This simple and fail-proof Trader Joe’s recipe turns out the most tender, juicy pork chops that are smothered in a rich and creamy onion gravy. It all cooks right on the stovetop in one pan, ready in about 40 minutes.
Jump to RecipeTrader Joe’s Smothered Pork Chops Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon fine salt, divided
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops (each about ¾– to 1-inch thick; 1 ½ to 2 lbs total)
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil
- 1 sweet yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cups chicken broth, divided
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (use gluten-free, if needed)
- 1 teaspoon ground sage
- Optional for serving: mashed potatoes and sprigs of fresh thyme or finely chopped fresh parsley
How To Make Trader Joe’s Smothered Pork Chops
- Season and sear the pork: In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, ½ teaspoon of salt, and pepper. Season both sides of the pork chops generously with the mixture. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork chops for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown, then remove them to a plate.
- Sauté the onions: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Pour in ¼ cup of the broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Add the sliced onion and sauté for 8 to 10 minutes, until browned and tender.
- Make the gravy: Sprinkle the flour over the softened onions and stir for about a minute until the raw flour is cooked. Slowly stir in the remaining 1¾ cups of broth, the ground sage, and the remaining ½ teaspoon of salt. Bring the mixture to a simmer until it has thickened.
- Smother and finish: Return the pork chops to the skillet, tucking them into the gravy. Continue to cook for another 2 to 6 minutes, until the pork chops are cooked through (reaching an internal temperature of 145°F).
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with fresh herbs and serve the pork chops with the onion gravy spooned over the top.
Recipe Tips
- How to get the most tender pork chops? The key is not to overcook them. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 145°F. Searing them first and then letting them finish cooking gently in the gravy ensures they stay juicy.
- Can I make this gluten-free? Yes, the recipe notes that you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (like Bob’s Red Mill 1:1) to thicken the gravy.
- What kind of pork chops are best? Either bone-in or boneless chops work well. Bone-in chops tend to be more flavorful and juicy, while boneless chops are a great lean option.
- Can I make the gravy creamier? For a richer, creamier gravy, you can stir in a ¼ cup of heavy cream or half-and-half at the very end of the cooking time, just before serving.
What To Serve With Smothered Pork Chops
This comforting dish is a classic for a reason and pairs perfectly with sides that can soak up the delicious gravy.
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Buttered egg noodles
- Fluffy white rice
- Steamed green beans or roasted broccoli
How To Store Smothered Pork Chops
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Smothered Pork Chops Nutrition Facts
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
- Calories: 293
- Fat: 11 g
- Carbohydrate: 13 g
- Protein: 36 g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Lumps can form if the broth is added to the flour and onion mixture too quickly. Sprinkle the flour evenly over the onions, stir to coat them, then add the broth slowly while stirring or whisking constantly to create a smooth gravy.
Yes. While a sweet yellow onion is recommended for its mild flavor, a regular yellow or white onion will also work perfectly well in the gravy.
No, but it helps prevent the flour from sticking when you are making the gravy. A regular heavy-bottomed skillet will work just fine; just be sure to scrape up any browned bits.
Trader Joe’s Smothered Pork Chops Recipe
Course: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings15
minutes25
minutes293
kcalA simple and fail-proof recipe that turns out the most tender, juicy pork chops smothered in a rich and savory onion gravy, all cooked in one pan.
Ingredients
1 tsp each: garlic powder, onion powder, salt
½ tsp black pepper
4 bone-in or boneless pork chops
2 tbsp avocado or olive oil
1 sweet yellow onion, thinly sliced
2 cups chicken broth
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 tsp ground sage
Directions
- Season the pork chops with a mix of the garlic powder, onion powder, ½ tsp salt, and pepper.
- Sear the pork chops in a hot skillet for 3-4 minutes per side; remove from pan.
- In the same pan, sauté the sliced onion for 8-10 minutes until tender.
- Sprinkle the flour over the onions and cook for 1 minute.
- Slowly stir in the chicken broth, ground sage, and remaining ½ tsp salt. Simmer until the gravy thickens.
- Return the pork chops to the pan and cook for another 2-6 minutes until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F.
- Serve the pork chops smothered in the onion gravy.
Notes
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing the pork chops; cook them in batches if necessary.
- Scraping up the browned bits (the “fond”) from the bottom of the pan after searing the pork is key to a flavorful gravy.
- This dish is a fantastic one-pan meal, which makes for very easy cleanup.
- For the most tender results, be careful not to overcook the pork chops.
