|

Easy Smothered Pork Chops Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, no-fuss dinner that feels like a warm hug from your kitchen, this Easy Smothered Pork Chops Recipe is exactly what you need. I’ve made this dish countless times for friends and family, and everyone always asks for seconds—it’s that good. Tender pork chops smothered in a rich, savory onion and mushroom gravy? Yes, please! Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through every step to make sure your chops turn out juicy, flavorful, and absolutely irresistible.

🤍

Why This Recipe Works

  • Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday pantry staples—perfect for a quick and tasty dinner.
  • Perfectly Juicy Pork: The sear-then-bake method locks in moisture for tender chops every time.
  • Rich Mushroom Gravy: The caramelized onions and mushrooms add deep, comforting flavor to elevate the dish.
  • Versatile and Easy: You can adapt this recipe effortlessly to your taste or dietary needs.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Easy Smothered Pork Chops Recipe brings together ingredients that complement each other beautifully. Each element packs flavor and purpose, making sure your final dish is rich and satisfying without any fuss.

Easy Smothered Pork Chops, delicious pork chop dinner, comforting pork chop recipe, tender pork chops with gravy, simple pork chop meal - Flat lay of four thick bone-in pork chops, a large halved white onion sliced, a handful of sliced white mushrooms, a small pat of butter, a few cloves of minced garlic, a drizzle of olive oil in a small dish, a small mound of all-purpose flour, and a clear glass with chicken broth, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7
  • Pork Chops: Bone-in center-cut chops give the best flavor and stay tender while cooking.
  • Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors in the pork.
  • Olive Oil: Great for searing the chops and sautéing the veggies without overpowering the flavors.
  • White Onion: Adds a sweet, caramelized base to the gravy.
  • Mushrooms (White or Cremini): Bring earthiness and texture that make the gravy so rich.
  • Butter: Adds creaminess and depth to the gravy’s flavor profile.
  • Garlic: Provides a fragrant pop that wakes up the whole dish.
  • All-Purpose Flour: The secret for a perfectly thickened, luscious gravy.
  • Chicken Broth: Forms the savory liquid base of the gravy, enhancing the pork’s flavor.
📝
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this Easy Smothered Pork Chops Recipe is how easy it is to tweak based on what you have on hand or your flavor preferences. I’ve tried swapping out mushrooms for bell peppers, and it adds a nice sweetness. Feel free to experiment!

  • Variation: For a smoky twist, I sometimes add a pinch of smoked paprika to the seasoning—works like a charm for deeper flavor.
  • Dietary Modifications: To make it dairy-free, swap butter for olive oil and use a gluten-free flour blend, and you’re set.
  • Seasonal Change: Swapping mushrooms for sautéed kale or spinach is a fresh, green alternative when mushrooms aren’t your thing.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Smothered Pork Chops Recipe

Step 1: Season and Sear the Pork Chops

First things first—pat your pork chops dry with paper towels. This step is key because it helps get a beautiful golden crust. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chops and sear for about 3 to 4 minutes per side. You want them gorgeously browned but not cooked through just yet. The searing locks in juices—trust me, it makes a difference.

Step 2: Finish Cooking in the Oven

Once seared, transfer the pork chops to a greased 9×13 inch baking pan. Pop them into a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). I always use a meat thermometer here to avoid overcooking—nothing worse than dry pork chops!

Step 3: Sauté the Onions and Mushrooms

While the pork chops are baking, return your skillet to medium-high heat. Add olive oil, then toss in the sliced onions and mushrooms. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the onions soften and the mushrooms release their juices. This slow sauté builds the gravy’s delicious base.

Step 4: Make the Savory Gravy

Add butter and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking for about a minute until fragrant. Sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously for a minute so the flour cooks through—no one wants a chalky gravy! Gradually pour in chicken broth while stirring, then bring to a simmer. The gravy will thicken in just a few minutes. Taste it, and add salt if it needs a little boost.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

When your pork chops are done baking, carefully nestle them back into the skillet with the gravy. Spoon that luscious onion and mushroom sauce over the chops and serve everything hot. I always find the best part is that moment when the gravy melts right into the meat, and your kitchen fills with that unbeatable cozy aroma.

💡

Tips from My Kitchen

  • Dry Your Chops Well: Patting the pork chops dry before seasoning helps you get that crucial golden sear.
  • Use a Thermometer: Nothing beats perfectly cooked pork chops like a quick instant-read thermometer check.
  • Don’t Skip the Flour Cooking: Stirring flour for a full minute prevents clumps and a raw flour taste in your gravy.
  • Make Room for Resting: Rest chops for a few minutes after baking to lock in juices before dousing with gravy.

