Introduction: Can a Dish Be Hearty, Savory, and Dripping with Southern Comfort?
Craving a soul-satisfying meal that’s rich in flavor and perfect for a cozy dinner? Chef John’s Smothered Pork Chops is a Southern classic, featuring juicy, bone-in pork chops nestled in a rich, caramelized onion gravy with a creamy buttermilk twist. Ideal for family dinners, Sunday suppers, or any time you want a comforting, hearty dish, this recipe is both flavorful and straightforward. Ready to simmer a skillet of Southern goodness? Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!
Overview: Why Chef John’s Smothered Pork Chops is a Southern Favorite
Chef John’s Smothered Pork Chops is loved for its tender pork chops and luscious, onion-packed gravy, making it a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish. Here’s what makes it special:
- Time Requirement: About 15 minutes to prep, 45-50 minutes to cook.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate—requires browning, caramelizing onions, and simmering a sauce, but accessible for home cooks.
- Why It’s Special: The combination of juicy pork chops, deeply caramelized onions, and a creamy, savory gravy creates a rich, comforting dish with Southern flair. This recipe yields 4 servings, perfect for a family meal.
Ideal for cozy evenings, special dinners, or any time you want a hearty, flavorful meal, these smothered pork chops are sure to impress.
Essential Ingredients
Chef John’s Smothered Pork Chops uses pantry staples and fresh ingredients to create its signature rich, savory flavor. Here’s what you’ll need for 4 servings:
- 4 large bone-in pork chops, about 1 inch thick: Provides juicy, flavorful meat.
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning: Adds a savory, herbaceous blend.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste: Enhances and balances flavors.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: For browning the pork chops.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Adds richness for caramelizing onions.
- 1 large yellow onion, sliced: Creates a sweet, savory gravy base.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Boosts savory depth.
- 1 ½ tablespoons all-purpose flour: Thickens the gravy.
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth: Forms the savory liquid base.
- ¼ cup buttermilk: Adds a creamy, tangy note to the gravy.
- ¼ cup water: Adjusts the sauce consistency.
Why These Ingredients Matter
- Bone-In Pork Chops: Offer rich flavor and stay juicy during cooking.
- Caramelized Onions: Provide a sweet, savory depth to the gravy.
- Buttermilk: Adds a unique tangy creaminess that sets this gravy apart.
- Poultry Seasoning: Enhances the pork with a warm, savory blend of herbs.
Substitutions and Variations
- Pork Chops: Use boneless pork chops (reduce cooking time by 5-10 minutes) or pork tenderloin slices.
- Buttermilk: Substitute with sour cream, plain yogurt, or milk with 1 teaspoon vinegar.
- Poultry Seasoning: Replace with a mix of ½ teaspoon sage, ¼ teaspoon thyme, and ¼ teaspoon rosemary.
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based pork chops, vegetable broth, vegan butter, and plant-based milk with a splash of vinegar.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or 1 tablespoon cornstarch.
- Spicy Gravy: Add ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce with the broth.
- Mushroom Gravy: Add 8 ounces sliced mushrooms with the onions for extra umami.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making Chef John’s Smothered Pork Chops is a straightforward process that yields a rich, comforting dish. Let’s get cooking!
Step 1: Gather and Prep
- Gather all ingredients: 4 large bone-in pork chops, 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning, salt, black pepper, 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, 1 tablespoon butter, 1 large yellow onion, 4 cloves garlic, 1 ½ tablespoons all-purpose flour, 1 ½ cups chicken broth, ¼ cup buttermilk, and ¼ cup water.
- Slice the onion, mince the garlic, and pat the pork chops dry.
Tip: Pat pork chops dry with paper towels for better browning.
Step 2: Season and Brown Pork Chops
- Sprinkle 4 pork chops with 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning, salt, and black pepper on both sides.
- Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add pork chops and brown well on both sides, about 5 minutes per side.
- Transfer to a plate and set aside.
Tip: Brown in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding and ensure a good sear.
Step 3: Caramelize Onions
- Discard excess grease from the skillet, leaving a thin layer.
- Melt 1 tablespoon butter in the same skillet over medium heat.
- Add 1 sliced large yellow onion with a pinch of salt and cook, stirring, until very browned and caramelized, about 15 minutes.
Tip: Stir occasionally and lower heat if onions brown too quickly to achieve deep caramelization.
