If you want pork chops so tender they practically fall apart, this is the way to do it! (Thank you, Patti LaBelle!).
Searing them first gives them that deep golden crust, which is key for locking in the juices before they simmer in the gravy.
Bone-in chops work best for this because they stay moist while cooking, so don’t swap them for boneless.
Letting the onions cook down fully before adding the broth makes a difference. They should be soft, golden, and slightly caramelized.
A little cornstarch mixed with water thickens the gravy just enough without making it too heavy. Enjoy!
How to Make Patti LaBelle Smothered Pork Chops
Ingredients
- 4 Pork Chops (8 oz. each, bone-in)
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
- 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil
- 1 Onion (chopped)
- 2 stalks Celery (chopped)
- 1/2 cup Green Bell Pepper (chopped)
- 8 oz. Mushrooms (sliced)
- 1 cup Chicken Broth
- 1/2 cup Heavy Cream
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Season the pork chops with salt and black pepper on both sides.
Step 2:
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Step 3:
Brown the pork chops in hot oil for about 4 minutes per side.
Step 4:
Remove the pork chops from the skillet and set them aside.
Step 5:
Add the remaining oil to the skillet. Sauté onion, celery, and green bell pepper until soft.
Add mushrooms and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Step 6:
Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
Step 7:
Return the pork chops and their juices to the skillet. Cover and simmer on medium-low heat for 25 to 30 minutes, until cooked through.
Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe
Use Fresh Ingredients
You will notice a difference in flavor and texture by using fresh mushrooms and vegetables instead of canned or frozen versions.
Searing Is Key
Don’t skimp on time when browning the pork chops, as it adds important flavor to the dish.
Adjust the Gravy
Feel free to tweak the consistency of the gravy by adding a touch more broth or cream if you need more sauce or want a richer mix.
Rest Your Chops
Letting your chops rest for a few minutes before serving allows juices to redistribute, making for a juicy and tender bite.
Storage and Reheating
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove to prevent the sauce from breaking.
What to Serve with Patti LaBelle Smothered Pork Chops Recipe
Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a classic choice that pairs wonderfully with smothered pork chops!
The creamy texture and gentle flavors absorb the rich gravy just perfectly.
Make sure to add a bit of butter and cream to your potatoes for a smooth, luxurious taste.
Steamed Vegetables
Consider serving these pork chops with a side of steamed vegetables!
Broccoli, carrots, and green beans will introduce a pop of color and a dose of vitamins to your meal.
It’s a wholesome addition that complements the heavy flavors of the dish.
Sweet Potato Fries
For a slightly different twist, why not try sweet potato fries alongside your pork chops?
The natural sweetness from these fries offers a delicious contrast to the savory components of the meal.
Green Apple Salad
A green apple salad can be a surprising and refreshing complement to pork chops.
Thinly slice some tart green apples and toss them with mixed greens, walnuts, and a light vinaigrette.
This crisp, tangy side dish pairs beautifully with the milder flavors of the main course.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels sprouts can bring something new and tasty to the table!
Toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast until crisp and caramelized.
Their slightly bitter taste can wonderfully offset the rich gravy from the pork chops.
Variations and Substitutions
Spice and Seasoning
You can easily tweak the spices in Patti LaBelle’s smothered pork chops to suit your preference.
Consider adding paprika or a touch of cayenne pepper for a bit of heat.
These spices bring an extra dimension to the gravy, enhancing the flavors beautifully.
Mushroom and Onion Alternatives
If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, substitute them with bell peppers or sliced zucchini.
Both options give the dish a different texture and taste, while still complementing the pork chops.
You can also swap out regular onions for shallots for a sweeter, milder flavor.
Healthy Substitutions
For a healthier version, opt for skinless, boneless pork chops to reduce the fat content slightly.
Swap the vegetable oil with olive oil for a boost of healthy fats, which adds a subtle flavor difference.
Use low-sodium chicken broth instead of regular broth to keep the sodium levels in check.
Sides and Pairings
Pair these succulent pork chops with a side of mashed sweet potatoes or roasted Brussels sprouts.
These sides complement the richness of the pork, adding a touch of sweetness to the meal.
For a more filling option, consider serving with wild rice or quinoa.
How to Store Leftover Patti LaBelle Smothered Pork Chops
Refrigeration
When you have leftover Patti LaBelle’s smothered pork chops, store them in the refrigerator to maintain their flavor and texture.
Place the pork chops in an airtight container to prevent any odor absorption from other foods in your fridge.
These can be safely kept for up to 3 days and will still taste great when reheated!
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze your leftover smothered pork chops.
Use a heavy-duty freezer bag or airtight container to keep the pork chops from getting freezer-burned.
Make sure to label the container with the date so you remember when you cooked them.
Defrosting Tips
When you’re ready to enjoy these pork chops again, it’s important to defrost them safely.
Move them to the refrigerator and let them thaw slowly overnight for the best results.
This slow defrosting process ensures that the pork chops will be juicy and flavorful when reheated!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not Seasoning Enough
You might think you’re using enough spices, but pork chops can really soak up those flavors!
Always season generously with salt and pepper, just like Patti LaBelle suggests, to really bring out the flavors.
Remember, the seasoning should enhance, not overpower, your pork chops.
Cooking Too Quickly
If you rush and cook the pork chops too fast, you’ll end up with dry and tough meat.
Be patient and cook them slowly over medium-low heat as Patti does.
This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and keeps your chops juicy.
Skipping the Gravy
Neglecting the gravy means missing out on a crucial part of the dish’s charm.
Take your time to create a rich, mushroom-laden gravy to smother your pork chops in!
This part is pure comfort on a plate and worth the extra effort.
Patti LaBelle Smothered Pork Chops Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 Pork Chops 8 oz. each, bone-in
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
- 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil
- 1 Onion chopped
- 2 stalks Celery chopped
- 1/2 cup Green Bell Pepper chopped
- 8 oz. Mushrooms sliced
- 1 cup Chicken Broth
- 1/2 cup Heavy Cream
Instructions
- Season the pork chops with salt and black pepper on both sides.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Brown the pork chops in hot oil for about 4 minutes per side.
- Remove the pork chops from the skillet and set them aside.
- Add the remaining oil to the skillet. Sauté onion, celery, and green bell pepper until soft.
- Add mushrooms and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
- Return the pork chops and their juices to the skillet. Cover and simmer on medium-low heat for 25 to 30 minutes, until cooked through.