Save Juicy pork chops simmered in a savory onion gravy and served alongside moist, golden cornbread is a comforting Southern classic perfect for a hearty meal. With every bite, you get rich flavor and a taste of homemade tradition that warms any table.
I remember the first time I made smothered pork chops paired with fresh cornbread for a Sunday supper. The aroma of onions mingling in the skillet was a promise of comfort, and the golden crust on the cornbread always brings back joyful memories of sharing warm slices straight from the oven.
Ingredients
- Pork chops: 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- Salt: 1 tsp
- Black pepper: ½ tsp
- Paprika: 1 tsp
- Garlic powder: ½ tsp
- All-purpose flour (for dredging): ½ cup
- Vegetable oil: 2 tbsp
- Yellow onions: 2 large, thinly sliced
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Low-sodium chicken broth: 2 cups
- Worcestershire sauce: 1 tsp
- Fresh thyme leaves (or dried): 1 tsp fresh or ½ tsp dried
- Unsalted butter (for gravy): 2 tbsp
- Cornmeal: 1 cup
- All-purpose flour (for cornbread): 1 cup
- Sugar: 1 tbsp
- Baking powder: 1 tbsp
- Salt (for cornbread): ½ tsp
- Whole milk: 1 cup
- Eggs: 2 large
- Unsalted butter (for cornbread): ¼ cup, melted
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Season Pork Chops:
- Season pork chops on both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Dredge Pork Chops:
- Dredge each pork chop lightly in flour, shaking off excess.
- Sear Pork Chops:
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat vegetable oil. Sear pork chops on both sides until golden brown (about 3 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.
- Cook Onions & Garlic:
- In the same skillet, add onions and cook until soft and golden, about 7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute more.
- Make Gravy:
- Stir in remaining flour from dredging (up to 2 tbsp) and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits. Add Worcestershire sauce and thyme. Bring to a simmer.
- Simmer Pork Chops:
- Return pork chops and juices to the skillet. Spoon some onions and gravy over the chops. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes, until pork is tender. Stir in butter at the end for a silky gravy.
- Prepare Cornbread:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, whisk milk, eggs, and melted butter. Add wet to dry, mix just until combined.
- Bake Cornbread:
- Pour batter into a greased 8-inch (20 cm) baking dish or cast iron skillet. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Serve:
- Serve smothered pork chops with plenty of onion gravy, accompanied by warm cornbread.
Save Sharing these pork chops and fresh cornbread always brings my family together for a relaxing evening. The meal invites laughter and second helpings, making ordinary nights feel special.
Required Tools
Large skillet with lid, mixing bowls, whisk, baking dish or cast iron skillet, measuring cups and spoons, knife and cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains gluten (flour), dairy (butter, milk), and eggs. Contains pork. Check broth and Worcestershire sauce labels for allergen traces if sensitive.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 610. Total Fat: 28 g. Carbohydrates: 49 g. Protein: 40 g.
Save This traditional smothered pork chops and cornbread recipe delivers Southern comfort on a plate and leaves everyone asking for seconds.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do you ensure pork chops stay juicy when cooking?
Start by searing the chops over medium-high heat to create a golden crust, which helps lock in juices. Then simmer gently in onion gravy to finish cooking without drying out the meat.
- → What gives the onion gravy its rich flavor?
Caramelized yellow onions and garlic add sweetness and depth, while chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, and fresh thyme contribute savory and aromatic notes.
- → How can I make the cornbread moist and tender?
Using a combination of cornmeal, flour, milk, eggs, and melted butter ensures a tender texture and moist crumb. Avoid overmixing to keep it light and fluffy.
- → Can I prepare the cornbread ahead of time?
Yes, cornbread can be baked in advance and gently reheated before serving to maintain its moist texture.
- → What side dishes pair well with this meal?
Sautéed greens or a crisp salad complement the rich pork and cornbread, adding freshness and balance to the plate.