Chef John's Smothered Pork Chops

These smothered pork chops, featuring a rich onion gravy, will be a hit on your dinner table. Youll be shocked by how easy it is to make this Southern comfort food.

How to Make Smothered Pork Chops

Follow these simple steps for a delicious, comforting meal. Here's an overview of what to expect:

Ingredients

For the pork chops:

• 4 large bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
• 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the sauce:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 large yellow onion, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cups chicken broth
• cup buttermilk
• cup water

How to Cook Smothered Pork Chops

Follow these easy steps to make your smothered pork chops:

1. Season the pork chops: Sprinkle both sides of the pork chops with poultry seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
2. Brown the pork chops: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and brown them well on both sides, about 5 minutes per side. Once browned, transfer the chops to a plate and set aside.
3. Prepare the sauce: Discard any excess grease from the skillet. In the same pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions with a pinch of salt, and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 15 minutes until the onions are caramelized.
4. Add garlic and flour: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Then, add the flour and cook for 2 minutes to form a roux.
5. Pour in the chicken broth: Add the chicken broth to the skillet, stirring to dissolve the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Then, pour in the juices from the plate with the pork chops.
6. Incorporate buttermilk and water: Stir in the buttermilk until smooth, then add the water. Bring the sauce to a simmer over low heat and cook for 15 to 20 minutes until it thickens and the onions start to break down.
7. Return the pork chops to the pan: Place the pork chops back into the skillet, spooning the sauce over them to coat. Turn the heat to low and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the pork chops are tender and cooked through (145F).
8. Adjust seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Serve the pork chops with plenty of gravy on top.

What Goes With Smothered Pork Chops?

Smothered pork chops pair perfectly with starchy comfort foods like mashed potatoes, plain rice, or risotto. Homemade rolls or cornbread are great for soaking up the delicious gravy. If you want to add some balance, consider serving with roasted broccoli or cauliflower rice for a lighter option.

Nutrition Facts

Each serving (1 pork chop) provides approximately:

• 370 Calories
• 25g Fat
• 8g Carbs
• 28g Protein

Per serving:

• Total Fat: 25g (32% of daily value)
• Saturated Fat: 9g (44% of daily value)
• Cholesterol: 80mg (27% of daily value)
• Sodium: 79mg (3% of daily value)
• Total Carbohydrates: 8g (3% of daily value)
• Dietary Fiber: 1g (3% of daily value)
• Total Sugars: 2g
• Protein: 28g (56% of daily value)
• Vitamin C: 4mg (5% of daily value)
• Calcium: 61mg (5% of daily value)
• Iron: 1mg (7% of daily value)
• Potassium: 478mg (10% of daily value)

Note: Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.