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
Scale
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.