Smothered Pork Chops Recipe

This Smothered Pork Chops Recipe is a real show stopper, perfect for a hearty Sunday supper or when you need some serious comfort food. It isn’t usually made with buttermilk in the gravy—often it’s just heavy cream or water—but we’ve added it to give the sauce a wonderful tangy richness that balances the savory pork fat. To make the dish even heartier, you can sauté some sliced mushrooms along with the onions. Not traditional, maybe, but very delicious.

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Smothered Pork Chops Recipe Ingredients

• 4 bone-in center-cut pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
• Kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (divided use)
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 large onion, sliced 1/4 inch thick
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2/3 cup buttermilk
• Store-bought biscuits, for serving (optional)

How To Make Smothered Pork Chops Recipe

1. Season and dredge: Sprinkle the pork chops generously on both sides with kosher salt and the Cajun seasoning. Pour the flour into a shallow dish. Dredge each chop in the flour, shaking off the excess. Important: Reserve the leftover flour; you will need it later.
2. Sear the chops: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and sear them until they are golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes per side. They won’t be cooked through yet. Transfer them to a plate to rest.
3. Caramelize onions: Lower the heat to medium. Add the butter, sliced onion, fresh thyme, and a pinch of salt to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 8 to 10 minutes until the onions are soft and golden brown.
4. Make the roux: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of the reserved flour over the onions. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute to toast the flour and get rid of the raw taste.
5. Build the gravy: Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring to scrape up any browned bits (fond) from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a boil and let it cook for about 2 minutes until it reduces by one-third.
6. Simmer: Stir in the buttermilk to create a creamy sauce. Return the pork chops (and any resting juices) to the skillet. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low.
7. Finish cooking: Cover lightly or leave uncovered and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the pork chops are cooked through and tender.
8. Serve: Serve hot, spooning the onion gravy over the chops, with warm biscuits on the side for mopping up the sauce.

Recipe Tips

• The Bone-In Benefit: Always buy bone-in chops for this recipe. The bone insulates the meat near it, keeping the chop juicier during the simmer, and adds flavor to the gravy.
• Don’t Wipe the Pan: After searing the chops, do not clean the skillet. Those dark, sticky bits on the bottom (fond) are pure flavor gold and are essential for a rich, brown gravy.
• Buttermilk Tempering: Do not let the sauce boil aggressively once the buttermilk is added, or it might curdle (separate). Keep it at a gentle, lazy simmer.
• The Flour Reserve: Don’t throw away the dredging flour! You’ve already seasoned it with the pork juices and Cajun spices, making it the perfect thickener for your gravy.

What To Serve With Smothered Pork Chops Recipe

This Smothered Pork Chops Recipe is rich and savory, demanding sides that can soak up the incredible buttermilk gravy. Fluffy Mashed Potatoes or white rice are classic choices. For a Southern twist, serve with warm Buttermilk Biscuits or a slice of Cornbread. To balance the plate, add a green vegetable like braised Collard Greens or simple Steamed Green Beans, which add a fresh snap against the creamy sauce.

How To Store Smothered Pork Chops Recipe

• Refrigerate: Store the chops and gravy together in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The gravy will thicken into a gel when cold.
• Reheat: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or extra chicken broth to loosen the gravy as it warms up.
• Freeze: You can freeze the chops in the sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Smothered Pork Chops Recipe Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 580 kcal
• Fat: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Protein: 45g

Nutrition information is estimated per serving.

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