![- 4 bone-in pork chops (approximately 1 inch thick) - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 large onion, thinly sliced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 cup heavy cream - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) Pork chops are a great source of protein. They help build and repair muscles. The olive oil is rich in healthy fats. It can support heart health. Onions have antioxidants that may reduce inflammation. Garlic can help boost your immune system. Heavy cream adds richness and calcium for strong bones. Chicken broth offers hydration and flavor with fewer calories. You can swap bone-in pork chops for boneless ones. They will still taste great! For a lower-calorie option, use light cream instead of heavy cream. If you want less sodium, use homemade chicken broth. You can replace Dijon mustard with yellow mustard. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika works too. Fresh herbs can replace dried thyme if you have them. First, gather your ingredients. You need bone-in pork chops, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. This helps them sear better. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika for great flavor. Let the chops sit for a few minutes to absorb the seasoning. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add two tablespoons of olive oil and let it shimmer. Carefully place the pork chops in the skillet. Sear them for about 4-5 minutes on each side. Look for a nice golden-brown crust. This step locks in the pork's juices and flavor. Once they are seared, remove the chops from the skillet and place them on a plate to rest. In the same skillet, add one large onion, thinly sliced. Sauté over medium heat for about 5 minutes. Wait until the onions turn translucent and tender. Add two cloves of minced garlic and stir for one more minute. Now, pour in one cup of low-sodium chicken broth. Add one tablespoon of Dijon mustard, one tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, and one teaspoon of dried thyme. Stir well and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes. This helps meld the flavors together. Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in one cup of heavy cream. Keep it on the heat for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will thicken the sauce and make it creamy. Finally, return the seared pork chops to the skillet. Spoon the sauce over them and cover the skillet. Let it simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes. The pork should reach an internal temperature of 145°F. Your smothered pork chops are now ready for a delicious meal. For the full recipe, check the details above. To get the best flavor in smothered pork chops, start with seasoning. Use salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. These spices add depth and warmth. Sear the chops well. This forms a nice crust. The crust locks in moisture and enhances taste. When cooking the onions, let them cook until soft and sweet. This sweetness adds to the sauce. Lastly, use low-sodium chicken broth. It keeps the dish from being too salty while adding rich flavor. For the perfect creamy sauce, use heavy cream. It gives a rich and smooth texture. Once you add it, lower the heat. Simmer gently until it thickens. Stir often to avoid sticking. If too thick, add a bit more broth to loosen it. You can also whisk in a little flour to thicken if needed. This will help maintain that creamy feel. One common mistake is not searing the pork chops enough. If you skip this step, you miss out on flavor. Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing. This can lower the temperature and prevent browning. Another mistake is overcooking the pork chops. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature. It should reach 145°F. Lastly, don’t skip the resting time. Letting the meat rest helps keep it juicy. For more tips, refer to the Full Recipe. {{image_4}} Want to kick up the heat? Add some spice. Mix in cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes. A teaspoon of each will do the trick. You can also swap smoked paprika for hot paprika. This gives your dish a nice kick. Serve these spicy chops with a side of creamy coleslaw to balance the heat. Mushrooms add an earthy flavor. Use about one cup of sliced mushrooms. Add them right after sautéing the onions. Let them cook until soft before adding the broth. This blend makes the sauce rich and savory. Try using cremini or shiitake mushrooms for a gourmet touch. You can cook smothered pork chops in two ways. The stovetop method is quicker. It takes about 40 minutes. If you prefer slow cooking, use a slow cooker. This method takes about 6-8 hours on low. The result is tender, juicy chops. For both methods, the sauce will still be creamy and delicious. To store your leftover smothered pork chops, let them cool down first. Then, place them in an airtight container. Make sure to include some of the sauce for moisture. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. This keeps the flavors fresh and tasty. When you want to enjoy the leftovers, reheat them gently. You can use the microwave or a skillet. If using the microwave, cover the container to prevent drying out. Heat in short bursts, about one minute, stirring in between. If using a skillet, add a splash of broth or water, cover, and warm on low heat. You can freeze smothered pork chops for longer storage. First, cool them completely. Then, wrap each chop tightly in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer bag or container, making sure to remove as much air as possible. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge before warming. Feel free to check the [Full Recipe] for more tips on making these delicious chops! Smothered pork chops taste great with many sides. Here are some favorites: - Mashed potatoes - Steamed rice - Roasted vegetables - Green beans - Coleslaw These sides add flavor and texture. They help balance the rich sauce. Yes, you can use boneless pork chops. Just remember to adjust the cooking time. Boneless chops cook faster than bone-in chops. Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F. This way, your pork remains juicy and tender. To make smothered pork chops dairy-free, swap heavy cream for coconut cream or cashew cream. Both options provide a rich texture. Use a non-dairy butter for cooking. Your sauce will still taste creamy and delicious. Check the Full Recipe for more ideas on how to adjust the dish. This blog post covered how to make smothered pork chops. We discussed key ingredients, their health benefits, and substitutions. You learned step-by-step how to prepare and cook these chops, plus tips for the best flavor and texture. We explored tasty variations and detailed ways to store leftovers. Remember, you can swap ingredients and try different cooking methods. These choices can make the dish your own. Enjoy experimenting and savoring your delicious creation!](https://dailydishcraft.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/5d104d28-4fdf-41ff-8389-97a30a8164a0-250x250.webp)
- Smothered Pork Chops
Indulge in comfort with my Savory Smothered Pork Chops recipe, perfect for any home cook! This creamy and easy dish is bursting with flavor and is accompanied by helpful tips and ingredient swaps. Whether you prefer stovetop or slow cooker methods, you’ll create a satisfying meal that your family will love. Discover the full recipe now and start cooking up these delicious pork chops today!