This dish features juicy pork chops smothered in a rich onion gravy that makes every bite delicious. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner at home!
The best part? The gravy is so easy to make, you’ll want to pour it on everything. I often serve mine with mashed potatoes to soak up all that tasty sauce—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in chops are great for flavor and juiciness, but you can substitute with boneless chops if you prefer. You could even use a pork tenderloin sliced into medallions for a leaner option.
Onions: Yellow onions provide a sweet flavor when caramelized. If you want a sharper taste, go for white onions. For a milder flavor, you might use sweet onions like Vidalia.
Chicken Broth: If you don’t have chicken broth, vegetable broth works just as well. You can also use water if you’re in a pinch, but you might want to add some extra seasoning.
Thyme: Dried thyme is suitable, but fresh thyme has a brighter flavor. If you can’t find thyme, dried oregano or rosemary could do the trick, but use less as they’re stronger.
How Can I Perfectly Sear Pork Chops for Great Flavor?
Searing pork chops is key to creating a tasty outer crust and locking in juices. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with dry pork chops. Use paper towels to pat them dry, allowing for better browning.
- Preheat the skillet with oil on medium-high. Wait until it’s hot before laying down the chops to avoid steaming.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan! This keeps the temperature high, giving that nice golden-brown color.
- Don’t flip too soon. Let them develop a crust for about 3-4 minutes before flipping.
This searing method will set the stage for a deliciously juicy pork chop!
How to Make Pork Chops with Onion Gravy
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 30 minutes of cooking time. So, you’ll be enjoying your delicious pork chops with onion gravy in about 45 minutes—perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Pork Chops:
Start by patting the pork chops dry with paper towels. This helps to get a nice sear. Season both sides with a generous amount of salt and black pepper. It’s like a little hug of flavor!
2. Sear the Chops:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (you can test it by dropping a tiny bit of water in—if it sizzles, it’s ready), add the pork chops. Sear them until they turn golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the chops from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
3. Cook the Onions:
Lower the heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet. Once it’s melted, toss in the sliced onions. Cook these, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and golden brown, which should take about 8-10 minutes. Isn’t that smell heavenly?
4. Add Garlic:
Now, add the minced garlic to the onions and cook for another 30 seconds until it releases its delicious aroma. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
5. Make the Gravy:
Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic while stirring constantly to mix it in. Cook this for about 1-2 minutes—this gets rid of that raw flour taste. Next, slowly whisk in the chicken broth, making sure to scrape up all those tasty browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce (if using) and dried thyme.
6. Simmer with Pork Chops:
Bring the gravy to a simmer, then carefully return the pork chops back to the skillet, making sure they’re nestled into the gravy. Cover it up and lower the heat to low. Let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes or until the pork chops are cooked through (you want them to reach an internal temperature of 145°F / 63°C).
7. Final Touches:
Before serving, give the gravy a taste and adjust with more salt and pepper if needed. Now, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley over the pork chops and gravy for a lovely pop of color!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the pork chops hot, and don’t forget to drench those mashed potatoes (or whatever side you choose) in that rich and flavorful onion gravy. Enjoy every comforting bite!
Happy cooking! Enjoy your savory and comforting Pork Chops with Onion Gravy!
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Absolutely! Boneless pork chops can be used in this recipe. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as boneless chops typically cook faster, taking about 5-7 minutes per side for searing and around 8-10 minutes of simmering.
What If I Don’t Have Chicken Broth?
No problem! If you don’t have chicken broth on hand, you can use vegetable broth or even water. Just remember to adjust the seasoning as needed to enhance the flavor.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Cook the pork chops and gravy ahead of time, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth to freshen it up if needed.
How Can I Adjust the Gravy Thickness?
If you prefer a thicker gravy, mix an additional tablespoon of flour with a bit of cold water to make a slurry, then stir it into the simmering gravy. Allow it to cook for a few more minutes until it reaches your desired thickness.