Step 4: Make the Gravy
- Stir in 4 cloves minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add 1 ½ tablespoons all-purpose flour and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes to form a roux.
- Pour in 1 ½ cups chicken broth, stirring to dissolve browned bits from the skillet.
- Pour in any juices accumulated on the pork chop plate.
- Mix in ¼ cup buttermilk until smooth.
- Add ¼ cup water and bring the sauce to a simmer.
- Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally, until onions break down and the sauce thickens, 15-20 minutes.
Tip: Whisk constantly when adding buttermilk to prevent curdling and ensure a smooth sauce.
Step 5: Simmer Pork Chops
- Return pork chops to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce.
- Spoon sauce over the chops to coat.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until chops are tender and cooked through (internal temperature of 145°F/63°C), about 10 minutes.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Tip: Check doneness with a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.
Step 6: Serve
- Serve pork chops hot with gravy spooned over the top.
- Pair with mashed potatoes, green beans, or rice (not included in ingredients but suggested for serving).
Tip: Serve immediately for the juiciest pork chops and creamiest gravy.
Assembly: Building the Perfect Smothered Pork Chops
Making Chef John’s Smothered Pork Chops is all about creating juicy pork chops with a rich, savory gravy. Here’s how to make it shine:
- Pork Chops: Brown well for a flavorful crust.
- Onions: Caramelize deeply for a sweet, savory base.
- Gravy: Simmer to thicken and meld flavors with the tangy buttermilk twist.
- Presentation: Serve with sauce generously spooned over to highlight the Southern comfort.
Presentation Tips
- Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions for a fresh, colorful touch.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or cornbread to soak up the gravy.
- Present on a platter or individual plates to showcase the pork chops and rich sauce.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Chef John’s Smothered Pork Chops are great for leftovers and meal prep, as the flavors deepen over time.
- Storage:
- Store pork chops and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.
- Freeze for up to 2 months in airtight containers; thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Make-Ahead:
- Prep and season pork chops and slice onions a day ahead, storing in the fridge.
- Make the gravy (without pork chops) a day in advance; reheat and add pork chops when ready to simmer.
- Freeze the cooked gravy (without pork chops) for quick future meals; brown fresh chops and simmer when ready.
Tip: Reheat gently to prevent the pork chops from drying out.
Recipe Variations
Chef John’s Smothered Pork Chops is versatile and easy to customize. Here are some fun twists:
- Creamy Gravy Deluxe: Replace buttermilk with ¼ cup heavy cream or sour cream for a richer sauce.
- Vegetarian Smothered Chops: Use plant-based pork chops or mushrooms and vegetable broth.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour or 1 tablespoon cornstarch for the roux.
- Spicy Smothered Chops: Add ¼ teaspoon cayenne or a dash of hot sauce with the broth.
- Mushroom Gravy: Add 8 ounces sliced mushrooms with the onions for extra umami.
Conclusion: Savor the Southern Comfort!
Chef John’s Smothered Pork Chops is the dish that brings juicy, savory comfort to every bite. With its tender pork chops, caramelized onion gravy, and creamy buttermilk twist, it’s a perfect meal for family dinners, Sunday suppers, or Southern-inspired cravings. Easy to make with a big flavor payoff, this dish is sure to become a favorite. So, grab your skillet, simmer this classic, and enjoy a plate of hearty goodness. We’d love to hear how your smothered pork chops turn out—share your creations in the comments or on social media!
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Chef John’s Smothered Pork Chops
Description
Craving a soul-satisfying meal that’s rich in flavor and perfect for a cozy dinner? Chef John’s Smothered Pork Chops is a Southern classic, featuring juicy, bone-in pork chops nestled in a rich, caramelized onion gravy with a creamy buttermilk twist
Ingredients
Chef John’s Smothered Pork Chops uses pantry staples and fresh ingredients to create its signature rich, savory flavor. Here’s what you’ll need for 4 servings:
- 4 large bone-in pork chops, about 1 inch thick: Provides juicy, flavorful meat.
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning: Adds a savory, herbaceous blend.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste: Enhances and balances flavors.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: For browning the pork chops.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Adds richness for caramelizing onions.
- 1 large yellow onion, sliced: Creates a sweet, savory gravy base.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Boosts savory depth.
- 1 ½ tablespoons all-purpose flour: Thickens the gravy.
