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Flavorful, comforting, majorly satisfying… are just a few of the ways you might describe this oven baked smothered pork chops recipe! It’s that good, whether you love pork or you’re venturing outside your comfort zone. I’ll show you how easy it is to make baked pork chops that end up juicy and perfectly cooked. No more dry pork! I have to admit, I’m not always the biggest pork fan (bacon recipes don’t count! ;)), but readers have been asking me for more pork recipes, and these smothered pork chops in the oven might just turn me into a fan!
If you prefer a simple method for preparing this cut of pork, try my baked pork chop recipe, where I share all the best tips for perfectly juicy chops every time. It actually converted me to loving them.
These keto smothered pork chops with onion gravy are super easy to make – you’ll brown the pork, make the gravy, and then cook everything together to perfection. I can’t wait for you to try these!
What Are Smothered Pork Chops?
This recipe for baked pork chops smothers them in a delicious, creamy onion gravy.
We combine an easy cooking method (it’s all done in one pot!) to brown pork chops, make an easy gravy, and then cook everything all together. It’s an easy, satisfying, and oh-so-delicious dinner.
Traditionally, smothered pork chops refers to cooking them with liquid in a pan over low heat, but I sped up the process (and made it more hands-off) by making the gravy and browning on the stove top, then finishing in the oven.
How To Make Smothered Pork Chops In The Oven
Let me show you how to make smothered baked pork chops, step by step:
- Season the pork. Sprinkle pork with sea salt, garlic and onion powder (optional but adds great flavor), and pepper.
- Brown pork. In a dutch oven, sear pork chops on both sides, without moving, until browned. Set them aside on a plate.
TIP: We are just browning them in this step, so they don’t need to be cooked through.
- Caramelize onions. In the same dutch oven (no need to clean!), saute the onions until caramelized. (See the full guide to the best caramelized onions here.)
- Make onion gravy. Add in the garlic and thyme, and saute until fragrant. Add the chicken broth and scrape up any bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a boil, simmer to thicken, and remove from heat. Stir in cream cheese until it melts into the sauce.
- Cook pork chops in oven. Return the pork chops to the dutch oven and spoon the sauce and onions over them. Cover with the lid and bake until cooked through.
How Long to Bake Pork Chops?
The cooking time for this easy smothered pork chops recipe will take about 20-25 minutes, but the time will vary slightly depending on the thickness of your pork chops. Use a thermometer and cook to 145 degrees F for best results.
Should You Cover Pork Chops In The Oven?
For this recipe, yes. Whether you should cover oven baked pork chops will depend on the recipe, but you definitely want to cover them when making smothered pork chops.
Are You Supposed To Flip Pork Chops In The Oven?
No, you don’t need to flip pork chops in the oven. You do flip them when searing on the stovetop beforehand.
Why Are My Pork Chops Tough?
It’s very unlikely that this smothered pork chops recipe will be tough. Smothering them in onion gravy does an amazing job at locking in moisture!
That being said, the most common reason for tough pork chops is overcooking them. Since they are so lean, they cook pretty fast and even a few extra minutes can make them tough. Be sure to use a thermometer to check for doneness, and start checking at the lower end of the oven time range.
How To Store Baked Smothered Pork Chops
If you have leftover oven baked pork chops, store them in the fridge after cooling, together with the the onion gravy.
When ready to eat, reheat your keto smothered pork chops in the microwave or in a skillet, just until hot.
Can You Freeze Baked Pork Chops?
Yes, you can also freeze this easy baked smothered pork chop recipe! Simply store the pork chops and gravy in a freezer container for 2-3 months.
When you’re ready to reheat the smothered pork chops recipe, let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the microwave or a skillet, just until hot.
What To Serve With Smothered Pork Chops
These I’ve got plenty of keto low carb side dishes to serve alongside these smothered pork chops with onion gravy. Here are a few favorites to try with this recipe:
- Fried Radishes – If you like the flavor and texture of roasted potatoes but don’t want the carbs…these radishes are a great substitute.
- Keto Mashed Cauliflower – The creamiest, dreamiest, BEST mashed cauliflower around. It’s the perfect side for my smothered pork chops recipe and is pictured above.
- Patty Pan Squash – A tasty summer squash you can cook in several easy ways (all of which I’ll show you!).
- Roasted Asparagus – This is a great light side dish option and because it’s seasoned simply, the bright flavors work well with the smothered pork chops in the oven.
- Oven Roasted Vegetables – These vegetables will go with anything, baked pork chop recipes included. It’s a great recipe to prep ahead, too!
