Irresistible Smothered Pork Chops Recipe

Juicy Smothered Pork Chops Recipe: Homestyle Comfort Magic

Sizzling southern smothered pork chops recipe delivers a comfort food experience that melts in your mouth.

Home cooks rave about this classic dish that brings rich, hearty flavors to the dinner table.

Tender pork chops bathed in a luxurious, creamy gravy promise pure culinary satisfaction.

Generations of Southern kitchens have perfected this mouthwatering technique that turns simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

The secret lies in slow-cooking and layering deep, savory notes that dance across your palate.

Every bite tells a story of tradition and home-cooked love.

This recipe will transport you straight to a warm, welcoming kitchen where delicious memories are made.

How to Cook Smothered Pork Chops Right

How to Cook Smothered Pork Chops Right
  • Flavor Foundation

Create a delicious base by whisking together onion soup mix, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and pork gravy mix until perfectly blended and smooth. This magical mixture will transform ordinary pork chops into a mouthwatering meal.

  • Seasoning Magic

Sprinkle garlic powder generously over each pork chop, ensuring every inch gets a delightful flavor boost that will make taste buds dance with excitement.

  • Slow Cooker Setup

Gently place seasoned pork chops inside the slow cooker, then lovingly pour the prepared gravy mixture over them, making sure each piece is completely surrounded by the savory liquid.

  • Patient Cooking

Let the slow cooker work its culinary magic on low heat for 4-6 hours. During this time, the pork will become incredibly tender and absorb all those incredible flavors.

  • Gravy Perfection

Mix cornstarch with cold water to create a silky thickening agent. Carefully stir this into the cooking liquid, then switch to high heat for a final 30-minute transformation that turns the sauce into a luscious, rich gravy.

  • Serving Delight

When cooking is complete, plate the juicy pork chops and drizzle with the luxurious gravy. Optional: Sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and extra freshness.

Easy Flavor Tips for Smothered Pork Chops

Easy Flavor Tips for Smothered Pork Chops
  • Choose bone-in pork chops for extra flavor and juiciness, or opt for boneless chops for easier eating. Thick-cut chops (around 1-inch) work best in slow cookers to prevent drying out.
  • Experiment with different herb blends like Italian seasoning, Cajun spice mix, or ranch seasoning instead of just garlic powder. Each blend will create a unique flavor profile for your pork chops.
  • Toss sliced onions, mushrooms, or bell peppers into the slow cooker for added nutrition and depth of flavor. These vegetables will absorb the delicious gravy and become incredibly tender.
  • For a richer sauce, swap chicken broth with beef broth or add a splash of white wine. Want a creamier texture? Stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
  • Prepare the entire recipe the night before, store in the refrigerator, and pop into the slow cooker in the morning for a stress-free dinner. The flavors will develop even more overnight, creating an incredibly delicious meal.

Serving Smothered Pork Chops

Serving Smothered Pork Chops
  • Comfort Plate Companions: Creamy mashed potatoes create the perfect soft base to soak up all those delicious gravy juices from the pork chops.
  • Veggie Harmony: Roasted green beans or steamed broccoli add a crisp, fresh contrast to the rich, tender meat and provide a nutritious side that balances the meal.
  • Southern Style Twist: Buttermilk biscuits or cornbread work wonderfully to mop up extra gravy, bringing a classic southern touch that complements the hearty pork chop flavor profile.
  • Zingy Fresh Finish: Sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or chives on top for a bright, herbal note that cuts through the richness and adds a pop of color to your plate.

Storing Smothered Pork Chops

  • Fridge Fresh Plan: Store leftover pork chops in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed meals stay delicious for 3-4 days inside the refrigerator.
  • Freezer Stash Strategy: Wrap individual portions tightly in freezer-safe plastic wrap, then place inside heavy-duty freezer bags. Frozen smothered pork chops maintain top quality for up to 3 months when sealed correctly.
  • Reheat Revival Technique: Warm refrigerated chops in microwave using 50% power to prevent meat from becoming tough. Add a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture and restore original juiciness.
  • Smart Portion Control: Prepare extra batches during weekend meal prep. Divide cooked pork chops into single-serving containers for quick grab-and-go lunches during busy workweeks, ensuring convenient and delicious meals without daily cooking stress.

