Southern Smothered Pork Chops

Tender smothered pork chops cooked with caramelized onions, garlic, and creamy buttermilk gravy. A Southern comfort food classic!

this Recipe

I still remember the first time I made smothered pork chops. It was one of those chilly evenings where you want to curl up with a plate of something warm, hearty, and just a little nostalgic. I’d seen a similar recipe in one of my grandmother’s old cookbooks, and I couldn’t resist trying it.

The kitchen smelled amazing—think caramelized onions, sizzling butter, and that unmistakable aroma of Southern spices. By the time I whisked the buttermilk into the gravy, I was practically drooling. My husband walked in, took one whiff, and said, “Whatever that is, I’m ready to eat.”

When we sat down, it felt like more than just dinner. It was a reminder of all those family meals where someone put their heart into the food. Now, smothered pork chops are my go-to when I want to bring that kind of warmth to the table. They’re the perfect mix of indulgence and nostalgia, and honestly, I can’t get enough of them.

Why You’ll Love This Smothered Pork Chops Recipe?

• Gravy That’s Next Level: Rich, creamy, and so flavorful you’ll want to spoon it over everything.
• Perfectly Seared Chops: Golden, juicy, and absolutely irresistible.
• Southern Comfort: This dish is like a warm hug on a plate—classic, cozy, and full of heart.
• Quick and Simple: Ready in under an hour but tastes like it simmered all day.
• Customizable: Add your own twist with spices, herbs, or even a splash of wine.

Ingredient Notes:

Let’s take a closer look at what makes this recipe so special:

• Bone-In Pork Chops: These are the star of the show. The bone adds flavor, and thicker chops stay juicy while cooking.
• Seasoning Blend: Garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and seasoning salt create that signature Southern flavor.
• Onions: Sliced thin and caramelized until golden—these add sweetness and depth to the gravy.
• Buttermilk or Cream: Both work beautifully. Buttermilk gives a subtle tang, while cream makes the gravy extra luxurious.
• Chicken Broth: The base for the gravy—it ties everything together and adds depth.
• Fresh Herbs: Thyme and parsley brighten up the dish and balance the richness.

How To Make Smothered Pork Chops?

Step 1. Season the Pork Chops

Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels (trust me, this step makes all the difference for a good sear). Mix your garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, seasoning salt, and black pepper, then rub it generously over both sides of the chops. Drizzle with olive oil to help the spices stick.

Step 2. Sear the Chops

Lightly dredge each pork chop in flour, shaking off the excess. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Once the pan is hot, sear the chops for 3–4 minutes per side until they’re golden brown and beautiful. Set them aside on a plate—they’ll finish cooking in the gravy.

Step 3. Caramelize the Onions

In the same skillet, melt a little more butter and toss in your sliced onions with a pinch of salt. Let them cook low and slow for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re soft and caramelized. If the pan starts to look dry, add a splash of chicken broth to keep things moving.

Step 4. Make the Gravy

Add minced garlic and fresh thyme to the onions, cooking for just 30 seconds until fragrant. Sprinkle in a couple of tablespoons of the leftover flour, stir it in, and let it cook for a minute to get rid of the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the chicken broth, scraping up all those delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

Step 5. Add the Creamy Element

Whisk in your buttermilk or cream, letting the gravy simmer until it’s thick and velvety. This is where the magic happens—taste it and try not to eat it straight out of the pan (no judgment if you do).

Step 6. Smother the Chops

Nestle the pork chops back into the skillet, spooning the gravy over them. Let them simmer for about 5 minutes, or until they’re cooked through and the gravy has thickened even more.

Step 7. Garnish and Serve

Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning if needed. Sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color, and you’re ready to serve.

Storage Options:

• Refrigerator: Leftovers? Lucky you! Store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth to keep the gravy smooth.
• Freezer: Let the pork chops cool completely, then freeze them (with the gravy) in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Variations and Substitutions:

Want to put your own spin on it? Here are some ideas:

• Meat Swap: Try boneless chops, chicken thighs, or even thick-cut turkey breast.
• Spice It Up: Add more cayenne or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
• Gravy Add-Ons: A splash of white wine or a pinch of smoked paprika can take the gravy to the next level.
• Herb Variations: Swap thyme for rosemary or sage for a different flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour for dredging and in the gravy.

What to Serve with Smothered Pork Chops?

