Smothered Pork Chops

Few recipes evoke home-cooked comfort the way a dinner of smothered pork chops can. But these creamy pork chops take that comfort factor to the next level.

Bone-in pork chops are seared to golden brown and then simmered with an umami-rich mushroom gravy. This gravy is so good you may decide to use it with other proteins, such as beef tips or chicken breasts. However, pork chops work exceptionally well in this recipe, as they cook to just done but stay plenty tender and juicy while simmering as the gravy thickens. All you need to finish this smothered pork chops recipe is a side of mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles.

What Are Smothered Pork Chops?

To put it simply: Pork chops that are smothered in a creamy gravy.

Pork chops are usually seared to create a beautiful golden brown crust. Then, a gravy is made with vegetables, flour, and liquids like stock or cream. In this case, the gravy is made with mushrooms, onion, and garlic. Then whipping cream and chicken stock are added. All of it is simmered with a little flour until it's rich and thick.

Smothered Pork Chops Ingredients

To make smothered pork chops, you'll need

• 4 pork chops: About 3/4 inches thick
• All-purpose flour: Used to coat the pork chops and make the gravy thick.
• Kosher salt and pepper: For seasoning.
• Vegetable oil: To sear the pork chops.
• Cremini mushroom, yellow onion, and garlic: The primary ingredients in the gravy.
• Chicken stock and heavy whipping cream: Provide most of the liquid for the gravy.
• Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard: Both add tang and flavor to the gravy.
• Fresh thyme: A final bit of freshness that has a delicate sweetness with a bit of peppery bite.

How To Make Smothered Pork Chops

This recipe takes just under an hour, so you've got time to focus on some sides while the gravy simmers and thickens and the pork chops sear.

• Step 1. Season and flour the pork chops: To make smothered pork chops, start by placing flour in a shallow bowl. Pat the pork chops dry, and sprinkle them with salt and pepper, rubbing the seasoning into the meat. Dredge the chops in flour, shaking off any excess, and transfer them to a platter or rimmed baking sheet.
• Step 2. Sear pork chops: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high. Working in batches as necessary for even cooking and to avoid overcrowding, cook the chops until they are golden brown, and transfer them to a plate without wiping down the skillet between batches.
• Step 3. Make the mushroom gravy: Reduce the heat on the skillet, and add the mushrooms and onions to the drippings. Cook the veggies over medium, stirring often, until the onions are translucent and the liquid releases from the mushrooms. Add the garlic, and continue cooking while stirring often until the mushrooms brown. Sprinkle with flour reserved from dredging, plus salt and pepper. Cook while stirring often for an additional minute or so.
• Step 4. Simmer gravy: Add chicken stock to the skillet, and stir until it is fully incorporated and smooth. Add in Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and thyme while stirring. Bring the mixture to a boil while stirring often until the sauce thickens.
• Step 5. Finish cooking pork chops: Stir in the heavy cream, and lower the heat. Return the pork chops and juices to the skillet. Simmer until the sauce thickens to the consistency of gravy and a thermometer inserted into the thickest portion of meat reaches 140°F. Transfer to a platter, garnish with thyme, and serve.

Why Are My Smothered Pork Chops Tough?

Pork chops get tough when they are overcooked. Because they cook fast, even cooking them for just a few extra minutes can make the difference between just right and too tough. This recipe presumes pork chops that are 3/4-inch thick.

You could go thinner or thicker with the pork chops, but be sure to not overcook them or they'll become tough. To help avoid this with thinner cuts, cook the pork chops just until they're seared, then immediately pull them to make the gravy. When you add them back to the gravy to reheat and finish cooking, keep an eye on the meat thermometer. Don't go above 140°F, or the thinner cuts could turn rubbery.

Thicker pork chops may need more time, but you should still keep an eye on the thermometer so you don't risk overcooking them.

What To Serve With Smothered Pork Chops

An array of hearty pork chop sides go well with this recipe. Our recommendations for winning pairings include:

• Brussels Sprouts with Ham and Caramelized Onions
• Butternut Squash Gratin
• Home-style Butterbeans
• Twice-Baked Green Tomatoes
• Creamed Corn
• Roasted Potato Salad

How Do You Make Pork Chops So They Don't Dry?

To keep pork chops tender instead of tough or dry, start with a pan that is really hot, which helps create a good crust on both sides. But after you've done that, reduce the heat to medium. If you keep it too high, the outside can overcook and get tough before the inside is adequately cooked.

Do use a meat thermometer to cook your chop until it's 135°F to 140°F internally, and then transfer it to a cutting board; the residual heat will bring it up to the USDA's recommended 145°F.

Finally, let the chops rest on the board or in the gravy for 10 minutes. Cutting into them early will let the juices escape. Instead, give the meat this time to soak up the juices before cutting and you'll have moist, tender chops.

Editorial Contributions by Alesandra Dubin.