Easy Smothered Boneless Pork Chops Recipe
If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that bursts with flavor, look no further than this easy Smothered Boneless Pork Chops recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners, these tender pork chops are cooked to perfection and smothered in a rich, savory gravy that brings everything together. Whether you’re new to cooking pork or a seasoned home chef, this recipe offers a foolproof way to create a satisfying dish everyone will love, full of warmth and delicious Southern charm.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple and Quick: This recipe comes together fast, ideal for busy nights when you want a homemade meal without fuss.
- Rich and Flavorful: The gravy is bursting with savory goodness, making every bite irresistibly tasty.
- Comfort Food Classic: It provides that cozy, hearty feeling you crave after a long day.
- Versatile: Easily paired with a variety of sides, from mashed potatoes to roasted veggies.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses basic ingredients you likely have on hand without breaking the bank.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind these Smothered Boneless Pork Chops lies in a handful of simple ingredients that harmonize perfectly to create a succulent, flavorful dish. Each component plays a crucial role, whether adding depth to the gravy, tenderizing the meat, or bringing vibrant color to the plate.
- Boneless Pork Chops: Choose chops that are about ¾ inch thick for even cooking and tenderness.
- All-Purpose Flour: Used for dredging pork and thickening the gravy to a perfect consistency.
- Onion: Adds a sweet and savory flavor base that enhances the gravy.
- Garlic: Offers aromatic warmth that complements the pork’s taste.
- Chicken Broth: Provides moisture and enriches the gravy’s depth of flavor.
- Butter or Oil: For browning the pork chops and sautéing the veggies to build layers of flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that elevate all the other flavors.
- Optional Herbs (like Thyme or Parsley): Fresh herbs add brightness and a fragrant finish to the dish.
Variations for Smothered Boneless Pork Chops
Feel free to customize your Smothered Boneless Pork Chops to suit your taste buds or dietary needs. This recipe is incredibly adaptable, allowing you to experiment with different flavors or ingredients without sacrificing that comforting, classic feel.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the flour for a subtle heat.
- Mushroom Gravy: Incorporate sliced mushrooms into the gravy for earthiness and extra texture.
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute butter for olive oil and use dairy-free broth to keep it light and allergen-friendly.
- Herb Variations: Swap thyme for rosemary or add fresh sage for a more aromatic, rustic twist.
- Smoky Flavor: Use smoked paprika and a drizzle of liquid smoke to bring a BBQ-inspired depth to your chops.
How to Make Smothered Boneless Pork Chops
Step 1: Prepare the Pork Chops
Begin by patting your boneless pork chops dry with paper towels, then season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Lightly dredge each chop in flour, shaking off any excess. This coating helps create a beautiful crust and thickens the gravy later.
Step 2: Brown the Pork Chops
Heat butter or oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the pork chops and brown them for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden. Don’t overcook here; you want a golden crust and juicy chops. Remove chops from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet, add sliced onions and minced garlic. Cook them down over medium heat until the onions turn translucent and fragrant, scraping up any browned bits from the pan to infuse more flavor into your gravy.
Step 4: Make the Gravy
Sprinkle about two tablespoons of flour into the skillet with the onions and garlic, stirring constantly to create a roux. Slowly whisk in chicken broth, ensuring the mixture stays smooth and starts to thicken. Season with salt and pepper, and add herbs if desired.
Step 5: Simmer the Pork Chops
Return the pork chops to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let everything simmer gently for 10-15 minutes. This melts any toughness and lets the chops soak up all those flavorful aromas.
Step 6: Final Touches
After simmering, check the gravy’s thickness; if needed, cook uncovered a bit longer to reduce and thicken further. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary, then garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
Pro Tips for Making Smothered Boneless Pork Chops
- Don’t Skip Drying the Pork: Patting chops dry helps achieve a beautiful crust when browning.
- Use Medium-High Heat Initially: This ensures proper browning without overcooking the pork.
