Smothered Pork Chops Recipe

Quick & Savory Smothered Pork Chops Recipe Everyone Will Love

Smothered pork chops transport you into a world of culinary comfort where hearty flavors dance across your palate.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this classic dish as a testament to simple, soulful cooking.

Rich, velvety gravy upgrades ordinary meat into an extraordinary dining experience that feels like a warm embrace.

Each bite promises tender, succulent meat bathed in a luxurious sauce that whispers memories of family gatherings.

Carefully seasoned ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a harmonious symphony of taste that elevates weeknight dinners.

Rustic yet refined, these pork chops represent the perfect balance between homestyle cooking and gourmet satisfaction.

Why Smothered Pork Chops Hit the Spot

Why Smothered Pork Chops Hit the Spot
  • Create Effortless Comfort: Dive into a hands-off cooking method that transforms simple pork chops into a mouthwatering meal with minimal kitchen effort.
  • Unlock Rich, Creamy Flavors: Enjoy a luxurious gravy that perfectly coats tender pork chops, blending savory onion, chicken, and pork seasonings into a deeply satisfying dish.
  • Slow-Cooked Tenderness Guaranteed: Experience melt-in-your-mouth pork that becomes incredibly soft after 4-6 hours of gentle cooking, ensuring a foolproof meal for busy home cooks.
  • Protein-Packed Meal Solution: Benefit from a hearty dish delivering 30 grams of protein per serving, making it an excellent option for maintaining energy and supporting muscle health.

Ingredients That Make Smothered Pork Chops Shine

Main Protein:
  • Pork Chops: Tender, juicy cuts that form the centerpiece of the dish, best when thick and bone-in for maximum flavor and moisture.
Seasoning Group:
  • Garlic Powder: Adds robust, savory depth to the pork chops with its intense aromatic profile.
  • Onion Soup Mix: Provides rich, umami flavor and helps create a complex seasoning base for the dish.
  • Dry Pork Gravy Mix: Enhances the meaty flavor and helps thicken the sauce with its specialized blend of seasonings.
Liquid and Sauce Group:
  • Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and creates a flavorful liquid base for slow cooking the pork chops.
  • Cream of Chicken Soup: Contributes to a creamy, rich texture and helps create a smooth, luxurious gravy.
  • Cornstarch: Acts as a thickening agent to give the gravy a perfect, glossy consistency.
  • Cold Water: Used to create a slurry with cornstarch, helping to smoothly incorporate the thickener.
Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley: Provides a bright, fresh color and light herbal note to finish the dish.

Cooking Smothered Pork Chops Like a Pro

Cooking Smothered Pork Chops Like a Pro

Step 1: Prepare the Flavor Base

In a 5-6 quart slow cooker, whisk together:
  • 1 packet onion soup mix
  • 1½ cups chicken broth
  • 1 can cream of chicken soup
  • 1 packet dry pork gravy mix

Mix until the mixture becomes smooth and well combined.

Step 2: Season the Pork Chops

Generously sprinkle garlic powder on both sides of the pork chops to enhance their flavor profile.

Step 3: Layer in the Slow Cooker

Place the seasoned pork chops flat in the slow cooker, then pour the prepared gravy mixture over them, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Tenderness

Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat for 4-6 hours, cooking until the pork becomes wonderfully tender and easily pulls apart.

Step 5: Create the Thickening Slurry

In a separate bowl, combine:
  • Cornstarch
  • Cold water

Gently stir to create a smooth slurry mixture.

Step 6: Enhance the Gravy

Pour the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker, stirring gently to incorporate into the existing gravy.

Step 7: Final Cooking and Thickening

Cover the slow cooker again and switch to high heat for an additional 30 minutes, allowing the gravy to thicken and become rich and luxurious.

Step 8: Serve and Garnish

Turn off the slow cooker and plate the succulent pork chops. Drizzle with the robust gravy and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Tips for Pork Chop Flavor Perfection

Tips for Pork Chop Flavor Perfection
  • Select Thick-Cut Chops: Choose bone-in pork chops that are at least 1-inch thick to ensure they remain juicy and tender during slow cooking.
  • Sear Before Slow Cooking: Brown the pork chops in a hot skillet for 2-3 minutes per side to lock in extra flavor and create a beautiful golden crust before adding to the slow cooker.
  • Layer Seasonings Carefully: Don't just sprinkle garlic powder; massage it into the meat to help the flavors penetrate deeply and create a more robust taste profile.
  • Control Gravy Consistency: Adjust the cornstarch slurry carefully – add it gradually and stir gently to prevent lumps and achieve the perfect gravy thickness.
  • Rest Before Serving: Let the pork chops sit for 10-15 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite remains incredibly moist and flavorful.

How to Store and Rewarm Pork Chops Right

How to Store and Rewarm Pork Chops Right
  • Refrigeration: Store leftover pork chops in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Cool the meat completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth. Properly stored smothered pork chops will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Freezing: Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen pork chops maintain best quality for up to 3 months. Label the container with the date to track freshness.
  • Reheating: Gently warm refrigerated pork chops in the microwave or oven to prevent drying out. For microwave, cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.

