Classic Skillet Pork Chops with Savory Gravy: Your Ultimate 30-Minute Comfort Food Dinner
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Welcome to your new favorite weeknight dinner! This incredibly easy and perfectly delicious Easy Pork Chops and Gravy recipe is the answer to your craving for juicy, tender pork chops smothered in a rich, flavorful gravy. Made with simple, wholesome ingredients, this dish delivers the ultimate comfort food experience without requiring hours in the kitchen.
Imagine perfectly seared pork chops, boasting a beautiful golden crust, swimming in a luscious brown gravy that you can whip up in the same pan. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a comforting embrace on a plate, ready to feed your family in under 30 minutes. Forget complicated recipes or long cooking times – this one-pan wonder brings dinner to the table with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.
Smothered pork chops are a fantastic choice for busy families looking for a hearty, satisfying meal that won’t break the bank or monopolize their evening. With a short cooking time and a straightforward method, you’ll have a delightful dinner on the table in no time, leaving you more moments to enjoy with your loved ones.
Pork recipes are often celebrated for their versatility and ability to transform simple ingredients into something extraordinary. This particular recipe stands out for its elegant simplicity and the sheer depth of flavor it achieves with common pantry staples. It’s a testament to how humble ingredients can create a truly memorable meal.
When you combine tender pork chops with a homemade, savory gravy, you get a dinner recipe that is not only incredibly tasty but also budget-friendly and incredibly filling. It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone feel nourished and content, perfect for warming up on a chilly evening or simply enjoying a delicious family dinner any day of the week.
Essential Ingredients for Tender Pork Chops and Homemade Gravy:
Crafting these delectable pork chops and gravy requires a few key ingredients, each playing a crucial role in delivering that irresistible flavor and texture. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and why:
- Protein: Thinly Sliced Boneless Pork Chops. For a truly quick-cooking recipe, thin-cut boneless pork chops are your best friend. They cook through rapidly, ensuring tender results without drying out. If you have thicker chops, you may need to adjust cooking times slightly, or even butterfly them for faster cooking.
- Seasoning: Salt, Black Pepper, Dried Oregano, Italian Seasoning. This blend creates a simple yet robust flavor profile for both the pork and the gravy. Salt and pepper are foundational, while dried oregano adds an earthy, aromatic note. Italian seasoning, a blend of various herbs, enhances the overall savory depth of the dish, creating a warm, inviting aroma.
- Oil: Olive Oil or Avocado Oil. A good quality oil with a high smoke point is essential for searing the pork chops to a beautiful golden brown. Olive oil or avocado oil works wonderfully, providing a neutral base that allows the pork and seasonings to shine.
- Butter: Unsalted Butter. Used to create the roux, the base of our luscious gravy. Unsalted butter gives you control over the final sodium content of your dish, allowing you to season to taste. Any butter you have on hand will work, but unsalted is preferred for precision.
- Flour: All-Purpose Flour. The key to a thick and velvety gravy. All-purpose flour combines with melted butter to form a roux, which then thickens the liquid. For a gluten-free option, you could experiment with a cornstarch slurry, though the flavor and texture will be slightly different.
- Liquid: Chicken Broth or Chicken Stock. This provides the rich base for the gravy. Chicken broth or stock contributes a savory depth that complements the pork beautifully. You can use low-sodium varieties if you’re watching your salt intake. Beef broth could also be an alternative for a deeper, richer gravy.
- Cream: Sour Cream. A surprising yet delightful addition, a little sour cream at the end adds a wonderful tang, creaminess, and richness to the savory gravy. It brightens the flavor and creates a velvety smooth texture that clings perfectly to the pork chops. Don’t skip this ingredient for that extra special touch!
Mastering Easy Pork Chops and Gravy: A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating this satisfying meal is surprisingly simple. Follow these steps for perfectly cooked pork chops and a rich, creamy gravy that will become a staple in your dinner rotation.
