Smothered Pork Chops with Onion Gravy

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour

🛒 Ingredients

For the Pork Chops

• 4 bone-in pork chops (¾–1 inch thick)

• 1 tsp kosher salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp paprika

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp onion powder

• ¼ tsp dried thyme

For Dredging

• ½ cup all-purpose flour

• ½ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

For the Onion Gravy

• 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced

• 2 tbsp butter

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tbsp flour (from dredging flour)

• 2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• ½ tsp dried thyme

• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)

• Salt & pepper to taste

Optional: fresh parsley for garnish

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Season & Dredge

1. Pat pork chops dry with paper towels (important for a good sear).

2. Mix salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme.

3. Season both sides of the pork chops evenly.

4. In a shallow dish, mix flour with salt and pepper.

5. Lightly dredge each chop in flour, shaking off excess.
   (Reserve 2 tablespoons of the flour for gravy.)

Step 2: Sear the Pork Chops

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Add pork chops and sear for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown.

3. Remove from skillet and set aside (they will finish cooking later).

Tip: Do not overcrowd the pan. Work in batches if needed.

Step 3: Caramelize the Onions

1. Reduce heat to medium.

2. Add butter to the same skillet.

3. Add sliced onions and a pinch of salt.

4. Cook slowly for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and golden brown.

5. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.

Proper caramelization builds deep flavor—don’t rush this step.

Step 4: Make the Gravy

1. Sprinkle 2 tbsp reserved flour over onions.

2. Stir and cook for 1–2 minutes to remove raw flour taste.

3. Slowly pour in broth while stirring to avoid lumps.

4. Add Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and smoked paprika.

5. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until thickened.

Gravy should coat the back of a spoon.

Step 5: Smother & Simmer

1. Return pork chops to skillet.

2. Spoon gravy and onions over the top.

3. Reduce heat to low.

4. Cover and simmer for 15–20 minutes, until pork reaches 145°F (63°C) internal temp.

If gravy thickens too much, add a splash of broth.

🔥 Pro Tips for Extra Tender Pork

• Use bone-in chops for more flavor and moisture.

• Let chops rest 5 minutes before serving.

• For ultra-tender results, simmer low and slow.

• Add ¼ cup heavy cream at the end for a creamier gravy.

🍽 Serving Suggestions

Perfect with:

• Creamy mashed potatoes

• Buttered rice

• Egg noodles

• Southern-style green beans

• Cornbread

🧊 Storage

• Refrigerate up to 4 days.

• Reheat gently on stovetop with extra broth.

• Freezes well up to 2 months.