some mushrooms for extra flavor.”

“It’s surprisingly tasty for such a simple and quick recipe,” praises Chris Simons.

“Everyone loved it,” shares a Dinogo community member. “It’s simple to make and would pair well with almost any white meat. Definitely adding this to my list of favorites.”

Editorial input by Corey Williams

Ingredients List

• 4 large bone-in pork chops, about 1 inch thick

• 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning

• salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 1 large yellow onion, sliced

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 ½ tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 1 ½ cups chicken broth

• ¼ cup buttermilk

• ¼ cup water

Instructions

Collect all the necessary ingredients.

Season both sides of the pork chops with poultry seasoning, salt, and black pepper.

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and cook until browned on both sides, about 5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside on a plate.

Remove any excess grease from the pan and melt butter in the same skillet. Lower the heat to medium, then add the onions with a pinch of salt. Cook for about 15 minutes, stirring until the onions are deeply browned and caramelized.

Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Then stir in the flour and cook for another 2 minutes.

Pour the chicken broth into the skillet, stirring to loosen and dissolve any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan.

Add the juices that have collected on the plate with the pork chops into the sauce.

Stir in the buttermilk until the mixture is smooth.

Add water and bring the sauce to a simmer. Lower the heat and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, until the onions soften and the sauce thickens.

Place the pork chops into the sauce, spooning the sauce over the meat to ensure it’s fully coated.

Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 10 minutes, until the pork chops are tender and fully cooked. Adjust salt and pepper to taste, then serve the chops with the gravy poured over the top.

Nutritional Information (per serving)