Smothered Pork Chops

This classic Southern recipe is a weeknight dinner CLASSIC. We keep coming back to it over and over again, not only because it's delicious, but it's also super easy to make! You're going to be adding this recipe to your weekly repertoire in no time. Read on for answers to frequently asked questions and start heating up your skillet. 😉

Can I make this dish in the oven?

You certainly could, but the great part of this recipe is that you don't have to turn on your oven! Allowing the pork chops to simmer over a low heat in your gravy will keep them tender and allow the flavors of the sauce to penetrate the meat. It's a win/win. We say, save your oven for other pork chop dishes, like our favorite garlic rosemary pork chops.

Can I use boneless pork chops?

Of course. We love bone-in chops for their extra flavor, but you can definitely save some time with boneless chops instead. Depending on their thickness, sear them for 1 to 2 minutes less per side and check for doneness after they simmer in the sauce after 5 minutes or so.

Do I have to use heavy cream?

Not at all. Whole milk is a perfectly fine substitute, though your gravy won't be quite as creamy. Any lower fat milks will technically work, but the flavor and texture of your gravy will suffer.

Can I put other vegetables in the gravy?

Yes! Many classic smothered pork chop recipes include a mushroom gravy. If you'd like to add mushrooms, add about a cup of sliced Baby Bellas to your skillet halfway through caramelizing the onions. You could also add in some greens like baby spinach or Swiss chard toward the end of cooking for some extra nutrition and bulk.

How will I know when the pork is done?

You can always try the old finger test and press into the pork chop to make sure its firm but still has a slight bounce to it. For more precision and safety we recommend you use a probe thermometer to ensure the meat has reached at least 145ºF for medium rare or 150º for medium.

Can this be made gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap out the flour for your favorite gluten-free brand. We're big fans of Cup4Cup's blend of gluten free flour.

What do you serve with smothered pork chops?

If you're looking for some starch to make this meal extra hardy, rice or mashed potatoes is the way to go. You're definitely gonna want some vegetables to go along with this, though! We love a lighter veg side like grilled green beans, roasted brussels sprouts, or spinach salad.

What if I have leftovers?

Store in an airtight container and keep in the fridge for 4 to 5 days.

Made this unreal comfort dish? Let us know how it went in the comments below!