Tender Smothered Pork Chops

Name: Tender Smothered Pork Chops
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 bone-in pork chops; Salt and black pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 onion, sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

Highlighted under: Nourishing Comfort Meals

I absolutely love preparing Tender Smothered Pork Chops for a cozy family dinner. The succulent pork chops are enveloped in a rich, flavorful gravy that elevates each bite. I like to serve it over creamy mashed potatoes or with a side of steamed vegetables to soak up that delicious sauce. This dish is not only easy to make but also has a comforting, home-cooked feel that is perfect for any occasion. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a favorite at your dinner table!

Created by

Sandra

Last updated on 2026-02-01T23:39:29.175Z

When I first attempted to create the perfect smothered pork chops, I knew I wanted to combine traditional flavors with my own twist. I experimented with various seasoning blends and sauces until I found the ideal mix that complements the pork beautifully. One key tip I discovered is to sear the chops until golden brown before simmering them in the gravy. This not only locks in moisture but also adds a deep, savory flavor to the dish.

As I served the Tender Smothered Pork Chops at our last family gathering, I watched as everyone savored each bite with delight. The comforting aroma filled our home, and I was thrilled to see the smiles on my loved ones’ faces. To make the gravy even richer, I often add a splash of white wine, which enhances the depth of flavor without overwhelming the dish. Try it, and you will love this recipe as much as we do!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Juicy pork chops that are infused with rich, savory flavors
Luscious gravy that can be served over rice or potatoes
Quick to prepare, making it a perfect weeknight meal

Perfecting Your Pork Chops

To achieve perfectly seared pork chops, make sure to pat them dry with paper towels before seasoning. This removes excess moisture, allowing for a better crust when they hit the hot skillet. Use medium-high heat for searing; this temperature ensures a beautifully golden outer crust while preserving juiciness inside. If you notice excessive smoke, reduce the heat slightly to avoid burning the chops and the oil.

Another tip is to let the pork chops rest for a few minutes after searing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more succulent bite. If your chops are particularly thick (over 1 inch), consider using a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 145°F for optimal doneness.

Creating the Gravy

The gravy made from the fond left in the skillet after searing is key to enhancing the dish's flavor. As the onions and garlic cook, be sure to scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon; these bits, known as fond, add depth to the gravy. Cook the onions until they turn a translucent color, indicating they have softened sufficiently, before adding the flour.

When adding the flour, ensure it's thoroughly mixed in for about a minute to avoid a raw flour taste in the final gravy. Gradually pouring in the chicken broth while continuously whisking will help prevent lumps, resulting in a smooth, silky sauce. If you find your gravy too thick, adding a splash of broth or cream can adjust the consistency to your liking.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

This dish pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice, which soak up the luscious gravy perfectly. For a fresh touch, consider serving alongside sautéed green beans or steamed broccoli, adding color and a touch of crispness to the meal. If desired, I like to garnish the finished dish with freshly chopped parsley or thyme for added brightness and flavor.

To switch things up, try adding mushrooms to the gravy for an earthy flavor or a splash of sherry to enhance its richness. For a lighter version, substituting half-and-half for heavy cream can work well, though the texture may be less velvety. Additionally, if you're short on time, this recipe can be scaled up using a slow cooker, allowing for tender pork chops without constant monitoring.

Ingredients

For the Pork Chops

4 bone-in pork chops
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced

For the Gravy

1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

Steps

Prepare the Pork Chops

Season the pork chops with salt and black pepper on both sides. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the pork chops for 4-5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.

Make the Gravy

In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, then gradually add the chicken broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Add the cream, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme, letting it simmer for 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens.

Simmer the Pork Chops

Return the pork chops to the skillet, making sure they are well-coated with the gravy. Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low, letting the chops simmer for about 15-20 minutes until they are cooked through and tender.

Serve and Enjoy

Carefully remove the pork chops from the skillet. Serve them hot with the creamy gravy poured over the top. Enjoy this dish with your favorite sides!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider marinating the pork chops in your favorite spices for a few hours before cooking. This adds depth and a personal touch to the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're out of chicken broth, vegetable broth is a great swap that still adds moisture and flavor to the gravy. For a different depth, consider using beef broth; just keep in mind it will change the flavor profile slightly. If you prefer a lighter option, using low-fat milk in place of heavy cream can work, but the gravy may not be as rich or thick.

For those avoiding gluten, easily substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch. Mix it with a small amount of water to create a slurry before adding it to the gravy, which will provide thickening without the gluten. Additionally, if you're short on time and want to skip on ingredients, seasoning blends or pre-made gravies can offer a quick but flavorful alternative.

Make-Ahead Tips

This dish can be partially prepared ahead of time, making it a great option for busy weekdays. You can sear the pork chops and prepare the gravy in advance, then store them separately in the refrigerator for up to two days. Before serving, simply reheat everything in the skillet over low heat until warmed through, ensuring both the chops retain their juiciness.

If you want to freeze this dish, cook it as directed, then cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. It should last up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then warm it gently on the stove or in the oven, adding a little broth or water if necessary to maintain moisture.

Troubleshooting Techniques

If your gravy is too thin after adding the broth, there’s a simple fix; combine a tablespoon of flour with a splash of water to create a paste. Gradually whisk this paste into the simmering gravy until it reaches the desired thickness. Conversely, if your gravy is too thick, adding additional broth or cream will help thin it out and restore the smooth texture.

When cooking the pork chops, if they seem tough or chewy, they may have been overcooked. The goal is to achieve a gentle simmer during the final cooking stage; keep an eye on the time, checking for tenderness after 15 minutes. If they’re still not fork-tender, cover and let them simmer a few more minutes while checking frequently.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use boneless pork chops instead?

Yes, you can use boneless pork chops, but reduce the cooking time slightly as they cook faster.

→ What can I serve with smothered pork chops?

These pork chops are delicious served over mashed potatoes, rice, or even pasta to soak up the gravy.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, reheat on the stove or microwave when ready to serve.

→ Can I freeze smothered pork chops?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked chops with gravy. Just make sure to cool them completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.