This classic smothered pork chops recipe is pure comfort food. Juicy pork chops, soft potatoes, and rich homemade gravy come together in one pan. It’s a simple, hearty dish that brings real flavor to your dinner table with ingredients you probably already have at home.
Ingredients
For the pork chops:
- 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops (¾ to 1 inch thick)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for coating)
- 2 tablespoons oil or butter
For the gravy and potatoes:
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream or milk (optional, for a creamy texture)
- 4 to 5 small potatoes, peeled and sliced or quartered
- Fresh thyme or chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
How to Make Smothered Pork Chops with Potatoes
1. Season and Brown the Pork Chops
Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Lightly coat each chop with flour.
Heat oil or butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the pork chops and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side until they’re golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.
2. Make the Gravy
In the same pan, add the sliced onions. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until they are soft and lightly browned. Add the minced garlic and stir for 1 minute.
Sprinkle in the flour and stir to coat the onions. Cook for 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
Slowly pour in the chicken broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Add the cream or milk if using. Let the gravy come to a gentle simmer and thicken.
3. Add the Potatoes and Simmer
Add the sliced or quartered potatoes to the gravy. Place the pork chops back into the skillet, pushing them slightly into the gravy and around the potatoes.
Lower the heat, cover the pan, and let everything simmer for 30 to 40 minutes. The pork should be tender, and the potatoes should be fully cooked and flavorful.
4. Serve
Garnish with chopped parsley or thyme if desired. Serve hot with plenty of gravy over the pork chops and potatoes. For a full meal, you can add a side of steamed vegetables or a simple salad.
Tips and Variations
- Add mushrooms to the gravy for more flavor.
- Use skim milk instead of cream for a lighter version.
- Mix in extra vegetables like carrots, celery, or green beans.
- To cook in the oven, transfer everything to a baking dish, cover it, and bake at 350°F for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- For the slow cooker, layer the ingredients and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours.
Make It a Little Healthier
- Choose lean cuts of pork to reduce fat.
- Use low-sodium broth to manage salt levels.
- Add more vegetables for extra fiber and nutrients.
Why This Recipe Works
This dish is loved for a reason. It’s flavorful, filling, and easy to make. The pork is juicy, the potatoes are tender, and the homemade gravy brings it all together. It’s the kind of meal that feels like home, whether you’re cooking for your family or just want something comforting after a long day.
If you’d like this recipe turned into a printable PDF, recipe card format, or optimized for a website, I can help with that too.