Quick Recipe Overview

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients List for Smothered Pork Chops

For Protein Base:
  • Bone-In Pork Chops: Rich, tender cut that provides hearty meal foundation with deep, meaty flavor and juicy texture.
For Flavor Enhancers:
  • Dry Pork Gravy Mix, Onion Soup Mix: Powerful seasoning blends that deliver robust, savory depth and complex umami undertones to the dish.
  • Garlic Powder: Adds warm, aromatic punch that elevates overall taste profile without overwhelming other ingredients.
For Sauce and Thickening Components:
  • Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: Creates silky, light base liquid that ensures moisture and adds gentle chicken essence.
  • Low-Sodium Cream of Chicken Soup: Contributes creamy consistency and subtle background richness to the sauce.
  • Cornstarch, Cold Water: Critical thickening duo that transforms thin liquid into luxurious, clingy gravy with perfect smooth texture.
  • Freshly Chopped Parsley: Bright, fresh garnish that introduces color, mild herbal notes, and visual appeal to finished dish.

Tools That Help with Smothered Pork Chops

  • Slow Cooker: 5-6 quart size, essential for creating tender, flavorful pork chops.
  • Whisk: Perfect for blending soup mix, broth, and gravy mix into a smooth sauce.
  • Measuring Cups: Needed for accurate liquid measurements.
  • Measuring Spoons: Great for precise seasoning and cornstarch amounts.
  • Mixing Bowl: Helpful for creating the cornstarch slurry.
  • Serving Spoon: Useful for transferring pork chops and gravy to plates.
  • Cutting Board: Optional for chopping fresh parsley garnish.
Print
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Irresistible Smothered Pork Chops Recipe

Irresistible Smothered Pork Chops Recipe


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4.8 from 15 reviews

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Southern-style smothered pork chops deliver comfort with rich gravy and tender meat. Hearty ingredients blend perfectly, creating a satisfying meal you cannot resist.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in pork chops
  • 1 can (14 oz / 414 mL) low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 can (1½ oz / 42 g) low-sodium cream of chicken soup
  • 1 oz (28 g) packet dry pork gravy mix
  • 1 oz (28 g) packet onion soup mix
  • 3 tbsps cornstarch
  • 3 tbsps cold water
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Freshly chopped parsley (to taste, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Gravy Preparation: Whisk onion soup mix, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and dry pork gravy mix until smooth and fully integrated into a uniform liquid base.
  2. Meat Seasoning: Thoroughly coat pork chops with garlic powder, ensuring comprehensive and even flavor penetration across each piece.
  3. Layering and Initial Cooking: Arrange seasoned pork chops in a single layer within the slow cooker, completely submerge with prepared gravy mixture, secure lid, and set to low temperature for 4-6 hours to achieve maximum tenderness.
  4. Gravy Refinement: Combine cornstarch with cold water to create a silky slurry, then gently incorporate into cooking liquid, elevating the sauce’s texture and consistency.
  5. Final Thickening and Presentation: Transition slow cooker to high heat for 30 minutes to intensify gravy’s richness, then carefully plate pork chops and cascade with developed gravy, finishing with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for vibrant visual appeal and aromatic enhancement.

Notes

  • Meat Selection Matters: Choose bone-in pork chops for maximum flavor and juiciness, preferably thick-cut around 1-inch to prevent overcooking and maintain tenderness.
  • Seasoning Secret: Toast garlic powder briefly in a dry skillet before applying to enhance its depth and aromatic qualities, creating a more complex flavor profile.
  • Gravy Consistency Hack: Whisk cornstarch slurry thoroughly to eliminate lumps, ensuring a silky smooth gravy without unwanted clumps or graininess.
  • Temperature Control: Use a meat thermometer to check internal pork temperature, aiming for 145°F (63°C) for perfectly cooked, juicy chops that remain safe and delicious.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Michael Reynolds

Michael Reynolds

Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Modern American and European Cuisines​, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and global cuisines.​

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

  • Program: Diploma in Pastry Arts
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking and pastry, emphasizing artisanal bread, confections, and plated desserts.​

Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.

Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.

At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.

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