🛒 Ingredients
4 bone-in pork chops, ~1 inch thick (about 6–8 oz each)
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika (smoked or sweet)
1 tsp garlic powder
2 tbsp vegetable or olive oil
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 tbsp all-purpose flour (for gravy base)
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
½ cup heavy cream or whole milk (optional — adds richness)
1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh)
2 lbs baby potatoes, halved or quartered
2 tbsp butter
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
🔥 Pro Tip: Use bone-in chops — they stay juicier during cooking.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Season the Pork Chops
Pat chops dry with paper towels (helps them sear better).
Season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
2️⃣ Sear the Meat
Heat oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Add pork chops and sear 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown.
Remove and set aside.
✅ Don’t overcrowd — sear in batches if needed.
3️⃣ Cook the Aromatics
In the same pan, add onion.
Cook 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and lightly golden.
Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute more until fragrant.
4️⃣ Make the Gravy
Sprinkle flour over onions and stir to coat — cook 1 minute to remove raw taste.
Gradually pour in chicken broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
Stir in thyme, salt, and pepper.
Bring to a simmer and cook 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
5️⃣ Add Potatoes & Simmer
Stir in potatoes and submerge them into the gravy.
Return pork chops to the pan, nestling them among the potatoes.
Cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer 25–30 minutes, stirring once, until:
Potatoes are fork-tender
Pork reaches 145°F (63°C) internally
6️⃣ Finish with Cream & Butter
Stir in heavy cream or milk (if using) and butter.
Let melt into the gravy — creates a rich, glossy sauce.
7️⃣ Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley.
Serve hot, spooning plenty of gravy over everything.
🍽️ Serving Ideas:
With crusty bread for dipping
A simple green salad on the side
Steamed green beans or peas
🌈 Variations & Pro Hacks
🌱 Gluten-Free? Swap flour for cornstarch or arrowroot (mix 1 tbsp with 2 tbsp cold water, add at the end)
🌾 Dairy-Free? Skip cream — use full-fat coconut milk or omit butter
🥔 Potato Swap: Yukon Golds or red potatoes work great too
🧊 Make-Ahead Magic: Reheats beautifully — store covered in fridge up to 4 days
❄️ Freeze It! Freeze without dairy — add cream when reheating
🍯 Extra Flavor Boost: Add a splash of apple cider or Dijon mustard to the gravy
🧠 Why This Works So Well
Searing first = deep flavor via Maillard reaction
Onion gravy base = natural sweetness and body
Bone-in chops = juicier, more flavorful meat
Simmering together = flavors meld beautifully
It’s not magic — it’s home-cooking wisdom. ✨
❤️ Final Thought: Sometimes, the Best Meals Are Simple & Satisfying
You don’t need rare ingredients or hours in the kitchen to make something truly special.
Just good meat, real potatoes, and love.
This Smothered Pork Chops recipe proves that the most beloved dinners are often the simplest — where every bite tastes like home, comfort, and care.
So next time you’re staring into the fridge wondering what to make…
Grab that skillet.
Turn on the stove.
And let your kitchen fill with the scent of garlic, herbs, and joy.
Because great food doesn’t have to be fancy —
It just has to taste like it came from the heart. 💛