Smothered Pork Chops with Potatoes in Gravy

Juicy, seasoned pork chops are seared and baked with tender potatoes in a rich onion gravy. This dish delivers classic Southern-inspired comfort, perfect for a cozy family dinner.

Ingredients

• 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1” thick)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil)

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for dredging)

• 1 large onion, thinly sliced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 cups chicken broth

• 1 cup whole milk (or half-and-half for creamier gravy)

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for gravy)

• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)

• 4–5 medium potatoes, peeled and sliced into ½” rounds

Instructions

Step 1 – Prep the Pork Chops

1. Pat pork chops dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

2. Lightly dredge in 2 tablespoons flour, shaking off excess.

Step 2 – Sear the Pork Chops

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Sear pork chops for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown (they’ll finish cooking in the oven). Remove and set aside.

Step 3 – Make the Onion Gravy

1. In the same skillet, melt butter. Add sliced onions and cook until soft and caramelized (5–6 minutes).

2. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.

3. Sprinkle in 2 tablespoons flour, stir to coat onions, and cook for 1–2 minutes to remove raw flour taste.

4. Slowly whisk in chicken broth and milk until smooth. Stir in thyme. Simmer until slightly thickened, 4–5 minutes.

Step 4 – Assemble & Bake

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Grease a 9×13 baking dish. Layer sliced potatoes evenly on the bottom.

3. Place seared pork chops on top of potatoes.

4. Pour onion gravy evenly over pork chops and potatoes.

5. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 40–45 minutes, until potatoes are tender and pork chops are cooked through (145°F internal temp).

Step 5 – Serve

Remove from oven, let rest 5 minutes, then serve hot with extra gravy spooned over the top.

Tips & Variations

• Add mushrooms to the gravy for extra flavor.

• Swap pork chops with chicken thighs for a variation.

• For a golden top, uncover during the last 10 minutes of baking.