Juicy & Flavorful Smothered Pork Chops - The Recipe Rebel (2024)

written by Ashley Fehr

4.97 from 133 votes

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings 4 servings

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Last updated on January 26, 2024

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These Smothered Pork Chops are a classic Southern-inspired dish made in just one pot! Tender and juicy pork chops are seared until browned, then simmered in a rich and flavorful bacon gravy.

Got more pork chops? Try these incredibly juicy Baked Pork Chops, these quick-cooking Air Fryer Pork Chops or these Glazed Crock Pot Pork Chops.

Juicy & Flavorful Smothered Pork Chops - The Recipe Rebel (2)

Table of Contents

  • Reader Rating
  • Ingredients Needed:
  • How to Make Smothered Pork Chops
  • Smothered Pork Chops FAQs
  • Tips and Notes for Pan Fried Pork Chops
  • Serving Suggestions
  • More Pork Chop Recipes to Try
  • Juicy Smothered Pork Chops Recipe Recipe

Pork chops get a bad rep, but after perfecting these Baked Pork Chops I was inspired to make some more!

I’ve got a few tips up my sleeve to make sure you have the juiciest pork chops ever 😉

Reader Rating

Juicy & Flavorful Smothered Pork Chops - The Recipe Rebel (3)

“Oh my goodness, great recipe! I typically do the cooking in the family, and pork of one of our least favorite…but this was delicious! I made 1 simple adjustment and added mushrooms to the sauté portion.”– Jason

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Pork has a tendency to dry out quickly, but both my baked pork chops and these rich and flavorful Smothered Pork Chops stay so moist and juicy, they have converted our family of so-we-thought pork chop critics.

In this recipe, the pork is seared first to lock in the moisture, then it is simmered in a rich and creamy gravy to add tons of flavor and moisture and make it so delectably tender.

Oh, and it’s all made in just one pot! And we all know I love One Pot Meals 😉

Ingredients Needed:

Juicy & Flavorful Smothered Pork Chops - The Recipe Rebel (4)
  • Pork Chops: use thick-cut, boneless pork chops. Bone-in pork chops will take longer to cook and I haven’t yet tested this recipe with them. If your pork chops are cut thinner they will dry out more quickly.
  • Flour: coating the pork chops in flour absorbs moisture and creates that perfect sear.
  • Seasonings: we’re mixing the flour with a blend of seasoning salt, onion powder, paprika, garlic powder, dried thyme, and black pepper. It’s the perfect way to add tons of flavor to the pork chops.
  • Bacon: diced thick cut bacon adds delicious saltiness and texture to the gravy.
  • Onion: diced onion adds a touch of sweetness and even more texture.
  • Butter: mixed with the flour and seasoning mixture to form a roux which helps to thicken the gravy. Use this only if your bacon did not create enough fat to absorb the flour.
  • Chicken Broth and Heavy Whipping Cream: creates a rich, creamy, and flavorful base for our gravy. Be sure to use low sodium broth, or your sauce may be too salty.
Juicy & Flavorful Smothered Pork Chops - The Recipe Rebel (5)

How to Make Smothered Pork Chops

These Smothered Pork Chops are ready in under 30 minutes! More detailed instructions can be found in the recipe card below.

  1. Dredge the pork: In a bowl, mix together flour and seasonings. Coat the pork in the flour mixture.
  2. Sear: Heat oil in a large skillet, then add in the pork. Cook until golden, then transfer to a plate and keep warm.
  3. Cook the bacon and onion: To the same pan, add bacon and cook until crispy. Add butter, let that melt, then add in onion and cook until soft.
  4. Make the sauce: To the same pan, stir in the flour mixture. Cook and stir until no white remains, then add chicken broth and cream. Place the pork chops back into the sauce and simmer until the sauce is thickened and the pork is cooked through.
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Smothered Pork Chops FAQs

What is the best way to cook pork chops without them drying out?

Smother them! Seriously. Smothering (like braising) is a cooking technique in which you cook food in a liquid over low heat. Smothering pork chops is such a great way to make sure they’re incredibly moist and tender.

Why are my Smothered Pork Chops tough?

