Why are my smothered pork chops tough?

Tough pork chops usually mean they were overcooked or cooked too quickly. Simmering them low and slow in gravy helps break down the meat fibers, making the chops tender and juicy.

What is the secret to juicy pork chops?

The key is a good sear followed by slow simmering in flavorful liquid. Covering the pan while cooking in gravy locks in moisture and boosts flavor.

How do restaurants get their pork chops so tender?

They often use bone-in cuts, brine the meat, and cook with precise temperature control—just like this one-pan recipe does when simmered on low.

How long to cook pork chops in the oven with potatoes?

Bake at 375°F for 35–40 minutes, covered. If your potatoes are thick-cut, they may need an extra 10 minutes. Always test with a fork for tenderness.

Smothered Pork Chops with Potatoes in Gravy Easy Dinner

Name: Smothered Pork Chops with Potatoes in Gravy
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 4 pork chops (¾ to 1 inch thick); Salt & pepper, to taste; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp paprika; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for dredging); 2 tbsp oil or butter; 1 medium onion, sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp flour; 2 cups chicken broth; ½ cup cream or milk (optional); 4–5 small potatoes, sliced or quartered; Fresh parsley or thyme, for garnish

Description

This one-pan smothered pork chop recipe features juicy seared chops and tender potatoes simmered in rich homemade gravy

Ingredients

For the Pork Chops:

4 pork chops (¾ to 1 inch thick)
Salt & pepper to taste
1 tsp each: garlic powder, onion powder, paprika
2 tbsp flour (for dredging)
2 tbsp oil or butter

For the Gravy & Potatoes:

1 medium onion, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp flour
2 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
½ cup cream or milk (optional)
4–5 small potatoes, peeled & sliced
Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish

Instructions

Season & Sear Pork Chops – Pat dry, coat in spices and flour. Sear in oil/butter 3–4 mins per side. Remove.

Make the Gravy – In the same pan, cook onions 5–7 mins. Add garlic. Stir in flour and cook 2 more mins.

Add Liquids – Slowly whisk in broth and cream until smooth and slightly thickened.

Simmer with Potatoes – Add sliced potatoes. Return chops, cover, and simmer 30–40 mins until fork-tender.

Serve Hot – Garnish with parsley or thyme and pour gravy over everything.

Notes

Use bone-in pork chops for extra flavor.

Leftovers reheat well in skillet or microwave.

Pairs perfectly with a light salad or biscuit side.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 pork chop with potatoes
Calories: 460
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 560mg
Fat: 27g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: Smothered Pork Chops with Potatoes in Gravy, comfort food, skillet pork chops