Slow-Braised Southern-Style Smothered Pork Chops

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-28 · Updated 2026-04-28

Tender pork chops braised slowly in a rich onion and bell pepper gravy inspired by classic Southern soul food flavors. This Southern-inspired holiday recipe, ready in about 55 minutes, pairs bone-in pork chops, all-purpose flour, salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.

Ingredients

• 4 pieces, about 1 inch thick bone-in pork chops
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 3 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 large, thinly sliced yellow onion
• 1 medium, thinly sliced green bell pepper
• 3, minced garlic cloves
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tbsp (optional for heat) hot sauce
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp, chopped for garnish fresh parsley

The Dutch oven we’d braise this in → Best Dutch Ovens for 2026: Top Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: Combine 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper in a shallow dish. Dredge 4 bone-in pork chops in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork chops for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium, add 2 tbsp butter, then sauté 1 large thinly sliced yellow onion and 1 medium thinly sliced green bell pepper for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
4. Step 4: Add 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/2 tsp dried thyme, cooking for 1 minute until aromatic.
5. Step 5: Pour in 2 cups chicken broth and 1 tbsp hot sauce if using, scraping the browned bits from the pan. Bring to a simmer.
6. Step 6: Return the pork chops to the skillet, cover, reduce heat to low, and braise gently for 30 minutes until the pork is tender and the gravy thickens.
7. Step 7: Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving warm.