Preparing the Pork Chops:
Start by thoroughly seasoning your pork chops. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, and dried oregano. Don’t be shy with the seasoning; this is where a lot of the flavor comes from. Patting the pork chops dry with a paper towel before seasoning can also help them achieve a better sear.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. A cast-iron skillet works exceptionally well for this, providing even heat and a fantastic sear. Once the skillet is hot, add your chosen oil (olive oil or avocado oil). The oil should shimmer but not smoke. Carefully place the seasoned pork chops into the hot skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if necessary to maintain consistent heat and allow for proper searing.
Cook the pork chops for about 2 minutes per side, or until they are beautifully golden brown and cooked through. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your pork chops. Thin-cut chops cook very quickly, while slightly thicker ones might need an extra minute. The internal temperature of pork should reach 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption, with a short resting period. Once cooked, remove the pork chops from the skillet and transfer them to a plate. Tent them loosely with foil to keep them warm and allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness.
Once cooked, remove to a plate and set to the side.
Crafting the Rich Gravy:
Now for the star of the show – the gravy! The beauty of this recipe is that you make the gravy right in the same skillet, capturing all those delicious browned bits (fond) from the pork chops, which adds incredible depth of flavor.
Return the same skillet to medium heat. Add the butter to the pan. Once the butter has melted and is slightly foamy, whisk in the all-purpose flour. This combination forms a roux, which is essential for thickening the gravy. Whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes until the flour is fully incorporated and forms a smooth paste. It should turn a light golden color, indicating that the raw flour taste has cooked out.
Slowly, in a steady stream, whisk in the chicken broth. This is a crucial step: adding the broth slowly and whisking continuously prevents lumps from forming, ensuring a silky-smooth gravy. Continue whisking until the mixture is uniform. Next, sprinkle in the remaining seasonings: Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the gravy to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 2-4 minutes, or until it has thickened to your desired consistency. It should coat the back of a spoon. Finally, remove the skillet from the heat and whisk in the sour cream until completely smooth and creamy. The sour cream adds a wonderful richness and a slight tangy note that elevates the gravy beautifully.
Return the cooked pork chops to the pan, nestling them into the rich gravy. Spoon the gravy generously over the pork chops, ensuring they are beautifully coated. Serve immediately and prepare for rave reviews!
Storing and Reheating Leftover Pork Chops and Gravy:
Should you be lucky enough to have leftovers (it’s rare with this delicious dish!), proper storage is key to maintaining freshness and flavor.
Fridge: Once cooled, transfer the leftover pork chops into one airtight container. The remaining gravy can be stored separately in another smaller airtight container. Both will keep wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Separating them can sometimes help maintain the texture of the pork chops, preventing them from becoming too soggy if they sit in the gravy for too long.
Reheating: For best results, gently reheat the pork chops and gravy on the stovetop over medium-low heat. If the gravy has thickened too much, you can add a splash of chicken broth or water to thin it out to your desired consistency. Stir occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be careful not to overcook the pork chops, which can dry them out.
Expert Tips for Perfectly Tender Pork Chops and Gravy:
Achieving restaurant-quality results at home is easier than you think with a few simple tricks. Here’s how to ensure your pork chops are always tender and your gravy is consistently delicious.
Choosing the Right Pork Chops:
To truly keep this recipe to a shorter cooking time and guarantee tenderness, the best way to do that is by using thin-cut boneless pork chops. These cook quickly and evenly, preventing them from drying out. Avoid using thick-cut pork chops or bone-in varieties if speed is your priority, as they will naturally take a longer time to cook through. If you do use thicker chops, consider pounding them lightly to an even thickness, or simply extending the cooking time and using a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 145°F (63°C) internally, followed by a 3-minute rest.
Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet:
When searing the pork chops, ensure you don’t overcrowd the pan. This is crucial for achieving a beautiful sear and preventing the chops from steaming instead of browning. Cook in batches if necessary, and ensure each chop has enough space to cook evenly.
