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Hearty, comforting, and packed with flavor—this one-pan meal features juicy bone-in pork chops seared to golden perfection, nestled over tender baby potatoes and smothered in a rich, creamy onion gravy. With garlic, thyme, and a touch of cream, it’s homestyle cooking at its finest: simple, satisfying, and ready in under an hour.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This isn’t just another skillet dinner—it’s rustic comfort on a plate. The pork chops stay tender and flavorful thanks to a slow simmer in savory gravy, while the potatoes soak up every bit of herbed richness. It's the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with warmth and makes everyone gather around the table.
Perfect for:
Cozy weeknight dinners
Cold-weather meals
One-pot wonders (minimal cleanup!)
Fans of country-style cooking
🥔 "I made this on a snowy night," said one home cook. "My kids didn’t even notice there were onions—they ate everything!"
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Pork Chops & Seasoning
4 bone-in pork chops, ~1 inch thick (~6–8 oz each)
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika (smoked or sweet)
1 tsp garlic powder
For the Skillet Base
2 tbsp vegetable oil or olive oil
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
For the Rich Gravy
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups (480ml) chicken broth, low-sodium preferred
½ cup (120ml) heavy cream or whole milk (for creaminess)
1 tsp dried thyme or 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
2 tbsp unsalted butter (adds shine and depth)
For the Potatoes
2 lbs (900g) baby potatoes, halved (quartered if large)
For Finishing Touches
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Season the Pork Chops
Pat pork chops dry with paper towels—this ensures a good sear.
Season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
✅ Pro Tip: Let sit at room temp 15 mins for even cooking.
2. Sear the Pork Chops
In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat:
Add oil and heat until shimmering.
Add pork chops and sear 3–4 minutes per side, until deeply golden brown.
Remove and set aside on a plate.
✅ Don’t crowd the pan! Sear in batches if needed.
3. Cook the Aromatics
In the same skillet (don’t wipe out the fond!):
Add sliced onions and cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and lightly caramelized.
Stir in minced garlic and cook 1 minute more, until fragrant.
4. Make the Gravy
Sprinkle flour over the onions and stir constantly 1–2 minutes to cook off raw taste.
Gradually whisk in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Stir in cream (or milk), thyme, and butter.
Simmer 5 minutes, stirring often, until gravy thickens slightly.
5. Add Potatoes & Return Pork Chops
Nestle halved baby potatoes into the gravy, pushing them down so they’re partially submerged.
Place seared pork chops on top, then spoon some gravy over the meat to keep moist.
6. Simmer Until Tender
Cover the skillet and reduce heat to low.
Simmer 25–30 minutes, stirring gently once or twice, until:
Potatoes are fork-tender
Pork chops reach 145°F (63°C) internal temperature
✅ No lid? Use foil as a cover.
7. Finish & Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Garnish generously with fresh parsley.
Serve hot, ladling extra gravy over each serving.
Pair with:
Crusty bread or biscuits (perfect for soaking up gravy)
Steamed green beans or a crisp salad
Applesauce or cornbread
You Must Know
Use bone-in chops —they stay juicier during simmering.
Don’t skip searing —it builds flavor through fond (those browned bits).
Cream > milk —for richer, silkier gravy.
Tastes better the next day! Flavors deepen overnight.
Freezer-friendly —cool completely and freeze in portions.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently on the stove (best texture) or microwave (quick fix).
Freeze for up to 3 months —thaw overnight before reheating.
Ingredient Substitutions
Pork chops
Boneless chops, chicken thighs, or sausages
Adjust cook time
Heavy cream
Half-and-half, evaporated milk, or coconut milk
Dairy-free option possible
Baby potatoes
Yukon golds, red potatoes, or sweet potatoes
Cut into even pieces
Chicken broth
Vegetable or beef broth
For deeper flavor
Butter
Ghee or olive oil
Dairy-free alternative
Serving Suggestions
Serve family-style right in the skillet for rustic charm.
Great for potlucks—bring the whole pan!
Double the batch and freeze half for future comfort.
Pack in lunchboxes (reheat safely).
Cultural Context
Rooted in Southern and Midwest American farmhouse cooking, this recipe celebrates the art of one-pot meals that turn humble ingredients into something deeply satisfying. Found on Sunday tables, hunting cabins, and freezer shelves alike, it proves that great food doesn’t have to be fancy—just honest, hearty, and made with care.
Pro Tips
Double the recipe? Yes—perfect for feeding a crowd. Use a larger Dutch oven.
Want more veggies? Add carrots, celery, or mushrooms with the onions.
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