These juicy pork chops topped with rich onion gravy are a real treat for your taste buds! They’re simple to make and perfect for a cozy dinner.
When I make this dish, the smell of onions cooking fills my kitchen, and it feels like a warm hug. Serve with mashed potatoes, and you’re in for a delicious night! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in chops add flavor and moisture, but boneless chops work just as well. You can also use thinly sliced pork loin or even chicken thighs for a different option.
Onion: A large yellow onion is great for sweetness, but you could use a sweet onion like Vidalia or even red onion for a slightly different taste. If you’re short on onions, shallots are a good substitute.
Chicken Broth: Homemade is the best, yet store-bought is fine. If you’re in need of a non-meat option, vegetable broth can replace chicken broth smoothly in this recipe.
Flour: All-purpose flour thickens the gravy, but cornstarch can be used as a gluten-free option. Just mix it with a bit of cold water before adding to the pan.
How Can You Get the Perfectly Caramelized Onions?
Caramelizing onions is a key step for delicious flavor, but it does take time and patience. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with medium heat; too high will burn the onions. Stir regularly to avoid sticking.
- Cook until they turn a golden brown color. This process usually takes about 8-10 minutes. If you want deeper flavor, you can go longer.
- Adding a pinch of salt helps draw out moisture, making them cook down quicker.
- If they seem dry, a splash of water or a little more oil can help keep them moving.
Pork Chops with Onion Gravy
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 30 minutes in total. You’ll spend about 10 minutes preparing the ingredients and cooking the pork chops, followed by around 15-20 minutes for simmering the onion gravy and bringing everything together. It’s a quick and satisfying meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork Chops:
Start by patting the pork chops dry with paper towels. This helps them sear better. Season both sides of the chops generously with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Sear the Pork Chops:
In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the pork chops, cooking until they’re golden brown on each side, around 3-4 minutes per side. Once browned, transfer the chops to a plate and cover them loosely with foil to keep warm.
3. Cook the Onions:
In the same skillet, turn the heat down to medium. Add the sliced onions, cooking and stirring frequently until they become soft and nicely caramelized, about 8-10 minutes.
4. Add Garlic:
Once the onions are caramelized, add the minced garlic to the pan. Cook for an additional 30 seconds, just until the garlic is fragrant.
5. Thicken the Gravy:
Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring well to coat everything. Let this cook for 1-2 minutes to get rid of the raw flour taste, stirring constantly.
6. Make the Gravy:
Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring there are no lumps. Add the Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and thyme. Stir the mixture until it begins to simmer gently.
7. Combine the Pork Chops and Gravy:
Return the pork chops to the skillet, nestling them in the gravy. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for 8-10 minutes or until the pork chops are cooked through (with an internal temperature of 145°F/63°C).
8. Finish the Gravy:
Remove the pork chops again and keep them warm. Let the gravy simmer uncovered for a few more minutes if you’d like it to be thicker. Taste the gravy and season with salt and pepper as needed.
9. Serve:
Serve the pork chops hot, topped with generous amounts of the onion gravy. Don’t forget to sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and flavor!
Enjoy your hearty and comforting Pork Chops with Onion Gravy!
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Yes, you can absolutely use boneless pork chops! Just be mindful that they’ll cook faster, so reduce the cooking time during the searing step to about 2-3 minutes per side, and keep an eye on the internal temperature.
What Can I Use Instead of Chicken Broth?
If you don’t have chicken broth on hand, vegetable broth is a great substitute. It will give a slightly different flavor but works well with the gravy. You can also use water in a pinch; just season it more generously.
How Do I Store Leftover Pork Chops and Gravy?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm them gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. You may want to add a splash of broth to the gravy while reheating to maintain its consistency.
Can I Double This Recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe can be easily doubled. Just ensure you have a large enough skillet to sear the pork chops or do it in batches. Adjust the cooking time slightly if you crowd the pan.