Savory Smothered Pork Chops: A Comfort Food Classic with Swanson’s Secret!

Smothered pork chops are the epitome of comfort food. Tender, juicy pork chops swimming in a rich, flavorful gravy, served alongside mashed potatoes, rice, or creamy polenta… what’s not to love? This recipe takes the classic dish to the next level by incorporating Swanson’s chicken broth, adding depth and complexity to the gravy that will have everyone coming back for seconds. It’s a family-friendly meal that’s surprisingly easy to make, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend feast.

## Why Swanson’s Chicken Broth Makes a Difference

While water can be used as a base for the gravy, Swanson’s chicken broth elevates the flavor profile considerably. Its rich, savory notes complement the pork beautifully, adding a dimension of flavor that water simply can’t provide. Using Swanson’s ensures a consistent and flavorful base, leading to a more delicious and satisfying final dish.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients needed for this mouthwatering recipe:

* **Pork Chops:** 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops (about 1-inch thick). Bone-in chops tend to be more flavorful, but boneless are quicker to cook.
* **Swanson’s Chicken Broth:** 1 (14.5 ounce) can or carton. This is the star of the gravy!
* **All-Purpose Flour:** 1/4 cup, for dredging the pork chops and thickening the gravy.
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons, for searing the pork chops.
* **Onion:** 1 medium, chopped, for building flavor in the gravy.
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves, minced, because everything is better with garlic!
* **Dried Thyme:** 1 teaspoon, adds an earthy, savory note.
* **Dried Rosemary:** 1/2 teaspoon, complements the thyme and pork beautifully.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste, for seasoning the pork chops and gravy.
* **Optional Ingredients:**
* **Mushrooms:** 8 ounces, sliced, for adding earthy flavor and texture to the gravy.
* **Worcestershire Sauce:** 1 teaspoon, for adding umami and depth to the gravy.
* **Heavy Cream:** 1/4 cup, for enriching the gravy and making it extra creamy (added at the end of cooking).
* **Fresh Parsley:** Chopped, for garnish.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions for perfectly smothered pork chops every time:

**Step 1: Prepare the Pork Chops**

1. **Pat Dry:** Use paper towels to thoroughly pat the pork chops dry. This is crucial for achieving a good sear.
2. **Season Generously:** Season both sides of the pork chops generously with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy! This is your opportunity to build flavor from the beginning.
3. **Dredge in Flour:** Place the flour in a shallow dish. Dredge each pork chop in the flour, ensuring that both sides are evenly coated. Shake off any excess flour.

**Step 2: Sear the Pork Chops**

1. **Heat the Oil:** Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. The oil should be shimmering but not smoking.
2. **Sear the Chops:** Carefully place the pork chops in the hot skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. If necessary, sear the chops in batches. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and slightly crusty. This step is all about developing flavor and creating a beautiful sear. Don’t worry about cooking the chops all the way through at this point; they will finish cooking in the gravy.
3. **Remove from Pan:** Once seared, remove the pork chops from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.

**Step 3: Make the Gravy**

1. **Sauté the Aromatics:** In the same skillet (don’t wipe it out – all those browned bits are flavor!), add the chopped onion and cook over medium heat until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
2. **Add Garlic and Herbs:** Add the minced garlic, dried thyme, and dried rosemary to the skillet and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
3. **Optional: Add Mushrooms:** If using mushrooms, add them to the skillet and cook until softened and browned, about 5-7 minutes.
4. **Create the Roux:** Sprinkle the remaining flour (if any remained from dredging) into the skillet and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes. This creates a roux, which will thicken the gravy. The mixture should be smooth and golden brown. Be careful not to burn the flour, as this will give the gravy a bitter taste.
5. **Deglaze the Pan:** Gradually pour in the Swanson’s chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon. These browned bits, also known as fond, are packed with flavor.
6. **Simmer the Gravy:** Bring the gravy to a simmer, stirring constantly. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
7. **Optional: Add Worcestershire Sauce:** Stir in the Worcestershire sauce for an extra layer of umami flavor.
8. **Season to Taste:** Season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that the broth already contains some salt, so start with a small amount and add more as needed.

