Classic Southern Smothered Pork Chops

By John Mitzewich

Updated 01/02/20

Smothered pork chop recipe

​The Spruce
  • Total: 55 mins
  • Prep: 10 mins
  • Cook: 45 mins
  • Yield: 4 Pork Chops (4 Servings)
Nutritional Guidelines (per serving)
711 Calories
20g Fat
107g Carbs
22g Protein
See Full Nutritional Guidelines Hide Full Nutritional Guidelines
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4 Pork Chops (4 Servings)
Amount per serving
Calories 711
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 20g 26%
Saturated Fat 5g 27%
Cholesterol 43mg 14%
Sodium 746mg 32%
Total Carbohydrate 107g 39%
Dietary Fiber 4g 15%
Protein 22g
Calcium 121mg 9%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

Smothered pork chops are a Southern comfort classic featuring pan-fried pork chops covered in a simple but super savory onion gravy. This smothered pork chops recipe is great over white rice, which soaks up the delicious sauce and makes this down-home dish a feast.

1:42

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Ingredients

  • 4 large pork chops (about 1 1/2 inches thick)
  • 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Black pepper (fresh ground, to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 large yellow onion (sliced)
  • Pinch of salt
  • 4 cloves garlic (finely minced)
  • 1 rounded tablespoon flour
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup buttermilk
  • 1/4 cup water

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Ingredients for smothered pork chops
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  2. Season pork chops on both sides with the poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper.

    Seasoned pork chops
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  3. Heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, brown the pork chops well, about 5 minutes per side.

    Heat oil in large frying pan
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  4. Remove from the pan and reserve on a plate.

    Remove the pan
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  5. Pour off the excess oil and place the pan back on the stove over medium heat. Add the butter and the onions, along with a big pinch of salt.

    Onions in pan
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  6. Sauté for about 10 minutes, or until the onions are well-browned. The onions need to caramelize for the best results.

    Saute for 10 min
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  7. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute.

    Stir in garlic
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  8. Stir in the flour and cook for 2 minutes.

    Stir in flour
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  9. Add the chicken broth, buttermilk, and water. As the mixture comes to a simmer, use a wooden spoon to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

    Add chicken broth
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  10. Turn the heat to low and let the onion gravy gently simmer for 15 minutes. Add a splash of water if it seems to be getting too thick.​

    Turn heat to low
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  11. Add the pork chops and any juices back into the pan and coat with the gravy. Cook for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until the pork is as done as you like; the internal temperature must reach at least 145 F for a safe level of doneness. Taste for seasoning and adjust if needed.

    Add pork chops
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  12. Serve pork chops over white rice topped with the onion gravy.

    Serve over white rice
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  13. Enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

Smothered pork chops with onion gravy over rice is hearty comfort food that doesn't need much in the way of sides.

  • Cornbread and corn muffins are always tasty partners with anything that features pork.

  • Or substitute French or sourdough bread for a milder flavor.

  • Garlic toast adds some crunchy texture.

  • Add a cooked green vegetable like broccoli, peas, green or lima beans to the plate and you have a hearty, balanced meal.  

  • Even though pork is technically white meat, rich smothered pork chops in onion gravy call for equally bold flavor.

  • Try pinot noir or shiraz for a satisfying pairing.

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