Smothered pork chops in a rich, savory onion gravy are the epitome of comfort food. The tender pork chops are seared to perfection and then simmered in a flavorful onion gravy that is both creamy and savory. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner with loved ones, providing the kind of hearty, satisfying meal that sticks with you long after the last bite. Whether you’re looking for a meal to impress or just want something comforting after a long day, this recipe will not disappoint.

Ready in: 45 minutes
Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 4 bone-in pork chops
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups chicken broth (or pork broth for extra depth)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, but adds richness)
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 teaspoon fresh thyme)

Instructions:

1. Season and Prepare the Pork Chops:
   Start by seasoning the pork chops generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Make sure to coat the chops evenly to enhance the flavor. After seasoning, dredge each pork chop lightly in flour, making sure to shake off any excess. This flour coating helps to achieve a beautiful golden sear and thickens the gravy later on.
2. Sear the Pork Chops:
   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter has melted and the oil is hot, add the pork chops. Sear each side for about 3-4 minutes until they develop a golden-brown crust. This will lock in the juices and give the pork chops a rich, savory flavor. Once seared, remove the pork chops from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Onions and Garlic:
   In the same skillet, without cleaning it, add the sliced onions. Cook them over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 8-10 minutes. The goal here is to caramelize the onions, which brings out their natural sweetness and deepens the flavor of the gravy. Once the onions are soft and browned, add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Create the Gravy Base:
   Sprinkle one tablespoon of flour over the onions and garlic mixture. Stir well to combine, allowing the flour to cook for 1-2 minutes. This step helps thicken the gravy. Be sure to scrape up any browned bits left from searing the pork chops, as these add depth to the flavor.
5. Add the Liquid:
   Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Stir the mixture well to deglaze the skillet, ensuring all the flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan are incorporated into the gravy. Once the broth is added, bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
6. Simmer the Gravy:
   Add Worcestershire sauce and dried thyme to the skillet. Let the gravy simmer on low for about 5-7 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld and the gravy to thicken slightly.
7. Return the Pork Chops to the Skillet:
   After the gravy has simmered, return the seared pork chops to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the pork chops cook in the gravy for an additional 10-15 minutes. This will ensure that the pork is fully cooked and tender while absorbing the delicious flavors of the gravy.
8. Finish the Gravy (Optional):
   For a richer, creamier texture, you can add 1/2 cup of heavy cream to the gravy and stir it in. Allow the gravy to simmer for another 2-3 minutes to blend the cream in and thicken it further.
9. Adjust Seasoning and Serve:
   Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Once the pork chops are fully cooked and the gravy has reached your desired thickness, serve the pork chops smothered in the creamy, savory onion gravy.

Serving Suggestions:
This dish pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or even buttered noodles, as the creamy gravy is perfect for soaking into these sides. You could also serve it with steamed vegetables, such as green beans or peas, to balance out the richness of the pork and gravy. For a complete meal, add a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness.

Enjoy your comforting and hearty dinner!