**Step 4: Smother the Pork Chops**

1. **Return the Pork Chops:** Gently return the seared pork chops to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy. Make sure the chops are mostly submerged in the gravy.
2. **Simmer Until Cooked Through:** Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the pork chops are cooked through and tender. The internal temperature of the pork chops should reach 145°F (63°C).
3. **Optional: Add Cream:** If using heavy cream, stir it into the gravy during the last few minutes of cooking. This will make the gravy even richer and creamier.

**Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!**

1. **Garnish:** Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired.
2. **Serve:** Serve the smothered pork chops hot, spooning plenty of gravy over each chop. Excellent accompaniments include mashed potatoes, rice, creamy polenta, egg noodles, or your favorite steamed vegetables.

## Tips for Perfectly Smothered Pork Chops

* **Don’t Overcook:** Overcooked pork chops are dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Resting the pork for a few minutes after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender chop.
* **Adjust the Gravy Thickness:** If the gravy is too thick, add a little more chicken broth. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes, uncovered, to allow it to reduce. You can also make a slurry of cornstarch and water (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) and stir it into the gravy to thicken it quickly.
* **Use a Heavy-Bottomed Skillet:** A heavy-bottomed skillet will distribute heat evenly, preventing hot spots and ensuring that the pork chops sear properly and the gravy doesn’t burn.
* **Deglaze Thoroughly:** Don’t skip the step of deglazing the pan! Scraping up those browned bits is essential for adding depth and flavor to the gravy.
* **Season at Each Step:** Seasoning the pork chops before searing, and then seasoning the gravy, ensures that the dish is flavorful throughout.
* **Bone-In vs. Boneless:** Bone-in pork chops are generally more flavorful due to the bone marrow, but boneless pork chops cook faster. Choose whichever you prefer, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* **Variations:**
* **Spicy:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the gravy for a little heat.
* **Sweet:** Add a tablespoon of brown sugar to the gravy for a touch of sweetness.
* **Herby:** Experiment with different herbs, such as sage or oregano.
* **Vegetables:** Add other vegetables to the gravy, such as carrots, celery, or bell peppers.

## Serving Suggestions

Smothered pork chops are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few suggestions:

* **Mashed Potatoes:** A classic pairing! The creamy mashed potatoes are perfect for soaking up the delicious gravy.
* **Rice:** White rice, brown rice, or even wild rice are all excellent choices.
* **Creamy Polenta:** A comforting and flavorful alternative to mashed potatoes.
* **Egg Noodles:** Wide egg noodles are perfect for twirling in the gravy.
* **Steamed Vegetables:** Broccoli, green beans, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts are all healthy and delicious options.
* **Side Salad:** A simple green salad provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pork chops.
* **Crusty Bread:** For sopping up every last drop of gravy.

## Make Ahead Instructions

Smothered pork chops can be made ahead of time, making them a perfect choice for busy weeknights or when you’re entertaining. Here’s how:

1. **Cook as Directed:** Follow the recipe instructions up to the point where you simmer the pork chops in the gravy.
2. **Cool Completely:** Allow the pork chops and gravy to cool completely.
3. **Store:** Transfer the pork chops and gravy to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
4. **Reheat:** When ready to serve, reheat the pork chops and gravy in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a little more chicken broth if the gravy has thickened too much during refrigeration.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

*Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.*

* **Calories:** Approximately 400-500 per serving
* **Protein:** 30-40 grams
* **Fat:** 20-30 grams
* **Carbohydrates:** 10-15 grams

## Conclusion

These smothered pork chops are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, offering a comforting and flavorful meal that’s perfect for any occasion. By using Swanson’s chicken broth, you’ll elevate the gravy to new heights, creating a truly unforgettable dish. So, gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and get ready to enjoy a taste of pure comfort food!