Sep 11 2026
RestaurantsSoul Food by CatherineSmothered Pork Chops Recipe

Smothered Pork Chops Recipe

Time55m
Serves4

rice and same veggies

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Ingredients

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Pork Chops & Seasoning

Method

Pork Chops & Seasoning

  1. 1

    Prep chops

    Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. In a small bowl combine 1.5 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp paprika and 0.5 tsp garlic powder. Rub both sides of each chop with the seasoning mixture.

  2. 2

    Dredge

    Place 3/4 cup flour on a shallow plate. Lightly dredge each seasoned chop in the flour, shaking off excess. Reserve extra flour for the gravy section.

  3. 3

    Sear chops

    Heat 3 tbs oil in a large skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chops (do not overcrowd; cook in two batches if needed). Sear 3-4 minutes per side until nicely browned. Remove chops to a plate and set aside. Leave any browned bits and about 1 tbs fat in the pan.

Smothering Vegetables & Sauce

  1. 4

    Cook aromatics

    Reduce heat to medium. Add 2 tbs butter to the skillet with reserved browned bits. Add the sliced onion, green pepper and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, about 6-8 minutes until softened and beginning to brown. Stir in the minced garlic and cook 30-45 seconds until fragrant.

  2. 5

    Make roux-ish slurry

    Sprinkle 2 tsp flour evenly over the softened vegetables and stir to coat; cook 1 minute to remove raw flour taste. This will help thicken the sauce.

  3. 6

    Deglaze and simmer

    Slowly pour in 2 cups chicken broth while scraping up browned bits from the pan. Add 1 tbs Worcestershire sauce and 0.5 tsp salt, 0.25 tsp pepper and 0.5 tsp dried thyme. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.

  4. 7

    Return chops to pan

    Nestle the seared pork chops back into the skillet with the vegetables and sauce. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently 12-15 minutes until chops register 145°F (63°C) at the thickest part and are tender. Turn chops once halfway through so they cook evenly in the sauce.

  5. 8

    Finish sauce

    When chops are done, remove them to a warm plate and stir 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half) into the skillet. Simmer uncovered 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly; taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt/pepper as needed. If you prefer a thicker gravy, mix a scant 1/2 tsp cornstarch with 1 tbs cold water, stir into sauce and simmer 1-2 minutes until thickened.

  6. 9

    Serve

    Return chops to the pan to coat in the gravy or spoon the vegetable gravy over chops when plating.

Rice

  1. 10

    Cook rice

    While chops are searing or during the final simmer, bring 3 cups water, 0.5 tsp salt and 1 tsp butter (optional) to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add 1.5 cups long-grain white rice, stir once, reduce heat to low, cover and simmer 18 minutes without lifting the lid. Remove from heat and let rest covered 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.

  2. 11

    Plate

    Spoon a portion of rice onto each plate and top with a smothered pork chop and generous ladle of the vegetable gravy.

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