Tools To Make Smothered Pork Chops
Tap the links below to see the items used to make this recipe.
- Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven – It’s a show-stopper of a dutch oven, that’s for sure! But it’s more than just good-looking, it’s heavy bottom helps brown the pork chops, cook the gravy, and cook the smothered pork chops in the oven. Can’t beat the convenience of making this entire dish in one pan.
- Instant Read Thermometer – This instant thermometer is the easiest way to ensure that you cook your keto smothered pork chops in the oven perfectly each and every time.
- Stainless Steel Steak Knife Set – These knives are an excellent value for the quality. They’ll easily slice through your pork chops.
Baked Smothered Pork Chops Recipe With Onion Gravy
Baked Smothered Pork Chops Recipe With Onion Gravy
A flavorful, easy baked smothered pork chops recipe with onion gravy! See how to make the juiciest smothered pork chops in the oven, with just 7 ingredients.
Recipe Video
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Ingredients
Tap underlined ingredients to see where to get them. Please turn Safari reader mode OFF to view ingredients.
Instructions
Tap on the times in the instructions below to start a kitchen timer while you cook.
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Season the pork chops on both sides with sea salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper.
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Heat the olive oil in a dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and sear on both sides, about 3 minutes per side without moving, until browned. Transfer the pork chops to a plate and set aside.
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Reduce heat to medium-low or medium. Using the same dutch oven, saute the sliced onions for 15-20 minutes, until caramelized.
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Once the onions are caramelized, preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
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Add the minced garlic and thyme leaves to the dutch oven. Saute for about a minute, until fragrant.
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Add the chicken broth to the dutch oven. Scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a gentle boil, then simmer for about 2-3 minutes, until it gets thicker and the volume is reduced by at least 1/4.
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Remove from heat. Add the cream cheese. Stir in the cream cheese until it melts into the sauce.
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Return the pork chops to the dutch oven and spoon the sauce and onions over them. Cover with the lid and bake for 20-25 minutes, until cooked through. (Time will vary depending on the thickness of your pork chops - use a thermometer to check and cook to 145 degrees F (63 degrees C).)
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Recipe Notes
Serving size: 1 pork chop with gravy*
*Nutrition info is for large, 8-ounce pork chops. Depending on what you're serving them with, it may make sense to cut the serving size in half to 4 ounces instead.
Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see our nutrition policy.
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64 Comments
Chay Anderson
1Very good! I served mine with mashed cauliflower and roasted baby broccolini. I also added 1/4 cup of Chardonnay after the onions were carmelizied. Delicious!
Joyce Oster
1This recipe was delicious! I checked the internal temp of the pork chops after 15 min in the oven as mine were not as thick as recommended. Perfectly cooked! Only issue I had was that the cream cheese did not “melt” totally, but gravy still tasted great.
Jenni
0This was so good. I loved the flavor!
karen
0This was delicious! I will definitely make it again. The flavor is great. It would probably be great with chicken too.
Karen
0Do not hesitate to make this dish. It’s delicious! I didn’t change a thing… the pork chops were not dry at all, got compliments all around, and will make this one often.
SandyH
0Pork Chops were tender and the gravy is flavorful. Will make this again!
Dawn W.
0I added mushrooms…..it was deliciousness. And quick to make…only had 3 chops but it worked
well for us two.
Brodano
0These are some slammin’ pork chops!! Great recipe..
Jami
0I didn’t have any pork chops on hand and I’m trying to use the meats I have. I really wanted to try this so I substituted chicken. We loved it and will be making this again.
Robin L Hakeos
0Fixing thick stuffed pork chops bake at 350 for about 20 minutes, can I pour pork gravy on them and bake on oven top with aluminum foil, my pork chops always come out dry.
Amy Vunkannon
0I have 4 pork chops. About 2 inches thick.(3 1/2 pounds) I know I will have to double the sauce and cook time but will this gravy get too dry and sticky by cooking it longer?
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Amy, You should be fine cooking the sauce a little longer than stated in the recipe.
Jo
0Is there a substitute for cream cheese?
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Jo, You could omit the cream cheese and add a little heavy cream but the sauce won’t be as thick and creamy as in the pictures.
Bronte
0Do you think browning 8 pork chops in batches and then layering them in the oven would work? Or is that crazy? Recipe looks delicious!
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Bronte, I think you could use 8 pork chops. Make sure you double the other ingredients and you may have to cook the pork chops longer to reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
Wholesome Yum A
0Without a doubt a family favorite! I doubled the recipe and had to use rosemary instead of thyme, I was all out. It tasted amazing! Definitely adding to my household’s regular menu.