Pairing Ideas for Pork Chop Nights

  • Pair with Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The rich, smooth gravy from the pork chops perfectly complements fluffy mashed potatoes, creating a comforting and hearty meal that'll warm your soul.
  • Crisp Green Bean Salad Companion: A light, crunchy green bean salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the pork, balancing the dish's deep flavors and adding a refreshing element.
  • Wine and Dine Elegantly: A medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or a crisp Chardonnay will enhance the savory notes of the pork chops, elevating this homestyle dish to a more sophisticated dining experience.
  • Rustic Crusty Bread Sidekick: Serve with a slice of warm, crusty bread to soak up the delicious gravy, turning every bite into a flavor-packed moment of pure comfort.

Creative Tweaks to Smothered Pork Chops

  • Country Ranch Chops: Swap onion soup mix with ranch seasoning packet for a tangy southwestern flavor profile. Add chopped green chiles and use pepper jack cheese as a topping for extra zest.
  • Mushroom Herb Infusion: Replace cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom. Incorporate fresh thyme and rosemary sprigs during cooking for an earthy, woodland-inspired meal.
  • Apple Cider Comfort: Substitute chicken broth with apple cider for subtle sweetness. Sprinkle cinnamon and nutmeg into the gravy mixture to enhance the warm, autumnal taste. Add diced apples during the last hour of slow cooking for texture and depth.
  • Spicy Cajun Edition: Mix Cajun seasoning into the dry rub for pork chops. Use spicy brown mustard in the gravy base and include diced bell peppers for a Louisiana-style kick.
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Smothered Pork Chops Recipe

Smothered Pork Chops Recipe


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4.7 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Southern comfort meets pure indulgence with these Smothered Pork Chops. Golden-seared meat nestles under a rich, creamy onion gravy that promises hearty satisfaction in every savory bite you’ll savor.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 4 bone-in pork chops

Soup and Broth:

  • 1 can (14 ounces / 414 milliliters) low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 can (1½ ounces / 42 grams) low-sodium cream of chicken soup

Seasoning and Thickening Ingredients:

  • 1 ounce (28 grams) packet dry pork gravy mix
  • 1 ounce (28 grams) packet onion soup mix
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 3 tablespoons cold water
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Freshly chopped parsley (to taste, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare a 5-6 quart (4.7-5.7 liters) slow cooker and whisk together one packet of onion soup mix, 1½ cups (360 milliliters) of chicken broth, one 10.5-ounce (298 grams) can of cream of chicken soup, and one packet of dry pork gravy mix until the mixture becomes completely smooth and well-integrated.
  2. Generously season both sides of the pork chops with garlic powder, ensuring an even and robust flavor distribution across the meat.
  3. Carefully position the seasoned pork chops in a single layer at the bottom of the slow cooker, then gently pour the prepared gravy mixture over the meat to guarantee complete and uniform coverage.
  4. Securely place the lid on the slow cooker and set the temperature to low heat, allowing the pork chops to cook slowly and become incredibly tender over 4-6 hours.
  5. Create a thickening slurry by combining of cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water in a separate small bowl, whisking until the mixture is completely smooth and free of lumps.
  6. Gently stir the cornstarch slurry into the cooking liquid, ensuring even distribution throughout the gravy.
  7. Cover the slow cooker again and switch the temperature to high heat, allowing the gravy to thicken and develop a rich, velvety consistency for an additional 30 minutes.
  8. Once cooking is complete, turn off the slow cooker and transfer the pork chops to a serving platter, drizzling the luxurious gravy over the top and garnishing with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness.

Notes

  • Slow cooking transforms tough pork chops into melt-in-your-mouth tender meat with minimal kitchen effort.
  • Onion soup mix and cream of chicken soup create a deeply savory, rich gravy that elevates basic protein.
  • Cornstarch slurry acts as a secret weapon to thicken sauce without lumps, ensuring silky smooth consistency.
  • Garlic powder seasoning adds depth and complexity to the meat, making every bite more flavorful.
  • Low and slow cooking method guarantees juicy, fall-apart pork chops that practically melt on your tongue.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 900 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg
Julian Park

Julian Park

Co-Founder, Cuisine Researcher & Food Culture Writer

Expertise

  • Global Food Cultures & Culinary History
  • Regional Flavor Profiles & Cooking Techniques
  • Food Anthropology & Cultural Identity
  • Culinary Research & Narrative Writing
  • Street Food Traditions & Heritage Dishes

Education

The Institute of Culinary Education (ICE), Los Angeles, CA

  • Degree: Certificate in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Professional culinary techniques, global cuisine fundamentals, and real-world training in restaurant-style cooking and food presentation.

Julian Park is a natural storyteller at The Dream Café who blends hands-on culinary experience with a passion for exploring global food traditions. A graduate of The Institute of Culinary Education in Los Angeles, Julian combines professional technique with a love for cultural discovery, diving into how dishes reflect heritage, migration, and identity. 

His work spans everything from in-depth cuisine guides to reflections on everyday meals around the world. With a curious palate and a journal always close by, Julian helps readers connect with food in a way that feels so insightful and personal.

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