Southern-Style Breaded Pork Chops with Onion Gravy

Southern cuisine is renowned for its comforting and hearty dishes, and these Southern-style breaded pork chops with onion gravy are no exception. Tender pork chops are coated in a flavorful breading, then smothered in a rich onion gravy seasoned with caramelized onions and garlic. Serve them over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles for a truly satisfying meal that’s sure to please the whole family.

Recipe Details:

• Course: Main Meal
• Cuisine: Southern
• Keyword: Fried Pork Chops, How to Make Smothered Pork Chops, Southern Fried Pork Chops
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4 pork chops
• Calories: 526 kcal
• Author: Beth Pierce

Ingredients:

Pork Chops:

• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 4 bone-in thick-cut pork chops (about 3/4 – 1 inch thick)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Gravy:

• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 medium yellow onion, cut in half and thinly sliced into half circles
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 1/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ teaspoon fresh thyme leaves

Instructions:

1. Prepare Pork Chops:

• In a wide shallow bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
• Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels and dredge them into the flour mixture. Shake off any excess flour.

1. Cook Pork Chops:

• Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Cook the pork chops until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Plate them and cover loosely with aluminum foil.

1. Prepare Gravy:

• In the same skillet, melt butter over medium-low heat.
• Add onions and cook until tender and golden brown, scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen brown bits.
• Reduce heat, add garlic, and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
• Sprinkle with flour, stir, and cook for 2 minutes.
• Slowly pour in chicken broth, stirring until smooth. Whisk in heavy cream.

1. Simmer Pork Chops:

• Add the pork chops back to the skillet and simmer for 5 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit, turning the pork chops several times to coat them with the gravy.

1. Serve:

• Garnish with fresh thyme leaves and serve promptly.

Recipe Notes:

• For the most flavor, use bone-in pork chops with some fat for tenderness.
• Mushroom gravy variation: Add another tablespoon of butter and 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms with the onions.
• Cook in a well-seasoned cast iron skillet for best results.
• Use vegetable or canola oil for browning the chops.
• Heavy whipping cream creates the creamiest gravy.
• Pork is done at an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
• For easy removal of thyme leaves, use a fine mesh strainer.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

These Southern-style breaded pork chops with onion gravy are a deliciously satisfying meal that brings the comfort of Southern cooking right to your table. Enjoy the hearty flavors and rich textures of this classic dish!