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Comforting Smothered Pork Chops Recipe with Rich Onion Gravy Easy and Perfect

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This smothered pork chops recipe features juicy bone-in pork chops cooked in a rich, caramelized onion gravy. It’s a quick, easy, and comforting meal perfect for cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in pork chops, about 1-inch thick
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • ½ cup (65g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups (480ml) chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped (optional)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • ¼ cup (60ml) heavy cream or half-and-half (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Spread the flour on a plate and dredge each chop, shaking off excess flour. (About 5 minutes)
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the pork chops and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove chops to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm. (About 10 minutes)
  3. Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the pan. Once melted, add the sliced onions with a pinch of salt. Stir frequently, letting the onions soften and turn a deep golden brown, about 15 minutes. Add minced garlic during the last 2 minutes and stir to combine. (About 15 minutes)
  4. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of flour over the onions and stir well to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 5-7 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. (About 10 minutes)
  5. Nestle the browned pork chops back into the skillet, spooning gravy over them. Cover and reduce heat to low, letting them simmer gently for 10-15 minutes until pork is cooked through (internal temperature 145°F / 63°C). Stir occasionally and baste chops with gravy. (About 15 minutes)
  6. Remove pork chops to a serving plate and discard the bay leaf. Stir in heavy cream or half-and-half if using, and simmer uncovered for 2-3 minutes to create a silky smooth texture. Pour gravy over chops and serve immediately.

Notes

For gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. For dairy-free, use olive oil instead of butter and coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Avoid overcrowding the pan when browning pork chops to get a good crust. Let onions caramelize slowly for best flavor. If gravy thickens too much, whisk in a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen. Bone-in chops add more juiciness and flavor but boneless can be used with careful cooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: smothered pork chops, onion gravy, comfort food, easy pork chops, bone-in pork chops, caramelized onions, quick dinner