If your pork chops are tough, then they’re likely overcooked. I recommend keeping a close eye on them when they’re simmering to make sure that this doesn’t happen. They will likely only need 4-5 minutes to cook all the way through. As soon as the internal temperature reaches 145ºF, remove the pork from the heat.

How to store leftover Smothered Pork Chops:

Leftover Smothered Pork Chops will last in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 1 month. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm on low on the stove until everything is heated through.

Juicy & Flavorful Smothered Pork Chops - The Recipe Rebel (10)

Tips and Notes for Pan Fried Pork Chops

  • Use thick-cut pork chops. Aim for chops that are about 3/4-1″ thick. These cook at just the right rate!
  • Bring the pork to room temp. I recommend setting the pork out on the counter roughly 30 minutes before cooking. This helps it cook more evenly.
  • Check the temp. Use a meat thermometer to double check the internal temperature of the pork before serving. It should be 145ºF.

Serving Suggestions

These Smothered Pork Chops can be paired with so many different side dishes! I love to serve them alongside Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans with Bacon, a pile of rice, a slice of cornbread, or Homemade Dinner Rolls.

For more ideas, check out my 25 Easy Sides for Pork Chops!

More Pork Chop Recipes to Try

Dinner

Baked Pork Chops

Dinner

Instant Pot Pork Chops with Gravy

Dinner

Air Fryer Pork Chops

Dinner

Glazed Crock Pot Pork Chops

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Juicy Smothered Pork Chops Recipe

written by Ashley Fehr

4.97 from 133 votes

These Smothered Pork Chops are a classic Southern dish made in just one pot! Tender and juicy pork chops are seared until browned, then simmered in a rich and flavorful bacon gravy.

Juicy & Flavorful Smothered Pork Chops - The Recipe Rebel (17)

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Cuisine American

Course Main Course

Servings 4 servings

Calories 375cal

Ingredients

  • 1 lb thick cut boneless pork chops (aim for ¾-1" thick), room temperature
  • ½ cup all purpose flour
  • tablespoons seasoning salt
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 slices thick cut bacon (diced)
  • 1 medium onion (diced)
  • 1 tablespoon salted butter (optional)
  • ¾ cup low sodium chicken broth
  • ¼ cup heavy whipping cream

US CustomaryMetric

Instructions

  • Place pork chops on the counter to come to room temperature.

  • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons oil.

  • In a medium bowl, combine flour, seasoning salt, onion powder, paprika, garlic powder, thyme and pepper.

  • Dredge pork chops in flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Reserve remaining flour mixture. Place in the preheated pan and cook on each side for 2-3 minutes until golden. Once browned, remove to a plate and cover to keep warm.

  • In the same pan, cook bacon until crispy. Add butter and allow to melt.

  • Stir in onion and cook until softened.

  • Stir in 2 tablespoons of the reserved flour mixture and cook for 1-2 minutes, until no white remains. Add additional butter if needed.

  • Add chicken broth and cream and stir until combined.

  • Add the pork chops back to the pan and simmer until the sauce has thickened and the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees F — be careful not to overcook! — about 4-5 minutes.

  • Serve.

Notes

Ingredients and Substitutions:

  • Pork Chops: use thick-cut, boneless pork chops. Bone-in pork chops will take longer to cook and I haven’t yet tested this recipe with them. If your pork chops are cut thinner they will dry out more quickly.
  • Flour: coating the pork chops in flour absorbs moisture and creates that perfect sear. You can also use corn starch.
  • Bacon: diced thick cut bacon adds delicious smokiness and texture to the gravy. You can leave it out if you prefer.
  • Butter: mixed with the flour and seasoning mixture to form a roux which helps to thicken the gravy. Use this only if your bacon did not create enough fat to absorb the flour.
  • Chicken Broth and Heavy Whipping Cream: creates a rich, creamy, and flavorful base for our gravy. Be sure to use low sodium broth, or your sauce may be too salty.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 375cal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 111mg | Sodium: 2833mg | Potassium: 608mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 565IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 36mg | Iron: 2mg

Keywords fried pork chops, smothered pork chops

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Juicy & Flavorful Smothered Pork Chops - The Recipe Rebel (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret to tender pork chops? ›