These pork chops pair beautifully with just about anything. Here are some favorites:

• Mashed Potatoes: The ultimate gravy companion.
• Rice or Polenta: Perfect for soaking up all that creamy goodness.
• Roasted Veggies: Try Brussels sprouts, carrots, or green beans for a fresh contrast.
• Cornbread: Sweet and crumbly—it’s a Southern staple.
• Crisp Salad: A light, fresh side balances the richness of the dish.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use boneless pork chops?
Absolutely! Just be mindful of the cooking time—boneless chops cook faster and can dry out if overdone.

How do I know the pork chops are cooked?
Use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You sure can! Prep the gravy and sear the chops in advance, then reheat everything together in the skillet when you’re ready to serve.

So, what do you think? Ready to treat yourself (and your family) to the ultimate smothered pork chops experience? Whether you’re cooking for a cozy dinner or a special occasion, this recipe will make everyone feel like they’re getting a big ol’ food hug. Give it a try and let me know—are you team mashed potatoes or team cornbread?

5 from 2 votes

Southern Smothered Pork Chops

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Experience the comforting and mouthwatering flavors of the South, with our Southern Smothered Pork Chops. These juicy pork chops, with a blend of garlic powder, onion powder and a subtle touch of cayenne are expertly seared to a golden perfection. They then luxuriate in a velvety gravy infused with caramelized onions, aromatic thyme and a hint of buttermilk or cream. Each bite offers a medley of flavors that will transport you to memories of cooked comfort foods and cherished family gatherings. This recipe embodies the heart and rich culinary heritage of Southern cuisine inviting you to create your tales filled with love and delectable moments, around the dining table.

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4 Servings

Ingredients

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PORK CHOPS:

• 1 pound 500g bone-in pork chops, about 3/4-1 inch thick.
• 1/2 tbsp. onion powder
• 1/2 tbsp. garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp cayenne
• 1 tsp seasoning salt
• 1/2 tsp fresh cracked black pepper
• 2 tsp olive oil
• 1/2 c all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter

FOR GRAVY:

• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 large onion thinly sliced
• Pinch of salt
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tsp fresh chopped thyme
• 1/2 c chicken broth divided
• 3/4 c buttermilk or heavy cream
• Chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley for garnish

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Instructions

 

1. Start by patting the bone in pork chops with paper towels to remove any moisture. Combine 1/2 tablespoon of onion powder, 1/2 tablespoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne, and 1 teaspoon of seasoning salt. Rub the mixture onto the chops. Sprinkle them with 1/2 teaspoon of cracked pepper and drizzle them with 2 teaspoons of olive oil.
2. Coat each chop in 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour shaking off any extra. Keep the remaining flour aside.
3. In a skillet over medium heat heat up 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Once it's hot cook the pork chops for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they turn brown. Set aside the cooked chops.
4. In the skillet melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add sliced onions with a pinch of salt. Cook them for around 10 minutes until they become soft and caramelized. If the pan looks dry add a splash from the 1/2 cup of chicken broth.
5. Add minced garlic. Chopped thyme to the skillet cooking for about half a minute until they released their fragrance.
6. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of reserved flour, onto the onions. Mix well. Cook for 2 minutes to allow the flour to dissolve.
7. Add 1/2 cup of chicken broth to the pan making sure to scrape up all the bits stuck to the bottom. Let the liquid simmer. Thicken, for 2 minutes.
8. Slowly whisk in 3/4 cup of buttermilk or cream allowing the gravy to simmer for another 1 to 2 minutes until it reaches a creamy consistency.
9. Carefully place the cooked pork chops back into the pan generously coating them with the sauce. Let them simmer in the sauce until fully cooked, which should take around 5 minutes or until they're done according to your preference. The sauce will naturally thicken more as it combines with the pork.
10. Give your dish a taste. Adjust the seasoning, with salt and pepper as necessary. Before serving garnish your Southern Smothered Pork Chops with some chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley. Sit back. Savor all those comforting flavors that these pork chops bring to your plate.

Notes

To give a gluten-free variation to the well-loved recipe of Southern Smothered Pork Chops make sure all the ingredients, including the seasoning and broth are certified gluten-free. Instead of using all-purpose flour choose a gluten-free flour blend, for coating the pork chops and thickening the gravy. This easy swap will permit everyone to relish the flavors of this dish without compromising their preferences. Keep in mind that gluten-free flour may have slightly different characteristics so pay attention to achieving the desired thickness of the gravy. With this adjustment you can enjoy a comforting version of these mouthwatering pork chops that's gluten-free.

Bitty

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Bitty

I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!

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