Smothered Pork Chops

You’ve likely heard of smothered pork chops, a dish where bone-in chops are seared to a golden hue, then blanketed in a savory onion sauce.

With precise seasoning and a careful simmer, this meal transforms into a comforting masterpiece, perfect for pairing with creamy mashed potatoes or a delicate rice pilaf.

Curious to discover the secret to achieving the perfect balance of flavors and textures?

Stay with us as we explore the art of crafting this satisfying dish.

Kitchen Tools Required

• 1 large skillet
• 1 whisk
• 1 cutting board
• 1 knife
• 1 measuring cup
• 1 spoon
• 1 plate

Ingredients

• 4 bone-in pork chops
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup onion, sliced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Cook & Prep Time

To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Smothered Pork Chops, follow this timeline:

1. Reading and Preparation (5 minutes):
   • Read through the entire recipe to understand the steps and gather all necessary ingredients and equipment.
2. Prep Time (15 minutes):
   • Season the pork chops with salt and black pepper.
   • Slice the onion.
   • Chop the fresh parsley.
3. Cooking Time (35 minutes):
   • (0-10 minutes): Heat olive oil in the skillet and sear the pork chops for 3-4 minutes on each side. Remove them from the skillet.
   • (10-15 minutes): Add sliced onions to the skillet and sauté for 5 minutes.
   • (15-20 minutes): Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, then whisk in the chicken broth.
   • (20-25 minutes): Add heavy cream, garlic powder, and paprika, and bring to a simmer.
   • (25-45 minutes): Return the pork chops to the skillet, cover, and cook on low heat for 20 minutes.
4. Resting Time (5 minutes):
   • Remove the skillet from heat and let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes.
5. Serving:
   • Garnish with chopped parsley and serve.

Recipe Instructions

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

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add pork chops to the skillet and sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.

Remove pork chops from the skillet and set aside.

Add sliced onions to the same skillet and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent.

Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.

Slowly whisk in the chicken broth until smooth.

Add heavy cream, garlic powder, and paprika to the mixture and bring to a simmer.

Return the pork chops to the skillet, smothering them with the sauce.

Cover and cook on low heat for 20 minutes until the pork chops are tender.

Let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Serving Tips

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes make a classic and comforting pairing with smothered pork chops, soaking up the delicious sauce.
• Steamed Vegetables: Serve with a side of steamed broccoli or green beans for a light and nutritious balance to the rich flavors.
• Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf complements the savory sauce and adds a flavorful starch to the meal.
• Buttered Noodles: Simple buttered noodles provide a neutral base that pairs well with the rich sauce and tender pork.
• Garden Salad: A fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette offers a revitalizing contrast to the hearty dish.

Storage

To store smothered pork chops, place them in an airtight container.

Refrigerate for up to three days.

Reheat gently on the stovetop to maintain their flavor and texture.

Freezing

To freeze smothered pork chops, allow them to cool completely.

Then, transfer to airtight containers.

Label with the date.

Freeze for up to three months.

Reheat gently to preserve sauce consistency.

Reheating

To reheat smothered pork chops, place them in a skillet over low heat.

Add a splash of chicken broth to keep the sauce from thickening too much.

Cover until heated through.

Final Thoughts

Enjoy the rich and comforting flavors of smothered pork chops for your next meal.

This classic American dish isn’t only simple to prepare but also delivers a hearty and satisfying experience.

The tender pork chops, coated in a creamy sauce, are perfect for any occasion.

Remember to adjust the seasoning to your liking and consider adding a splash of white wine for an extra depth of flavor.

Serve with your favorite sides, and enjoy the delightful taste of this timeless recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead of Bone-In?

Yes, you can substitute boneless pork chops for bone-in ones. Verify they’re of uniform thickness to maintain consistent cooking. Monitor cooking time closely, as boneless chops may cook faster, preventing them from becoming dry.

What Side Dishes Pair Well With Smothered Pork Chops?

You’ll want to pair smothered pork chops with creamy mashed potatoes, sautéed green beans, or roasted asparagus. For a robust flavor profile, consider a side of garlic-butter rice or a crisp, invigorating apple-cabbage slaw.

How Can I Make the Dish Spicier?

To make it spicier, incorporate 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper and 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté them with onions, ensuring they meld seamlessly. Adjust according to taste, balancing heat while preserving the dish’s essence.

Are There Any Gluten-Free Alternatives for the Flour?

Substitute the all-purpose flour with 2 tablespoons of gluten-free all-purpose flour blend or cornstarch. Both options provide a thickening effect without gluten. Make certain you whisk thoroughly to maintain a smooth consistency in your sauce.

Can I Substitute the Heavy Cream With a Non-Dairy Option?

You can substitute heavy cream with a non-dairy option like coconut cream or almond milk, maintaining creaminess while reducing dairy. Use a 1:1 ratio, but adjust the seasoning to balance flavor nuances introduced by the alternative.

Smothered Pork Chops

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Resting Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Equipment

• 1 large skillet
• 1 Whisk
• 1 Cutting board
• 1 Knife
• 1 measuring cup
• 1 Spoon
• 1 plate

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 4 bone-in pork chops
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup onion sliced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped

Instructions

 

• Season both sides of the pork chops with salt and black pepper.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add pork chops to the skillet and sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
• Remove pork chops from the skillet and set aside.
• Add sliced onions to the same skillet and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent.
• Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
• Slowly whisk in the chicken broth until smooth.
• Add heavy cream, garlic powder, and paprika to the mixture and bring to a simmer.
• Return the pork chops to the skillet, smothering them with the sauce.
• Cover and cook on low heat for 20 minutes until the pork chops are tender.
• Let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes before serving.
• Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

For the best results, ensure that the pork chops are of even thickness to promote even cooking. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences, and feel free to add a splash of white wine to the sauce for an extra layer of flavor. Keep an eye on the sauce to prevent it from thickening too much or burning.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Cynthia Weatherford

Cynthia Weatherford is a seasoned chef and culinary enthusiast who serves as the Recipe creator of Somonday. With decades of experience in the kitchen and a passion for exploring diverse cuisines, Cynthia brings a blend of creativity and technique to every dish. Known for transforming simple ingredients into show-stopping meals, Cynthia believes that cooking is an art form anyone can master. Dedicated to inspiring home cooks, Cynthia shares approachable recipes, pro tips, and culinary wisdom to make every meal memorable.