- Scrape the Pan Well: Those browned bits add tons of flavor to your gravy.
- Control the Gravy Thickness: Add broth gradually and simmer slowly to get just the right consistency.
- Let It Rest: Allow chops to sit in the gravy off heat for a few minutes to retain moisture and flavor.
How to Serve Smothered Boneless Pork Chops
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley or thyme adds a bright, herbaceous note that balances the richness of the gravy and gives the dish a lively finish.
Side Dishes
Classic mashed potatoes or creamy grits work beautifully at soaking up the savory gravy, while steamed green beans or roasted carrots add a colorful crunch and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your smothered pork chops over a bed of buttery rice or creamy polenta for a delightful twist. For a rustic feel, plate them alongside crusty bread to mop up every drop of gravy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool leftover Smothered Boneless Pork Chops completely and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The gravy seals in moisture to keep the pork tender.
Freezing
This dish freezes well — place cooled chops and gravy in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, covered, stirring occasionally to ensure even warmth and to prevent the gravy from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in pork chops instead?
Absolutely! Bone-in chops add extra flavor but may require slightly longer cooking times to become tender and fully cooked through.
What if I don’t have chicken broth?
Vegetable broth or even water with added seasoning can work in a pinch, but chicken broth adds the best depth to the gravy.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the gravy safely.
How do I prevent the pork chops from drying out?
Browning the chops quickly and then simmering them gently in gravy helps lock in moisture and keep them wonderfully tender.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Definitely! It reheats well and tastes even better as the flavors meld, making it a great choice for preparing meals ahead.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly heartwarming about a plate of Smothered Boneless Pork Chops — tender, juicy, and soaked in rich, flavorful gravy. It’s the perfect dish to fill your kitchen with comforting aromas and your family’s plates with happiness. Give this recipe a try on your next cozy night in; it just might become your new favorite go-to meal.
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PrintSmothered Boneless Pork Chops
This easy Smothered Boneless Pork Chops recipe offers tender pork chops cooked to perfection and smothered in a rich, savory gravy. Perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed dinners, it combines simple ingredients to create a comforting, flavorful Southern classic that’s quick to prepare, budget-friendly, and adaptable to suit your taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-frying and Simmering
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Diet: Can be made Gluten Free with substitutions
Ingredients
Meat
- 4 boneless pork chops (about ¾ inch thick)
Dredging & Gravy
- All-purpose flour, for dredging and thickening gravy (about ½ cup total)
- 2 tablespoons butter or oil (for browning and sautéing)
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional herbs (thyme, parsley, rosemary, or sage) to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Pork Chops: Pat boneless pork chops dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Lightly dredge each chop in flour, shaking off excess to ensure an even coat that helps create a crust and thickens the gravy.
- Brown the Pork Chops: Heat butter or oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and brown each side for 3-4 minutes until golden. Be careful not to overcook. Remove the chops from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Using the same skillet, add sliced onions and minced garlic. Cook over medium heat until onions are translucent and fragrant, scraping up browned bits from the pan to enhance gravy flavor.
- Make the Gravy: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of flour over the onions and garlic, stirring constantly to form a roux. Slowly whisk in chicken broth, keeping the mixture smooth as it thickens. Season with salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs.
- Simmer the Pork Chops: Return pork chops to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 10-15 minutes to tenderize the meat and deepen flavors.
- Final Touches: Check gravy thickness; if too thin, simmer uncovered a little longer. Adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh herbs before serving for brightness.
Notes
- Don’t skip drying the pork chops to achieve a golden crust when browning.
- Use medium-high heat initially to brown without overcooking.
- Scrape pan well to incorporate flavorful browned bits into the gravy.
- Add broth gradually and simmer slowly to control gravy thickness.
- Let chops rest in the gravy off heat for a few minutes to retain moisture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pork chop with gravy
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: smothered pork chops, boneless pork chops, savory gravy, Southern comfort food, quick pork dinner