Southern Smothered Pork Chops

A Classic Southern Comfort Meal with Rich Onion Gravy and Tender Pork

There are few dishes that capture the heart of Southern home cooking quite like Southern Smothered Pork Chops. This recipe is the kind of comfort food that reminds you of Sunday dinners at Grandma’s, with tender, pan-seared pork chops covered in a luscious onion gravy that practically begs to be soaked up with mashed potatoes or rice.

Smothered pork chops are proof that simple ingredients — flour, butter, onions, and a few spices — can create a dish bursting with flavor and warmth. Every bite feels nostalgic, hearty, and soulful, making it perfect for cozy nights, family gatherings, or any time you crave real, satisfying food.

🥘 What Are Southern Smothered Pork Chops?

In traditional Southern cuisine, the term “smothered” means slowly cooked in a rich gravy until tender. Smothered Pork Chops are first seared to lock in flavor, then gently simmered in a flavorful onion gravy until juicy and melt-in-your-mouth tender.

It’s an iconic Southern soul food dish that has stood the test of time — a combination of deep, homey flavors and comforting textures that never fails to please.

🧂 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Authentic Southern flavor: Deeply seasoned, rich, and soul-warming.
• Tender and juicy: The slow simmer ensures the pork chops stay moist.
• Simple ingredients: Made from everyday pantry staples.
• Perfect for any occasion: Sunday dinners, family meals, or weeknight comfort food.
• Customizable: Adjust spices or gravy consistency to your taste.

🧄 Ingredients for Southern Smothered Pork Chops

For the Pork Chops

• 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for dredging)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or butter

For the Onion Gravy

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
• ½ cup whole milk or heavy cream
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley

🔪 Instructions

1. Season the pork chops:
   Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Rub the seasoning evenly on both sides of each pork chop.
2. Dredge and sear:
   Lightly coat each pork chop with flour, shaking off excess. Heat vegetable oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add pork chops and sear 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
3. Make the onion gravy base:
   In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and caramelized. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
4. Create the roux:
   Sprinkle flour over the onions and stir for about 1 minute to form a roux. The mixture should be slightly golden and thick.
5. Add liquid and seasonings:
   Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring there are no lumps. Stir in milk or cream, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer.
6. Return pork chops to the skillet:
   Nestle the seared pork chops back into the gravy. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25–30 minutes until the pork chops are tender and fully cooked.
7. Finish and serve:
   Taste the gravy and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with chopped parsley. Serve hot with mashed potatoes, rice, or cornbread.

Southern Smothered Pork Chops

Tender, bone-in pork chops smothered in rich homemade onion gravy for a true Southern comfort meal.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Soul Food, Southern

Calories: 410

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Pork Chops

• 4 bone-in pork chops about 1-inch thick
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 tsp paprika
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder
• 0.5 tsp onion powder
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour for dredging
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil or butter for searing

Onion Gravy

• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 large yellow onion thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken broth low sodium
• 0.5 cup whole milk or heavy cream
• 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
• 0.5 tsp dried thyme
• salt and pepper to taste
• fresh parsley for garnish

Equipment

• Skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Tongs
• Whisk

Method

 

1. Season pork chops with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
2. Lightly dredge each chop in flour, shaking off excess.
3. Heat oil in a skillet and sear pork chops for 3–4 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, melt butter and add onions. Cook until caramelized, about 10 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute.
5. Sprinkle flour over onions to form a roux, stirring for 1 minute.
6. Gradually whisk in broth, then milk, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer until thickened.
7. Return pork chops to skillet, cover, and simmer 25–30 minutes until tender.
8. Garnish with parsley and serve with mashed potatoes or rice.

Notes

For a creamier gravy, use heavy cream instead of milk. Add mushrooms for extra depth.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Classic Side Dishes: Mashed potatoes, buttered rice, or creamy grits perfectly soak up the rich onion gravy.
• Southern Greens: Pair with collard greens, sautéed spinach, or green beans for a balanced meal.
• Cornbread Companion: A slice of skillet cornbread or buttermilk biscuits completes the Southern comfort experience.

🌾 Tips for the Best Smothered Pork Chops

1. Use bone-in pork chops for maximum flavor and tenderness. Boneless chops can work, but they’re more likely to dry out.
2. Don’t rush the onions! Properly caramelized onions build the base flavor of your gravy.
3. Simmer low and slow. This allows the flavors to meld and the pork to become fork-tender.
4. Adjust the gravy consistency: If it’s too thick, add a splash of broth. Too thin? Simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes.
5. Season in layers: Taste as you go — seasoning the chops, the onions, and finally the gravy ensures balanced flavor.

🌶️ Variations

• Mushroom Gravy Version: Add 1 cup of sliced mushrooms with the onions for extra earthiness.
• Spicy Southern Kick: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce for a bold, fiery flavor.
• Creamy Cajun Style: Stir in ½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning and replace half the milk with heavy cream for a thicker, richer gravy.
• Slow Cooker Method: Sear the chops, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 5–6 hours.

🕰️ Make-Ahead & Storage

• Make-Ahead: The onion gravy can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat and simmer the pork chops in it before serving.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked chops and gravy for up to 2 months. Reheat slowly on the stove for best results.

❤️ A Taste of Southern Tradition

Smothered pork chops are more than just a meal — they’re a taste of Southern hospitality, where food brings people together. The rich aroma of caramelized onions and sizzling pork wafting through the kitchen is pure nostalgia for many.

Every region has its twist — some add cream for silkiness, others prefer a darker roux for deeper flavor — but the soul of the dish remains the same: slow-cooked love and comfort in every bite.

So next time you’re craving something hearty and homey, grab a skillet and make these Southern Smothered Pork Chops. They’re simple, flavorful, and guaranteed to make everyone at the table happy.

🧾 Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: 410
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Protein: 34g
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Cholesterol: 105mg
• Sodium: 590mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 3g