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Cozy Smothered Pork Chops with Easy Onion Gravy

smothered pork chops - featured image

Tender, bone-in pork chops smothered in a rich, caramelized onion gravy. This one-pan comfort food is perfect for cozy nights and proves that simple ingredients, cooked with patience, create something truly special.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
  • 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt, divided
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper, plus more for finishing
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour, divided
  • 2 tablespoons neutral oil (vegetable, canola, or avocado)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 4 sprigs fresh thyme, plus more for garnish
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thicker gravy)
  • 2 tablespoons cold water (if using cornstarch)

Instructions

  1. Take pork chops out of fridge 20 minutes before cooking. Pat dry with paper towels. Season both sides with 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper. Dredge each chop in ¼ cup flour, shaking off excess. Set aside.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil and let shimmer (about 2 minutes). Sear pork chops for 4-5 minutes per side until deep golden brown. Transfer to a plate (they won’t be cooked through).
  3. Reduce heat to medium. Add 2 tablespoons butter. Once melted, add sliced onions and remaining ½ teaspoon salt. Cook 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and golden. Add a splash of broth if dry.
  4. Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant. Sprinkle remaining ¼ cup flour over onions and stir constantly for 2 minutes. Slowly pour in chicken broth while stirring, scraping up browned bits. Add Worcestershire sauce, thyme sprigs, and bay leaf. Bring to a simmer.
  5. Nestle seared pork chops back into skillet with any accumulated juices. Spoon gravy over tops. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 25-30 minutes until fork-tender (internal temp 145°F/63°C).
  6. Remove thyme sprigs and bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning. For thicker gravy, mix cornstarch with cold water, stir in, and simmer 2 more minutes. Add remaining 2 tablespoons butter and swirl until melted. Serve immediately over mashed potatoes, rice, or with crusty bread.

Notes

For best results, let pork chops sit at room temperature 20 minutes before cooking. Don’t rush the onion caramelization—medium heat and patience are key. If gravy is thin, simmer uncovered for 5 more minutes. Leftovers keep up to 4 days in the fridge and freeze up to 3 months. Reheat gently on stovetop with a splash of broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: smothered pork chops, onion gravy, comfort food, one-pan dinner, pork chop recipe, easy dinner, cozy meal