Johnson's Smothered Pork Chops with Sweet Onions

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender pork chops slow-cooked in a savory onion gravy with a hint of apple cider, evoking Southern comfort. This american-inspired one pot ready in about 50 minutes pairs (1 inch thick) bone-in pork chops, tablespoons all-purpose flour, tablespoons unsalted butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 510 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 American cuisine 510 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat pork chops dry with paper towels and season both sides with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Dredge each chop in 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, shaking off excess.
  2. Step 2: Melt 3 tablespoons unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add pork chops and sear for 3 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer to a plate.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium. Add thinly sliced onions to the skillet and cook for 8 minutes until softened and golden. Stir in 1 tablespoon brown sugar and cook for 1 minute until caramelized.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1/2 cup apple cider and 1 cup chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Add 1 teaspoon dijon mustard and 1 teaspoon chopped thyme, then return pork chops to the skillet.
  5. Step 5: Cover and simmer on low heat for 25 minutes until pork reaches 145°F and sauce has thickened slightly.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Johnson's Smothered Pork Chops with Sweet Onions take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Johnson's Smothered Pork Chops with Sweet Onions?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep tablespoons all-purpose flour from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Johnson's Smothered Pork Chops with Sweet Onions?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Johnson's Smothered Pork Chops with Sweet Onions for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Johnson's Smothered Pork Chops with Sweet Onions?

American one pot like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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