Whisking the Roux and Gravy:
For a smooth, lump-free gravy, patience and continuous whisking are key, especially when adding the flour to the butter and the broth to the roux. Add the liquid slowly, in a steady stream, while whisking vigorously. This helps create a homogenous mixture and prevents clumps from forming.
Seasoning to Taste:
Always taste your gravy before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. Depending on the sodium content of your chicken broth, you might need a little more or less salt. A dash of garlic powder or onion powder can also be added for extra flavor.
Can I make this with chicken?
Absolutely! This recipe is incredibly adaptable. If you prefer to make this recipe with chicken, go for it! I would suggest using boneless, skinless chicken breast or chicken thighs in place of the pork chops. For chicken breasts, consider pounding them to an even thickness for uniform cooking. Be sure to adjust the cooking time as chicken will need to cook for longer than thin-cut pork chops. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken gets to at least 165 degrees F (74°C) for safe eating. The gravy method remains the same and will be just as delicious with chicken.
What to serve with these delicious pork chops:
This savory dish pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes, creating a truly hearty and satisfying meal. I particularly enjoy serving this recipe with creamy mashed potatoes, which are perfect for soaking up every last drop of that amazing gravy. Alongside, warm and fluffy dinner rolls are a welcome addition. For a more complete meal, consider adding a side of steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, or glazed carrots to incorporate some vegetables. Rice or egg noodles are also excellent choices for absorbing the rich gravy. This combination truly is the perfect way to warm up on these colder winter days or enjoy a comforting meal any time of year.
Discover More Delicious Pork Recipes:
If you loved this easy pork chop recipe, you’ll be thrilled to explore more of our fantastic pork recipes. From slow-cooked delights to quick weeknight meals, there’s something for every occasion:
- Slow Cooker Delish Pork Tenderloin: An effortless recipe for incredibly tender and flavorful pork tenderloin, perfect for busy days.
- One-Pot Italian Sausage Soup: A comforting and hearty soup, packed with robust Italian flavors, all made in a single pot.
- Slow Cooker Apple Cider Pulled Pork: Sweet and tangy pulled pork, slow-cooked to perfection, ideal for sandwiches or as a main dish.
- French Onion Pork Chops: A sophisticated take on pork chops, featuring the rich, caramelized flavors of classic French onion soup.
Easy Pork Chops and Gravy
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Equipment
- Large skillet
Ingredients
- 4-5 thin pork chops
- ½ tsp salt
- Dash pepper
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp olive oil
Gravy:
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp all purpose flour
- 1 ¼ cup chicken broth
- ½ tsp italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- Dash pepper
- 1 tsp sour cream
Instructions
- Season the pork chops on both sides with the salt, pepper, and oregano. Ensure an even coating for maximum flavor.
- Heat a large skillet to medium-high heat. Add the olive oil or avocado oil to the hot pan. Once the oil shimmers, carefully place the seasoned pork chops into the skillet. Avoid overcrowding; cook in batches if necessary to achieve a good sear.
- Cook the pork chops for approximately 2 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Cooking time may vary based on chop thickness; aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Once cooked, remove the pork chops from the skillet and transfer them to a clean plate. Tent them loosely with foil to keep them warm while you prepare the gravy, allowing the juices to settle.
Make the gravy
- Using the same skillet (don’t clean it, those bits add flavor!), reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter and let it melt. Once melted and slightly foamy, whisk in the all-purpose flour to create a roux. Cook the roux for 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly, until it’s a light golden color and smells nutty.
- Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, pouring it in gradually to prevent lumps. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, remaining salt, and pepper. Bring the gravy to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 2-4 minutes, or until it thickens to your desired consistency. Remove from heat and whisk in the sour cream until fully incorporated and creamy.
- Return the cooked pork chops to the pan and nestle them into the warm, savory gravy. Spoon the gravy over the chops to coat them completely. Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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