Smothered Pork Chops

Smothered Pork Chops

4 servings
Get our Test Kitchen's best smothered pork chop recipe. You can whip up this comforting one-pan meal in under 45 minutes. It's a crowd-pleasing combination of juicy pork chops and creamy buttermilk gravy.

Ingredients

  • inch thick bone-in pork chops

    about 2 1/4 pounds

    4 ¾
  • paprika
    1 tsp
  • seasoned salt
    ½ tsp
  • cayenne pepper
    ¼ tsp
  • all-purpose flour
    ½ c
  • olive oil
    2 tbsp
  • butter
    1 tbsp
  • sweet onion

    halved and thinly sliced, 2 cups

    1
  • garlic

    minced

    4 cloves
  • chopped fresh thyme
    1 tsp
  • reduced-sodium chicken broth
    1 c
  • buttermilk
    ½ c
  • dijon-style mustard
    1 tsp
  • chopped italian parsley
    1 tbsp

Directions

  1. 1

    Season pork chops with paprika, seasoned salt, and cayenne pepper.

  2. 2

    Place flour in a shallow dish. Dredge chops in flour, shaking off excess. Reserve 2 Tbsp. of the flour.

  3. 3

    In a 12-inch skillet heat oil and 1 Tbsp. butter over medium heat. Add chops to skillet. Cook until well browned, 6 to 10 minutes, turning once. Remove chops from skillet; cover with foil to keep warm. Add additional butter to skillet to equal about 2 Tbsp. drippings.

  4. 4

    Add onion to skillet. Stir to coat in drippings. Cover; reduce heat to medium-low. Cook 12 to 14 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally, and scraping any browned bits up from the bottom of the skillet. Increase heat to medium-high. Cook and stir until onions are golden brown. Stir in garlic and thyme. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

  5. 5

    Reduce heat to medium. Add flour. Cook and stir 1 minute. Add broth, buttermilk, and mustard. Cook and stir until thickened and bubbly, then cook 2 minutes longer, stirring frequently.

  6. 6

    Return chops to skillet and coat in gravy. Cover and simmer until heated through and chops are done (145°F when tested with an instant-read thermometer), 5 minutes. Garnish with parsley.

Smothered Pork Chops

Smothered Pork Chops

4.5(8)45 min4 servings779 cal

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Based on 8 ratings

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4.5(8 reviews)
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About this Recipe

Craving a deeply satisfying, homestyle meal that feels like a warm hug but comes together faster than you'd think? Our Test Kitchen's best Smothered Pork Chops deliver on all fronts, offering tender, juicy pork enveloped in a rich, creamy buttermilk gravy.

What truly sets these Smothered Pork Chops apart is the meticulous balance of flavors and the sheer convenience of a one-pan meal, minimizing cleanup while maximizing comfort. Developed by our Test Kitchen experts, this recipe ensures perfectly tender bone-in pork chops are bathed in a creamy, tangy gravy that's infused with aromatic sweet onion, garlic, and fresh thyme. It’s a testament to simple ingredients yielding extraordinary results.

Prepare for a truly comforting and deeply flavorful experience with every bite of these hearty smothered pork chops. You'll find succulent, well-seasoned pork, incredibly tender beneath its golden crust, nestled in a velvety gravy that's brightened by the subtle tang of buttermilk and a hint of savory Dijon mustard. The aromatic sweet onion, fragrant garlic, and earthy fresh thyme meld perfectly, while the gentle warmth from paprika and cayenne pepper adds just the right amount of zest without overwhelming the dish. It’s a substantial, satisfying meal that truly evokes classic home cooking, guaranteed to bring a smile to any table.

Customization & Variations

  • While 4.75 inch thick bone-in pork chops are recommended for maximum juiciness, you can use thinner cuts; just monitor cooking times carefully to prevent over-drying.
  • Feel free to adjust the cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level; omit it entirely for a milder profile.
  • No fresh thyme on hand? A smaller amount of dried thyme can be substituted, or consider a pinch of dried rosemary for a different aromatic note.
  • The creamy buttermilk gravy base is incredibly versatile; try it over seared chicken thighs or even hearty roasted vegetables for a comforting meat-free option.

These smothered pork chops are the quintessential cold-weather comfort food, ideal for a hearty family dinner or a relaxed gathering with friends. They pair beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy white rice, or a side of crusty bread, ensuring you can savor every last drop of that incredible, savory gravy.

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