Name: Country Fried Pork Chops
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 4 pieces boneless pork chops (1 inch thick); 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp smoked paprika; ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; ½ cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tsp vinegar) (You can use regular milk with vinegar as a substitute.); 2 tbsp vegetable oil (For frying.); 2 tbsp butter (For frying.); 4 slices bacon, chopped (Adds flavor to the pork chops and gravy.); 2 tbsp reserved flour (from dredging) (For the gravy.); 1 ½ cups whole milk; ½ cup chicken broth; Chopped to taste parsley (For garnish.)

These Country Fried Pork Chops are a delicious, cozy dish that your family will love. They’re crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making them a perfect weeknight dinner. Serve them with creamy gravy for a comforting meal that feels special, yet is so easy to whip up. You’ll appreciate how quickly you can bring this tasty dish to the table after a busy day.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This recipe is great for busy families! It uses simple ingredients you probably have on hand. The steps are straightforward, so even if you’re a beginner, you’ll feel confident cooking them. Plus, it’s a satisfying meal that pairs wonderfully with a side of mashed potatoes or green beans. Your loved ones will appreciate the crispy, golden crust and rich gravy.

How to Make Country Fried Pork Chops

Making these pork chops is quite simple. You’ll begin by seasoning and coating the meat. Then, fry them in a skillet until they’re golden and cooked through. While they rest, you’ll create a tasty gravy using the drippings from the pan. It’s a quick process, allowing you to enjoy your home-cooked dinner without much fuss.

What You Need

4 boneless pork chops (1 inch thick)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tsp vinegar)
2 tbsp vegetable oil
2 tbsp butter
4 slices bacon, chopped
2 tbsp reserved flour (from dredging)
1 ½ cups whole milk
½ cup chicken broth
Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional: Chopped parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step

In a shallow bowl, mix flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Reserve 2 tablespoons of this seasoned flour for the gravy.
Dip each pork chop into the buttermilk, then dredge in the flour mixture, coating well.
In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the grease in the pan.
Add vegetable oil and butter to the skillet. Fry the pork chops over medium heat for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and keep warm.
For the gravy, add the reserved flour to the skillet and whisk for 1 minute.
Slowly pour in the whole milk and the chicken broth, whisking constantly until smooth and thickened, about 3–5 minutes.
Stir in the cooked bacon and season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste.
Spoon the gravy over the pork chops and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

How to Serve Country Fried Pork Chops

These country fried pork chops are delightful when paired with creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice. Green beans or steamed broccoli add a nice touch of freshness. You can also serve them with warm biscuits on the side for a full comfort food experience. They make a hearty meal for family dinner or gatherings with friends.

How to Store Country Fried Pork Chops

To keep any leftovers fresh, place them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay good for about 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the oven or on the stovetop until warmed through.

Recipe Tips

Make sure your oil is hot before adding the pork chops for a nice crispy coating.
Let the cooked chops rest for a few minutes before serving for extra juiciness.
If you don’t have buttermilk, a splash of vinegar in regular milk works well as a substitute.
Don’t skip the bacon! It adds amazing flavor to both the pork chops and the gravy.
Adjust seasonings according to your taste—feel free to experiment with herbs like thyme or oregano.

Variations & Swaps

Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for a kick of heat.
Herb Infusion: Mix in chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme in the gravy for added flavor.
Pork Alternative: Try using chicken breasts or thighs instead of pork for a lighter option.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend for dredging the meat.
Vegetable Gravy: Swap out the meat base for a vegetable broth to make a vegetarian gravy.

FAQs

Can I make these pork chops ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the pork chops and coat them earlier in the day, keeping them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. Just let them sit out for about 15 minutes before frying to help them cook evenly.

What’s the best way to freeze leftovers?
For freezing, allow the pork chops and gravy to cool completely. Store them in separate airtight containers, wrapping the pork chops tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

How do I reheat the pork chops?
To reheat, place the pork chops in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also warm them in a skillet on low heat.

Can I substitute the bacon for a different meat?
Absolutely! If you want to skip the bacon, you can use turkey bacon or even smoked sausage for a similar flavor. You can also omit it if you’re looking to keep the dish lighter.

What are some common mistakes to avoid?
One common mistake is not frying at the right temperature. Ensure your oil is hot to maintain the crispy coating. Also, avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can lower the temperature and make the chops soggy instead of crispy.