Smothered Pork Chops

Ingredients

• 4 bone-in pork loin chops, 3/4 inch thick
• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 yellow onions, halved and sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, sliced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves

Before you cook

• Pat the pork chops dry and season both sides with the salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
• Spread the flour on a plate.
• Dredge each chop in the flour and set it aside, saving 2 tablespoons of the leftover flour.

Steps

1. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
2. Sear the chops for 3 minutes per side until well browned, working in two batches if needed.
3. Move the chops to a plate.
4. Lower the heat to medium and add the butter to the skillet.
5. Add the sliced onions with a pinch of salt and cook for 12 minutes, stirring and scraping until they are soft and golden.
6. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
7. Sprinkle the reserved 2 tablespoons flour over the onions and stir for 2 minutes.
8. Pour in the chicken broth slowly while stirring until the gravy is lump free.
9. Stir in the cream and thyme and bring the gravy to a gentle simmer.
10. Return the chops and their juices to the skillet and spoon onions over the top.
11. Cover and cook over low heat for 25 minutes.
12. Uncover and check that the chops are fork tender, then simmer a few minutes more if the gravy needs thickening.
13. Serve the chops with the onion gravy poured over mashed potatoes or rice.