Few meals deliver the satisfying comfort of home like perfectly crispy Country Fried Pork Chops, especially when smothered in a rich, creamy gravy. This Southern classic transforms simple bone-in pork chops into a golden-brown, tender delight, making it an incredibly hearty and flavorful meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.
Why I Love This Recipe
This Country Fried Pork Chops recipe is pure comfort food magic, and it’s a dish I genuinely cherish for its straightforwardness and incredible results. What I love most is the irresistible crispiness of the pork chops, achieved through a simple seasoned flour dredge and pan-frying. The secret is to get that beautiful golden crust while keeping the inside juicy and tender. But the meal truly becomes legendary with that rich, savory gravy, made right in the same skillet using the delicious pan drippings. It’s a complete meal that brings warmth and satisfaction, making it a beloved staple that always brings smiles to the table.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create these delicious Country Fried Pork Chops with Rich Gravy:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 3/4- to 1-inch thick)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 cup buttermilk
- Vegetable oil for frying (about 1/2 to 1 inch deep in your skillet)
For the Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (from the leftover dredging flour is fine)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2% recommended)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Swaps and Notes
- Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops tend to stay juicier. You can use boneless pork chops, but they may cook faster, so adjust frying time. Ensure they are pounded to an even thickness for uniform cooking if they vary.
- Buttermilk: This is crucial for tenderizing the pork and helping the coating adhere well. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to a measuring cup, then filling the rest of the way to 1 cup with regular milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Seasoning: The paprika, salt, and pepper are foundational. Feel free to add garlic powder, onion powder, or a pinch of cayenne for extra flavor or heat to the flour mixture.
- Vegetable Oil: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil.
- Gravy Flour: Using the seasoned flour from dredging helps incorporate all the leftover flavor bits from the pan into your gravy.
- Milk (Gravy): Whole or 2% milk provides a creamy gravy. For extra richness, a splash of heavy cream can be used.
Instructions
Let’s get these delicious Country Fried Pork Chops and Gravy cooking!
- Prepare Pork Chops: In a shallow dish or a wide bowl, combine the 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon paprika. Whisk well to combine. In another shallow bowl, lightly beat the 1 large egg with the 1 cup buttermilk. Dip each pork chop first into the beaten egg and buttermilk mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Let excess drip off. Then, dredge the wet pork chop into the seasoned flour mixture, pressing firmly to ensure it’s completely coated on all sides. Shake off any excess flour. Place the coated chops on a plate or wire rack and let them sit for 5-10 minutes while you prepare the oil; this helps the coating adhere.
- Fry Pork Chops: Heat about 1/2 to 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet (like cast iron) over medium heat. You want the oil hot but not smoking. Carefully place the breaded pork chops into the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary (usually 2 chops at a time). Fry the pork chops for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until they are beautifully golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) for medium-well, resting will bring it up a few degrees.
- Drain & Keep Warm: Once cooked, remove the fried pork chops from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Keep them warm while you prepare the gravy.
- Make Gravy:
- Carefully pour out most of the oil from the skillet, leaving about 2 tablespoons of pan drippings and any browned bits (fond).
- Return the skillet to medium heat. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour (you can use some of the seasoned flour from earlier). Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to create a light roux.
- Gradually whisk in the 1 cup chicken broth, constantly stirring to prevent lumps. Once smooth, gradually whisk in the 1 cup milk, continuing to whisk until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency (about 3-5 minutes of simmering).
- Season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Plate the crispy fried pork chops alongside your favorite side dishes. Ladle the rich, creamy gravy generously over the pork chops and enjoy immediately!
Tips for Success
- Pound Chops (Optional): If your pork chops are uneven or very thick, pound them slightly to an even 3/4-inch thickness for more consistent cooking.
- Don’t Overcook Pork: Pork chops can dry out quickly. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 145°F (63°C) and then remove them, as they will continue to cook slightly while resting.
- Maintain Oil Temperature: Keep an eye on your oil temperature. If it’s too low, the chops will be greasy; too high, and the coating will burn before the chop is cooked through.
- Scrape the Fond: When making the gravy, scrape up all those browned bits (fond) from the bottom of the pan. That’s where all the flavor is!
- Whisk Constantly for Gravy: Continuous whisking is key to a smooth, lump-free gravy.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These Country Fried Pork Chops with Rich Gravy are a hearty, satisfying meal that pairs beautifully with classic Southern sides:
- Mashed Potatoes: As suggested, creamy mashed potatoes are the perfect bed for soaking up that rich gravy.
- Corn: Sweet corn on the cob, creamed corn, or a simple side of frozen corn.
- Southern Green Beans: Slow-simmered green beans are a fantastic complement (check out our Country Green Beans recipe!).
- Biscuits: Fluffy biscuits are excellent for sopping up any leftover gravy.
- For other comforting and hearty Southern-inspired meals, consider our This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo Is My Favorite Bowl Of Southern Comfort or These Easy Turkey Wings Are My Favorite Comfort Food For Lazy Sundays.
Storage and Leftover Tips
While best enjoyed fresh for maximum crispness, leftovers can be stored and reheated.
- Refrigeration: Store cooled leftover fried pork chops and gravy separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The pork chops will lose their crispness once refrigerated.
- Reheating Pork Chops: For best results, reheat pork chops in an oven or air fryer at 350-375°F (175-190°C) until warmed through and the coating re-crisps slightly.
- Reheating Gravy: Reheat gravy on the stovetop over low heat, whisking frequently. You may need to add a splash of milk or broth to thin it back to desired consistency.
- Freezing: Freezing is not recommended for fried pork chops as the coating will become soggy upon thawing. Gravy can be frozen separately, but dairy-based gravies sometimes separate after freezing and thawing.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved the hearty, comforting, and deeply flavorful nature of this classic meal, you’ll definitely want to explore some of our other fantastic, fuss-free recipes that bring warmth and satisfaction to your table:
- For another fantastic one-pan dinner, check out our This Mexican Chicken And Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always A Hit.
- If you’re a fan of rich, comforting bowls of goodness, our This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo Is My Favorite Bowl Of Southern Comfort is a must-try.
- And for a classic Southern dessert that feeds a crowd, don’t miss This Big Family Banana Pudding Is My Favorite Classic Dessert To Feed A Crowd.
Final Thoughts
These Country Fried Pork Chops with Rich Gravy are a timeless comfort food that truly delivers on flavor and satisfaction. It’s a perfect meal for a family dinner, promising that cherished homemade taste that everyone loves.
Give this classic Southern dish a try and fill your home with delicious aromas! What’s your go-to comfort food meal when you need something hearty and satisfying? Share your ideas and feedback in the comments below! And for more amazing, easy-to-follow recipes that bring joy to your kitchen, be sure to visit Chefmaniac.com. Happy cooking!
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