Southern Smothered Pork Chops Recipe (2024)

October 25, 2023 by Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) · Updated November 20, 2023

This Southern Smothered Pork Chops Recipe is pure comfort food. Lightly breaded pork chops are smothered in a rich savory and well seasoned brown gravy made from a roux resulting in the perfect Southern classic.

The Heart and Soul of the Best Smothered Pork Chops

Cuisine Inspiration: Southern Comfort
Primary Cooking Method: Sautéing and Simmering
Dietary Info: Meat Lover’s Delight
Key Flavor: Rich, Savory, with a Hint of Spice
Skill Level: Intermediate

Sweet Highlights:

• Flavorful Foundations: Starting with a good sear on the pork chops sets the stage for layers of flavor, enhanced by the seasoned flour coating.
• Onion and Garlic Symphony: The aromatic combo of sautéed onions and garlic builds a fragrant base, adding depth to the gravy.
• Gravy Goodness: The roux, made in the same pan, picks up all the delicious browned bits, creating a toffee-colored gravy that’s lush and loaded with taste.
• Southern Spice: A dash of Creole seasoning and hot sauce introduces a gentle heat, balancing the richness with just the right amount of spice.
• Tender Perfection: The pork chops simmer to perfection in the gravy, resulting in a fork-tender finish that’s smothered in flavor.

Ingredients

• Vegetable Oil: This sets the stage for those pork chops to get a nice, irresistible sear and browning.
• Pork Chops: The star of the show!
• Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: Season to taste and watch the magic happen.
• All-Purpose Flour: This is the thickening master, ensuring your gravy gets that perfect consistency. Plus, it gives a little coat of love to the pork chops.
• Onion: Bring on the sweetness and depth
• Minced Garlic: Garlic makes everything better. This is the aromatic kick your chops are craving!
• Chicken Stock: This is what’s going to transform your dish into a saucy sensation
• Water: Thinning things out a bit, water ensures your gravy is just the right consistency for smothering.
• Worcestershire Sauce: The secret ingredient for that tangy, savory punch.
• Creole Seasoning: A little southern charm to spice things up!
• Hot Sauce: A dash of hot sauce brings the heat

How to Make Smothered Pork Chops

Cooking the Pork Chops: Heat oil in a skillet, seasoning the pork chops with salt and pepper. Dredge in flour, brown on both sides, and set aside.

Building Flavor: Sauté onions until browned, add garlic for a minute. Shift them aside, add remaining oil, and brown the flour. Stir in chicken stock and water.

Creating the Gravy: Bring to a boil, season, and whisk in Worcestershire sauce, Creole seasoning, and hot sauce. Reduce heat, return pork chops, cover, and simmer until tender and sauced.

Serving: Plate over rice, garnish if desired, and dive in! Enjoy your flavorful and tender Smothered Pork Chops!

How to Bake Instead

Many have asked if these can be made in the oven instead of on the stove top.

You can begin by frying the pork chops and then create the gravy, add the pork chops and cook them in the oven for about 30 minutes on 350 degrees OR until the gravy has thickened and the pork chops have tenderized.

How to Serve

This Southern Smothered Pork Chops recipe is a simple, delicious and comforting homemade dinner. I like to serve them over a bed of rice but mashed potatoes are just as addictive too! I’ve had my share of amazing pork chops, but I must admit that nothing quite compares to homemade smothered pork chops.

Storage

1. Let it Cool: First, allow the pork chops and gravy to cool to room temperature. This helps to maintain their texture and prevent condensation inside the storage container, which could make the gravy watery.
2. Airtight Container: Transfer the pork chops and gravy into an airtight container. If possible, lay the pork chops flat and cover them with gravy to help retain their moisture and flavor.
3. Refrigerate Promptly: Place the airtight container in the refrigerator. Smothered pork chops will last for 3-4 days when stored properly in the fridge.
4. Freezing Option: For longer storage, you can freeze the pork chops and gravy. Use a freezer-safe airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. They should maintain their best quality for about 2-3 months.
5. Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy again, you can reheat the pork chops in the microwave, on the stovetop, or in the oven. If reheating from frozen, it’s best to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

More Best Pork Chop Recipes

If you love this Southern Smothered Pork Chops recipe, you will love these other soul food inspired recipes:

• These Fried Pork Chops are insane y’all!
• These Maple Peach Pork Chops are so addictive!

More recipes to check out are:

• If you don’t love pork chops, try my Salisbury Steak or Southern Smothered Chicken recipe instead!
• This Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese recipe is the perfect side for main.
• For dessert, how about a piece of this Southern Sweet Potato Pie recipe!
• And there’s always my Southern Caramel Cake recipe which is the real deal!