Introduction
Are you craving a delicious and tender meal that will transport you straight to the heart of the South? Look no further than these mouthwatering Southern Smothered Pork Chops. This recipe combines juicy pork chops with a flavorful and velvety gravy that will leave you wanting more. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just looking to treat yourself to some comfort food, these smothered pork chops are sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to fall in love with these tender Southern smothered pork chops. Firstly, they are incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Secondly, the result is a plate full of succulent pork chops that are so tender they practically melt in your mouth. Lastly, the rich and flavorful gravy adds a whole new level of deliciousness to the dish, making it a true comfort food classic.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these tasty Southern smothered pork chops:
– 4 bone-in pork chops
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create the perfect Southern smothered pork chops:
1. In a shallow dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Dredge each pork chop in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
2. In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the pork chops from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in any remaining flour mixture from dredging the pork chops.
4. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to release any browned bits. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.
5. Return the pork chops to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy. Cover the skillet and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the pork chops are cooked through and tender.
6. Stir in the heavy cream and cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat through. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Expert Tips for Success
Here are some expert tips to ensure your Southern smothered pork chops turn out perfectly:
– Choose bone-in pork chops for extra flavor and juiciness.
– Make sure to shake off any excess flour before adding the pork chops to the skillet.
– Use a large skillet to prevent overcrowding and ensure even browning.
– Be patient when simmering the pork chops in the gravy. This will allow the flavors to meld and the meat to become fork-tender.
– If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can whisk in a cornstarch slurry (equal parts cornstarch and water) during the last few minutes of cooking.
Variations and Substitutions
While these Southern smothered pork chops are delicious as is, you can also customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences:
– For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the gravy.
– If you don’t have chicken broth on hand, you can use beef broth or vegetable broth instead.
– Want to make this recipe gluten-free? Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch.
– Feel free to experiment with different seasonings, such as smoked paprika, dried thyme, or onion powder.
Serving Suggestions
These tender Southern smothered pork chops are delicious on their own, but here are a few ideas for serving them:
– Serve the pork chops and gravy over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort food experience.
– Pair them with some buttery cornbread and a side of collard greens for a traditional Southern meal.
– For a lighter option, serve the pork chops alongside a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables.
– Don’t forget to have some crusty bread on hand to soak up every last drop of that delicious gravy!
FAQs
Q: Can I use boneless pork chops for this recipe?
A: While bone-in pork chops are recommended for the best flavor and tenderness, you can use boneless pork chops if that’s what you have on hand. Just keep in mind that boneless chops may cook slightly faster.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the pork chops and gravy in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat the gravy and pork chops together in a skillet over low heat until warmed through.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Absolutely! Allow the pork chops and gravy to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then warm in a skillet over low heat.
Final Thoughts
These tender Southern smothered pork chops are a true Southern comfort food delight. With their juicy pork chops and flavorful gravy, they are sure to become a family favorite. So why not give this recipe a try and experience the taste of the South in your own kitchen? We guarantee you won’t be disappointed!
Tender Southern Smothered Pork Chops
Juicy pork chops smothered in a flavorful gravy, creating a delicious and tender Southern comfort food dish.
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in pork chops
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Directions
- In a shallow dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Dredge each pork chop in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
- In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the pork chops from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in any remaining flour mixture from dredging the pork chops.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to release any browned bits. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Return the pork chops to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy. Cover the skillet and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the pork chops are cooked through and tender.
- Stir in the heavy cream and cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat through. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