How to Make Tender Pork Chops
  1. Opt for Thick-Cut Bone-In Pork Chops. Thin-cut pork chops won't sear properly in the time it takes to cook them through. ...
  2. Skip the Brine, but Season Liberally. ...
  3. Let the Pork Chops Rest. ...
  4. Sear Pork Chops Over Medium-High Heat. ...
  5. Baste the Pork Chops. ...
  6. Let the Pork Chops Rest, Again. ...
  7. Serve.
Feb 14, 2018

Why are my smothered pork chops tough? ›

To keep pork chops tender instead of tough or dry, start with a pan that is really hot, which helps create a good crust on both sides. But after you've done that, reduce the heat to medium. If you keep it too high, the outside can overcook and get tough before the inside is adequately cooked.

What is the most flavorful pork chop? ›

Go for bone-in.

The bone helps provide some protection from overcooking and also has some fat around it that keeps the pork juicier and tastier, so we prefer the bone-in chops.

What do you soak pork chops in before cooking? ›

Combine water, salt, and any additional seasonings in a large container. Stir well to dissolve the salt and sugar. Soak the pork chops in the brine solution, making sure they're fully coated. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

How to make pork extremely tender? ›

To tenderize pork before cooking it, try breaking up the tough muscle by hitting it with a meat mallet evenly across the surface of the meat. Then, if you want your pork to be extra tender, you can marinate it in a tenderizing marinade made with acids, like citrus juices, vinegar, or wine.

What is the best meat tenderizer for pork chops? ›

Marinate the Pork Chops

Mild tenderizing is accomplished through the use of acidic ingredients. Lemon juice, flavored vinegar, red wine, and coffee are all recommended as marinade ingredients that can soften the meat a little.

What goes well with smothered pork chops? ›

Smothered pork chops pair perfectly with starchy comfort foods, like mashed potatoes. Other great options include plain rice or risotto. Homemade rolls or cornbread would be great for soaking up all the delicious gravy.

What makes pork taste better? ›

You wouldn't necessarily just season pork with cumin, but mixing it with other seasonings like ginger and lime can enhance the flavour significantly. We'd recommend using ground cumin in recipes like our Pork Kebabs Marinated In Orange & Cumin, where the cumin can bring out the citrus and pork flavours well.

How do you season pork chops before cooking? ›

The easiest way to season pork chops is with salt and pepper; we prefer kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. When seasoning with salt and pepper, cooking right after seasoning is important—if you wait, the salt will extract water from the meat and your pork chops will be dry.

Is it better to bake or pan fry pork chops? ›

While there are a number of ways to cook pork chops for dinner, baking is arguably the easiest path to perfection. The hands-off cooking method cooks pork chops gently and evenly without the need for extra fat, resulting in juicy, healthier pork chops that pair well with practically any side dish.

How do you make pork more flavorful? ›

8 oz
  1. Keep the Fat. The fat on pork is great for flavor, so definitely don't trim it off. ...
  2. Buy Bone-In. Similarly to not removing the fat, cooking your pork still on the bone will also help keep it from drying out. ...
  3. Embrace Marinades. ...
  4. Consider Brining. ...
  5. Use a Meat Thermometer. ...
  6. Let it Rest.

How do you keep pork chops moist and tender? ›

How to Keep Pork Chops from Drying Out? Brine Them! After you bring your pork chops home, time to brine! Brining pork chops is one of the best ways way to guarantee a juicy cooked pork chop.

Do you rinse marinade off pork chops before cooking? ›

No, you do not want to rinse the marinade off of the pork chops. If you're grilling the pork chops, they can go straight from the marinade onto the grill. If you're cooking the pork chops in a skillet, I do recommend patting them dry before adding them to the skillet.

Does soaking pork chops in salt water make them tender? ›

A brine is essentially just salt and water. It helps prevent moisture loss during cooking, and the salt also helps tenderize the meat from the inside out. If you want an extra juicy piece of pork, brine it before cooking. You can make an effective brine just with salt and water, but additional seasonings do help.

Why do you soak pork chops in vinegar? ›

The citrus and vinegar in the brine tenderize the pork, leaving you with a more succulent bite of the other white meat.

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