Smothered Pork Chops – Indulge in the mouthwatering flavors of our Smothered Pork Chops recipe. This dish is the epitome of comfort food, featuring tender bone-in pork chops smothered in a rich and savory gravy. With a perfect blend of herbs and spices, these pork chops are seared to golden perfection and then simmered in a luscious sauce that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. Get ready to experience a delightful and satisfying meal that will warm your heart and leave you craving more!
There’s something magical about the way this Smothered Pork Chops recipe has found its place in our little family’s hearts. It all started one cozy Sunday afternoon when my husband, Mark, and I were reminiscing about our childhood favorite dishes. We both had fond memories of savoring tender pork chops smothered in a rich gravy at family gatherings. Inspired by those cherished moments, I decided to recreate the recipe in my own kitchen.
As I prepared the pork chops, the savory aromas filled the air, making it impossible for our two little ones to resist peeking into the kitchen. They eagerly watched as I seared the chops to perfection, the sizzle of the meat echoing the excitement in their eyes. Once the fragrant gravy started to simmer, the anticipation grew, and we couldn’t wait to dive into this nostalgic meal.
When we finally sat down to taste the first bite, it was as if time stood still. The pork chops were incredibly tender, with a delightful blend of flavors that took us right back to our childhoods. The rich, caramelized onions in the gravy added a touch of sweetness, while the fresh thyme infused each bite with a burst of herbaceous goodness. It was a moment of pure bliss as our taste buds rejoiced in the familiar and comforting flavors.
Since that day, this Smothered Pork Chops recipe has become a staple in our household. It’s our go-to dish for family gatherings, Sunday suppers, and any time we crave a hearty and satisfying meal. The recipe holds a special place in our hearts, reminding us of the joy and togetherness that comes from sharing delicious food with the ones we love.
Why This Recipe for Smothered Pork Chops?
- Unparalleled Tenderness: The bone-in pork chops in this recipe guarantee moist and succulent meat that practically melts in your mouth. Every bite is a heavenly experience.
- Flavorful Seasonings: Seasoned with a delightful blend of poultry seasoning (or seasoning salt) and freshly ground black pepper, these pork chops pack a punch of savory and aromatic flavors.
- Rich and Savory Gravy: The caramelized onions, garlic, and fresh thyme infuse the gravy with a depth of flavor that perfectly complements the pork chops. You won’t be able to resist savoring every drop.
- Creamy Indulgence: With a touch of heavy cream, the sauce achieves a creamy and velvety texture that elevates the entire dish to a new level of decadence.
- Easy to Prepare: This recipe is straightforward and beginner-friendly, ensuring that you can create a restaurant-worthy meal in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Ingredients:
For the Pork Chops:
- 1 pound (450g) bone-in pork chops, approximately 1-inch thick
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning or seasoning salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
For the Gravy:
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- Pinch of salt
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
- ½ cup low sodium chicken broth
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Directions:
For the Pork Chops:
Season the pork chops with poultry seasoning (or seasoning salt) and freshly ground black pepper.
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the butter is melted. Add the pork chops to the skillet and sear for 5 minutes per side or until they turn a beautiful golden brown. If your skillet isn’t large enough, cook the pork chops in batches. Transfer the seared pork chops to a plate and keep them covered.
For the Gravy:
Return the skillet to the heat and add a tablespoon of butter, allowing it to melt over medium heat. Stir in the thinly sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook the onions for 10 to 12 minutes until they become soft and caramelized, stirring frequently.
Add the minced garlic and chopped fresh thyme to the skillet; continue cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the low sodium chicken broth and, using a wooden spoon, scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Whisk in the heavy cream and let the mixture simmer for 1 minute, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Return the pork chops, along with any accumulated juices, to the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue cooking for an additional 3 minutes or until the pork chops are completely cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve the Smothered Pork Chops with your favorite side dishes and enjoy!
Notes:
- If you prefer boneless pork chops, you can substitute them for the bone-in chops in this recipe. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as boneless chops may cook slightly faster.
- Feel free to customize the seasoning by adding your favorite herbs and spices to the pork chops or the gravy. Experiment with flavors to make this recipe uniquely yours.
- Serve these Smothered Pork Chops with mashed potatoes, rice, or a side of steamed vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
In conclusion, our Smothered Pork Chops recipe is a true delight that brings comfort, nostalgia, and incredible flavors to your table. With tender bone-in pork chops seared to perfection and smothered in a rich and savory gravy, every bite is a heavenly experience that will warm your heart and satisfy your cravings.
Whether you’re looking for a special Sunday supper, a comforting family meal, or a dish to impress your guests, these Smothered Pork Chops are the perfect choice. The combination of flavorful seasonings, caramelized onions, and fresh thyme creates a symphony of tastes that will transport you to a place of pure culinary bliss.
So, gather your loved ones, share the joy of preparing this delightful dish together, and let the enticing aromas fill your home. Create lasting memories around the dinner table as you savor the tender pork chops and savor every spoonful of the velvety gravy. Our Smothered Pork Chops recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household, just as it has in ours.
Indulge in the comforting and soul-satisfying goodness of Smothered Pork Chops today. Give yourself the gift of a memorable dining experience that celebrates the love, warmth, and deliciousness that food brings to our lives. Enjoy every bite, and let this recipe become a cherished part of your culinary repertoire.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boneless pork chops instead of bone-in?
Yes, you can substitute boneless pork chops for the bone-in ones. Just keep in mind that boneless chops may cook slightly faster, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Can I customize the seasoning in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to suit your taste preferences. Add your favorite flavors to the pork chops or the gravy to make this recipe uniquely yours.
What can I serve with Smothered Pork Chops?
These pork chops pair well with mashed potatoes, rice, or a side of steamed vegetables. Choose your favorite sides to create a complete and satisfying meal.
Smothered Pork Chops
Ingredients
For the Pork Chops:
- 1 pound 450g bone-in pork chops, approximately 1-inch thick
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning or seasoning salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
For the Gravy:
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 large yellow onion thinly sliced
- Pinch of salt
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- ½ tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
- ½ cup low sodium chicken broth
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
For the Pork Chops:
- Season the pork chops with poultry seasoning (or seasoning salt) and freshly ground black pepper.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the butter is melted. Add the pork chops to the skillet and sear for 5 minutes per side or until they turn a beautiful golden brown. If your skillet isn't large enough, cook the pork chops in batches. Transfer the seared pork chops to a plate and keep them covered.
For the Gravy:
- Return the skillet to the heat and add a tablespoon of butter, allowing it to melt over medium heat. Stir in the thinly sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook the onions for 10 to 12 minutes until they become soft and caramelized, stirring frequently.
- Add the minced garlic and chopped fresh thyme to the skillet; continue cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the low sodium chicken broth and, using a wooden spoon, scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Whisk in the heavy cream and let the mixture simmer for 1 minute, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Return the pork chops, along with any accumulated juices, to the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue cooking for an additional 3 minutes or until the pork chops are completely cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
- Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve the Smothered Pork Chops with your favorite side dishes and enjoy!
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