Smothered pork chops are a classic comfort food that brings a sense of home and warmth to the dining table. This dish, with its tender pork chops bathed in a rich, savory gravy, is perfect for family dinners and special occasions alike. My first experience with smothered pork chops was at my grandmother’s house, where the aroma of slow-cooked meat and gravy would fill the air, signaling a meal that was both hearty and delicious. This recipe captures that nostalgic essence and brings it to your kitchen with ease.
Ingredients
4 bone-in pork chops
1 oz packet onion soup mix
1 (14 oz) can chicken broth, low sodium
1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup, low sodium
1 oz packet dry pork gravy mix
1 tsp garlic powder
To Thicken the Gravy:
3 tbsp cornstarch
3 tbsp cold water
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Combine Ingredients for Gravy: In a 5-6 quart oval slow cooker, combine the onion soup mix, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and dry pork gravy mix. Use a whisk to thoroughly combine these ingredients until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.
Step 2: Season the Pork Chops
Season the Pork Chops: Take the bone-in pork chops and season both sides with a bit of garlic powder. This adds an extra layer of flavor to the meat, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
Step 3: Add Pork Chops to Slow Cooker
Place Pork Chops in Slow Cooker: Place the seasoned pork chops into the slow cooker. Do your best to spread them out evenly so that they are not stacked on top of each other. This ensures that each chop gets adequately covered with the gravy mixture.
Cover with Gravy: Pour the gravy mixture over the pork chops, making sure each chop is well-coated. This step is crucial for infusing the pork chops with flavor as they cook.
Step 4: Slow Cook the Pork Chops
Cook on Low: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for about 4-6 hours. The low and slow cooking method allows the pork chops to become incredibly tender and absorb the flavors of the gravy.
Step 5: Thicken the Gravy
Prepare Thickening Mixture: Just before the pork chops are done, prepare the thickening mixture. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of cornstarch and 3 tablespoons of cold water until smooth. This slurry will help thicken the gravy to the perfect consistency.
Add Thickening Mixture to Slow Cooker: Once the cornstarch mixture is ready, pour it into the slow cooker with the pork chops. Stir gently to incorporate the slurry into the gravy.
Step 6: Finish Cooking
Cook on High: Cover the slow cooker again and switch the setting to high. Cook for an additional 30 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency. This final cooking step ensures that the gravy is rich and perfect for serving over the pork chops.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Serve: Once the gravy is thickened and the pork chops are done, turn off the slow cooker. Carefully remove the pork chops and place them on a serving platter. Pour the thickened gravy over the pork chops or serve it on the side in a gravy boat.
Garnish and Enjoy: For an extra touch of flavor and color, you can garnish the pork chops with freshly chopped parsley. Serve these smothered pork chops with your favorite side dishes like mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables to complete the meal.
Variations and Substitutions
Boneless Pork Chops: If you prefer boneless pork chops, you can use them instead of bone-in. Just reduce the cooking time slightly to prevent them from becoming dry.
Different Soups: For a variation in flavor, you can substitute the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup or cream of celery soup.
Herb Enhancements: Add herbs like thyme or rosemary to the gravy mixture for an additional layer of flavor.
Gluten-Free: Ensure that the onion soup mix and pork gravy mix are gluten-free if you are catering to dietary restrictions.
Conclusion
Smothered pork chops are a comforting and satisfying dish that is sure to become a favorite in your household. The tender, flavorful pork chops combined with the rich, savory gravy make for a meal that is both hearty and delicious. This recipe is straightforward, making it perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekend dinners.
What makes this recipe particularly appealing is its simplicity and the use of a slow cooker, which allows the flavors to meld together beautifully with minimal effort. The ability to adjust the ingredients to suit different tastes and dietary needs also makes it a versatile addition to your recipe collection.
In summary, these smothered pork chops are a delightful dish that brings warmth and comfort to the table. Whether you are making them for a special occasion or a casual family dinner, they are sure to impress and satisfy. So, gather your ingredients, follow these easy steps, and enjoy a delicious meal that is full of flavor and heart.