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth: Forms the savory liquid base.
- ¼ cup buttermilk: Adds a creamy, tangy note to the gravy.
- ¼ cup water: Adjusts the sauce consistency.
Why These Ingredients Matter
- Bone-In Pork Chops: Offer rich flavor and stay juicy during cooking.
- Caramelized Onions: Provide a sweet, savory depth to the gravy.
- Buttermilk: Adds a unique tangy creaminess that sets this gravy apart.
- Poultry Seasoning: Enhances the pork with a warm, savory blend of herbs.
Substitutions and Variations
- Pork Chops: Use boneless pork chops (reduce cooking time by 5-10 minutes) or pork tenderloin slices.
- Buttermilk: Substitute with sour cream, plain yogurt, or milk with 1 teaspoon vinegar.
- Poultry Seasoning: Replace with a mix of ½ teaspoon sage, ¼ teaspoon thyme, and ¼ teaspoon rosemary.
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based pork chops, vegetable broth, vegan butter, and plant-based milk with a splash of vinegar.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or 1 tablespoon cornstarch.
- Spicy Gravy: Add ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce with the broth.
- Mushroom Gravy: Add 8 ounces sliced mushrooms with the onions for extra umami.
Instructions
Step 1: Gather and Prep
- Gather all ingredients: 4 large bone-in pork chops, 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning, salt, black pepper, 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, 1 tablespoon butter, 1 large yellow onion, 4 cloves garlic, 1 ½ tablespoons all-purpose flour, 1 ½ cups chicken broth, ¼ cup buttermilk, and ¼ cup water.
- Slice the onion, mince the garlic, and pat the pork chops dry.
Tip: Pat pork chops dry with paper towels for better browning.
Step 2: Season and Brown Pork Chops
- Sprinkle 4 pork chops with 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning, salt, and black pepper on both sides.
- Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add pork chops and brown well on both sides, about 5 minutes per side.
- Transfer to a plate and set aside.
Tip: Brown in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding and ensure a good sear.
Step 3: Caramelize Onions
- Discard excess grease from the skillet, leaving a thin layer.
- Melt 1 tablespoon butter in the same skillet over medium heat.
- Add 1 sliced large yellow onion with a pinch of salt and cook, stirring, until very browned and caramelized, about 15 minutes.
Tip: Stir occasionally and lower heat if onions brown too quickly to achieve deep caramelization.
Step 4: Make the Gravy
- Stir in 4 cloves minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add 1 ½ tablespoons all-purpose flour and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes to form a roux.
- Pour in 1 ½ cups chicken broth, stirring to dissolve browned bits from the skillet.
- Pour in any juices accumulated on the pork chop plate.
- Mix in ¼ cup buttermilk until smooth.
- Add ¼ cup water and bring the sauce to a simmer.
- Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally, until onions break down and the sauce thickens, 15-20 minutes.
Tip: Whisk constantly when adding buttermilk to prevent curdling and ensure a smooth sauce.
Step 5: Simmer Pork Chops
- Return pork chops to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce.
- Spoon sauce over the chops to coat.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until chops are tender and cooked through (internal temperature of 145°F/63°C), about 10 minutes.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Tip: Check doneness with a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.
Step 6: Serve
- Serve pork chops hot with gravy spooned over the top.
- Pair with mashed potatoes, green beans, or rice (not included in ingredients but suggested for serving).
Tip: Serve immediately for the juiciest pork chops and creamiest gravy.
FAQs
1. Why are my pork chops tough?
Tough chops may need more simmering time or lower heat. Ensure they reach 145°F/63°C internally and simmer gently.
2. Can I use boneless pork chops?
Yes, use boneless chops and reduce simmering time to 5-7 minutes to avoid overcooking.
3. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not as written, but use gluten-free flour or cornstarch for a gluten-free version.
4. Why is my gravy lumpy?
Lumpy gravy results from adding flour or buttermilk too quickly. Stir flour gradually and whisk buttermilk vigorously.
5. Can I make this ahead?
Yes, make the gravy a day ahead; brown and simmer pork chops when ready to serve.
6. Can I omit buttermilk?
Yes, replace with milk, heavy cream, or sour cream for a similar creamy texture.
7. What are the health benefits of this dish?
Pork provides protein, onions add vitamins, but the gravy is rich in fat and sodium—enjoy with a light side.