How to Serve Easy Smothered Pork Chops Recipe

Easy Smothered Pork Chops, delicious pork chop dinner, comforting pork chop recipe, tender pork chops with gravy, simple pork chop meal - A large cooked pork chop sits in the center of a white plate on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes as the bottom layer; the pork chop has a light brown color with a creamy mushroom sauce on top, dotted with pieces of mushrooms and sprinkled with small green herbs; to the right side of the plate, there are bright green steamed broccoli florets with a slightly wet texture; the white mashed potatoes have a soft, slightly lumpy texture, and both the pork chop and sauce have a glossy sheen from the sauce; the plate sits on a white marbled surface; photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a handful of fresh chopped parsley over the top—it brightens the dish and adds a pop of color. Sometimes, a little cracked black pepper right before serving adds a nice spicy kick that goes perfectly with the creamy gravy.

Side Dishes

I love pairing this dish with creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles to soak up all that gravy. A side of steamed green beans or roasted carrots gives a nice fresh crunch that balances the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I sometimes plate the chops on a bed of fluffy polenta and drizzle the mushroom gravy over. It makes an elegant presentation that always impresses guests but is surprisingly easy to pull off.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I like dividing the pork chops and gravy into meal-sized portions—it makes reheating a breeze during busy weeknights.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this recipe a few times, and it holds up well! Just make sure it’s fully cooled before freezing in freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, I usually warm it gently on the stove over low heat. Adding a splash of chicken broth helps loosen the gravy and keeps the pork chops moist. Microwaving is fine, but watch the time to avoid drying out the meat.

FAQs

  1. Can I use boneless pork chops instead of bone-in?

    Absolutely! Boneless pork chops work fine, but watch your cooking time closely since they tend to cook faster and can dry out more easily. Keeping them thicker than 1-inch helps maintain juiciness.

  2. What can I substitute for chicken broth?

    If you don’t have chicken broth, vegetable broth or even water with a bit of extra seasoning can work. Just remember that chicken broth adds depth to the gravy’s flavor, so make sure to taste and adjust.

  3. Can this recipe be made on the stovetop without baking?

    Yes! For thinner chops (about ½ inch thick), you can cook them entirely on the stove by searing for 4-5 minutes per side. Just be sure not to overcook to keep them tender.

  4. How do I thicken the gravy if it turns out too thin?

    If the gravy is too thin, sprinkle a bit more flour and stir it in well over low heat, allowing it to simmer until it thickens. Alternatively, mix a small amount of cornstarch with cold water and whisk it in gradually.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Smothered Pork Chops Recipe has quickly become a go-to in my kitchen because it’s straightforward, comforting, and downright delicious. If you’re craving a meal that feels like home but doesn’t require hours of work, seriously give this one a shot. I promise you’ll love how the rich gravy pairs with tender pork chops—and once you make it, it might just turn into your family’s favorite dinner too!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Easy Smothered Pork Chops Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 12 reviews
  • Author: Caroline
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Easy Smothered Pork Chops recipe features juicy bone-in pork chops cooked to perfection with a savory onion and mushroom gravy. Seared and then baked for tenderness, these pork chops are smothered in a rich, flavorful sauce that makes for a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for any night.


Ingredients

Pork Chops

  • 4 bone-in center cut pork chops 1 to 1 1/2-inch thick
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

Gravy

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large white onion halved and sliced
  • 8 ounces white or cremini mushrooms sliced
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups chicken broth


Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Season the Pork Chops: Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Season both sides evenly with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of black pepper.
  3. Sear the Pork Chops: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and sear them for 3 to 4 minutes per side until they develop a golden brown crust. Transfer the seared chops to the prepared baking pan.
  4. Bake the Pork Chops: Finish cooking the pork chops in the preheated oven until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), approximately 15 minutes, to ensure they are tender and cooked through.
  5. Cook Onions and Mushrooms: Return the skillet to medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add the sliced onion and mushrooms and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and develop flavor.
  6. Add Butter, Garlic and Flour: Stir in 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 teaspoons minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently, until the garlic becomes fragrant. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour over the mixture and stir constantly for 1 minute until the flour is fully incorporated and there are no white streaks.
  7. Make the Gravy: Gradually pour in 2 cups of chicken broth while stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Bring the gravy to a simmer and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed.
  8. Combine and Serve: Once the pork chops have finished baking, return them to the skillet with the gravy. Spoon the onion and mushroom gravy generously over the pork chops. Serve hot for a hearty meal.

Notes

  • For thinner pork chops (around 1/2 inch thick), cook them entirely on the stovetop for about 4 to 5 minutes per side without transferring to the oven.
  • Use thick cut pork chops (1 to 1 1/2 inch) for juicier, more tender results as recommended in this recipe.
  • You can substitute cremini mushrooms with white mushrooms if preferred.
  • To make this gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
  • Ensure the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F for safe consumption and optimal tenderness.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 pork chop with gravy
  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 650 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 40 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg

You Might Also Like These Recipes

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star