Mary
0When I try new recipes they don’t always turn out good. I must say I love this one. I added more cream cheese, but I made xtra gravey. Very creamy and tasteful.
Karon Faught
0Hi! I can’t wait to try this and I’m planning to make for Christmas Eve. My husband likes a lot of gravy and I want to serve these with mashed potatoes so was thinking about doubling the sauce ingredients. Would that work or wjll that mess up the cooking of the pork chops?
Wholesome Yum M
0Hi Karon, Doubling the sauce should work just fine. Enjoy your meal!
Nicole.
0This is seriously yummy. It’s so good that an unknown member of my family risked certain death and ate the leftovers I lovingly packed for my own lunch. My only recommend is to double it so there is more to go around! I’ve now made this at least 5 times. Occasionally I mess with the original recipe adding mushrooms or peppers if I have some needing to be used up but it’s awesome as written and if you follow the recipe you’ll get rave reviews from your family!
Jordenne
0Delicious recipe!! Great flavor without a ton of different ingredients and steps. I seasoned the pork chops with Cavender’s All Purpose Greek Seasoning (since I didn’t have onion powder on hand). I will definitely make again!
kazy
0I have to give another review for this recipe. I do not feel I was appreciative enough because I am so in love with the flavor of this onion gravy. I did add some mushrooms, but still….this gravy can be used in so many dishes. In fact I made a mushroom cauliflower rice dish and one of the ingredients was to add some Alfredo sauce which I switched out for this onion gravy and mano manischewitz was that dish amazing. All because of your onion gravy. I will miss it when it’s gone and can’t wait to make it again. It was so simple and easy and so good and so savory that I cannot say enough about it. If any of your other recipes are close to this, I can’t wait to try them all. Thank you so much for sharing this.
kazy
0This came out great. I loved it. So creamy. So comforting. Note: Instructions say to season pork chops with salt, pepper, onion and garlic powder. There’s no listing for onion and garlic powder under ingredients. Just saying.
Roberta
0Hi Maya, could you please help me to find a way to enjoy this recipe even if I can’t have onions (nor scallions or other vegetbles of this group: I’m allergic to them and even a small amount causes me severe itches both on the skin and in the digestive tract, terrible and unbeareable!)… I don’t mind resemble the flavour, which of course depends on them, but the consistence and the final looking of the dish once finished. Maybe sliced red radicchio? Or Sliced roman lattuce? Any suggestion will be greatly appreciated 🙂
Wholesome Yum M
0Hi Roberta, A romaine lettuce or cabbage will match the same visuals from the recipe. If you would like to add a little flavor, you could slice bell peppers and use those as well. Enjoy!
Nicole M.
0Easy and delicious.
Kurka
0Mojemu cotu smakowało ♡ 10/10
Nicole
0Easy and delicious!
Mallory M
0How were the macros calculated for this? I did my own calculations and it’s telling me about 200 calories less than what is listed above- I just want to be as accurate as possible 🙂 Can’t wait to make this tonight!
Wholesome Yum M
0Hi Mallory, There are a few variances here. Pork chops, chicken broth, and cream cheese can all have different calorie counts depending on what you use. If you computed the nutrition facts with your specific ingredients, then you can go with your numbers! Enjoy!
Erin
0What are the measurement for onion powder and garlic powder. Didn’t see in list!
Wholesome Yum M
0Hi Erin, You just want to lightly coat your pork chops on both sides, 1/2 tsp of each garlic and onion powders is sufficient.
Beverly Townsend
0This is very good. I would like to see the sauce a little thicker. Wonderful flavor and tender to cut.
Scott Smith
0Added celery salt, mushrooms, more cream cheese (2oz.) And a dash of sage. Also smoked the chops for about 10-15 minutes while preparing the gravy
Carley
0This is delish! After making the gravy I put everything in the instant pot for 10 minutes (instead of in the Dutch oven). Oh. My. Word. So delish! I made it before bed so my husband and I have a hearty lunch tomorrow but after tasting it he had to have 1/2 a pork chop for a bedtime snack! So tender and so good! Thank you for creating such delicious recipes!
Debbie
0What did you cook your instant pot on?
Taylor
0Best I’ve ever had!
Theresa
0This was absolutely the best everyone loved it. But I thought onions were a big no no on the keto diet?
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Hi Theresa, I’m glad you liked it – would appreciate a recipe rating if you get the chance! 🙂 Onions are fine for a keto diet. You can read more about keto friendly vegetables here.
