Copycat Cracker Barrel Smothered Fried Pork Chops
This Cracker Barrel Smothered Fried Pork Chop Recipe features crispy boneless pork chops pan-fried until golden brown and topped with rich homemade Southern pepper gravy. It’s an easy comfort food dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights or Sunday supper.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 SERVINGS 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Pan Fried
- Cuisine: American, Southern Inspired
Ingredients
Scale
Pork Chops
- 4 boneless pork loin chops, about ½ inch thick
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons seasoned salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup whole milk
- Vegetable oil for frying
Southern Pepper Gravy
- 3 tablespoons reserved pan drippings
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2½ cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon coarse black pepper
- ½ teaspoon seasoned salt
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Pound the pork chops to an even ¼- to ½-inch thickness and pat dry with paper towels.
- In one shallow bowl, combine the flour, seasoned salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and cayenne.
- In a second bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.
- Dredge each pork chop in the seasoned flour, dip into the egg mixture, then coat again in the seasoned flour. Press the coating firmly onto the pork.
- Let the breaded pork chops rest for 10 minutes.
- Heat about ½ inch of vegetable oil in a cast iron skillet to 350°F.
- Fry the pork chops for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- Transfer to a wire rack while making the gravy.
- Reserve 3 tablespoons of the pan drippings, then whisk in 3 tablespoons flour. Cook for 1 minute.
- Slowly whisk in the milk until smooth. Add the black pepper, seasoned salt, and garlic powder.
- Simmer for 3–5 minutes until thick and creamy.
- Spoon the gravy generously over the fried pork chops and serve immediately.
Notes
- Letting the breading rest helps it stay attached while frying.
- A cast iron skillet creates the crispiest crust.
- Drain on a wire rack instead of paper towels to keep the coating crisp.
- Freshly cracked black pepper gives the gravy the best flavor.
- Cook pork to an internal temperature of 145°F, then rest for 3 minutes before serving.