Robert
0This recipe calls for only 1.5 ounces of cream cheese. Is this correct or a typo? In my mind it seems that it should be more.
Wholesome Yum M
0Hi Robert, The recipe is correct. It doesn’t take much cream cheese to give this recipe a creamy texture. Enjoy!
Terrilynn
0will this recipe work with bone in pork chops?
Wholesome Yum M
0Hi Terrilynn, Yes, but you will probably need to increase the cook time. Be sure to use a thermometer to make sure your pork chops hit 145 degrees F.
Trisha
0I don’t have a Dutch oven or cast iron skillet. After I sear on stove and make gravy in that same pan can I transfer it to a regular baking dish and make?
Wholesome Yum M
0Hi Trisha, Yes that will work great! Enjoy.
Emily A
0Or leave it in the cast iron & cover with foil.
I wished I had some mushrooms, I sliced up a green apple AND added a touch of white wine with the broth… we are not completely Keto, low carb…
D. Nelson
0Wonderful recipe. My husband loved it!
Kimberly Bogelund
0My daughter is dairy free: would it work to use coconut cream instead of cream cheese?
Wholesome Yum M
0Hi Kimberly, You would get a totally different flavor profile and consistency using coconut cream. I recommend using dairy free cream cheese if there is a dairy allergy in your home.
Jody Hagedorn
0Maybe because you used fresh thyme? You may want to try dried but you have to be careful because it is much stronger. I also amped up the garlic a bit. One last thought, letting your meat “sit” seasoned for a while will give them more flavor when seared. Love this recipe!
Megan
0I just made it tonight. This is good, but I will say that the flavor isn’t really that strong. I thought it was kind of plain. I would like to see an edit maybe with some tips to make it even better!
Wholesome Yum M
0Hi Megan, I’m sorry this didn’t turn out the way you had hoped. The seasonings can be adjusted to taste without making an impact on the nutrition listed for the recipe.
Elena
0Easy and delicious!
Cindy
0Smothered pork chops are my favorite. I like to serve them over rice. So good!
Debra Danielson
0SO GOOD!! Will definitely make again. May try with chicken over egg noodles next time!
Lisalia
0Ohhh SO GOOD! I love me some pork chops but have had them too dry in the past. This recipe was DELICIOUS and a great excuse to use my new Staub dutch oven I got back at christmastime. Thank you!
Sandra
0Well, I promised a follow-up, and here I am.
These are the BEST pork chops that my family and I have ever had! So easy to make too.
Next time they’re made, I will make about 1 1/2 the amount for the caramelized onions though. Don’t get me wrong, the recipe the way it’s made is just fine. We like onions around here, and think that just a bit more of the onions & sauce would be better. The nutrition value addition shouldn’t be a problem with us. Another reason that it needs more is because the pork chops were not of equal size, and there were 4 chops instead of 3, so that also was a factor to make a little more of the sauce. Note: Two of the chops were 8 oz., 1 was at 6 oz., and the 4th one was only around 3 oz., making it 25 oz. total, instead of 24 oz.
They were tender. Next time, either the temperature will have to be lowered just a bit down to 370 or 365 degrees (yes, that can be done with this oven, since it’s digital) or shorten the baking time to about 18 minutes. The oven is on the “sharp side”, so many recipes have to be adjusted a little.
Maya, thank you for posting this one. It’s a keeper for sure!!
Shelli
0I don’t have a Dutch oven so can I use a cast iron pan instead? Thanks.
Wholesome Yum M
0Hi Shelli, Yes, that will work fine.
Jeanie Rancka
0Can I use 1 cup of heavy cream with 1 8 oz cream cheese??
Wholesome Yum M
0Hi Jeanie, I have not tried this, but it sounds like it would create a thick sauce to go alongside your pork chops. Please let us know how it turns out if you decide to try it!
Sandra
0What a perfect timing! I was just thinking of getting some pork chops at the store today, and here, you have a recipe up for them. This sounds fantabulous (a word I invented a long time ago), and I just have to try this one. Bet both of my fussy guys will like this ( DH & adult son). I’m already liking this one!!
Won’t be able to use an enameled dutch oven though as my stove is one of those glass-top ceramic ones, & enameled pots & pans are a big no-no (they could fuse together from the heat of the burner). Not to worry, there is another great dutch oven in the house that can be used.
Will let all of your know how this turns out. All they need is a side dish, and maybe that cucumber salad recipe that I spotted.
Wish me luck! My guys are going to be very surprised at this one!!
Denise
0Delicious! Even my finicky husband loved it.