Country Fried Pork Chops With Bacon Gravy Recipe

There's nothing quite like the crispy, golden perfection of Country Fried Pork Chops with Bacon Gravy to bring comfort to the dinner table. Juicy, seasoned pork chops are coated in a crunchy breading, fried to perfection, and smothered in a rich, savory bacon gravy that takes this dish to the next level.

this Recipe

I first made this recipe on a chilly evening when I was craving something warm, hearty, and downright indulgent. One bite of these tender pork chops, covered in creamy bacon-speckled gravy, and I knew this was a keeper. If you're looking for a meal that combines classic Southern flavors with a bit of indulgence, you're in for a treat.

Why You'll Love This Country Fried Pork Chops With Bacon Gravy

Get ready to fall in love with a dish that delivers everything you want in a comfort meal—crispy, juicy, creamy, and packed with flavor.

First off, it's easy to make with simple pantry staples. You don’t need any fancy ingredients or complicated techniques, just a few steps to create a restaurant-quality meal at home.

The pork chops stay incredibly juicy, thanks to the quick frying method. The crispy coating locks in moisture, ensuring every bite is flavorful and tender.

Let’s talk about that bacon gravy—rich, creamy, and infused with smoky bacon goodness, it transforms the pork chops into something absolutely irresistible. Plus, it’s versatile! Drizzle it over mashed potatoes or biscuits for even more indulgence.

This dish is a family favorite. Whether you're cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, these country-fried pork chops are always a hit. Serve them with your favorite sides, and watch everyone come back for seconds.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this dish lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each element plays a key role in making these pork chops crispy, juicy, and smothered in the best gravy ever.

Bone-in or boneless pork chops – Thick-cut pork chops (about ¾ to 1 inch) work best for frying. They stay juicy inside while developing a crispy golden crust. Boneless works too, but bone-in adds more flavor.

Flour and cornstarch – A mix of all-purpose flour and a little cornstarch creates an extra crispy coating. The cornstarch adds a light, airy crunch similar to tempura.

Seasonings – A blend of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of cayenne gives the pork chops a deep, well-rounded flavor. The smoked paprika adds a hint of smokiness, while the cayenne gives just a touch of warmth.

Bacon – The key to the rich, savory gravy. Thick-cut bacon works best because it adds more texture and deep smoky flavor to the gravy.

Heavy cream and chicken broth – The base of the gravy. The chicken broth adds depth, while the heavy cream creates a silky, luxurious texture. You can use half-and-half for a lighter version, but full-fat cream makes the gravy extra indulgent.

A large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed frying pan is recommended for even cooking and maintaining the perfect temperature for frying.

How To Make Country Fried Pork Chops With Bacon Gravy

Making this dish is easier than you think, and the results are completely worth it. Follow these steps for crispy, juicy pork chops with the best bacon gravy.

Start by seasoning the pork chops. Pat them dry with paper towels, then generously season both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Let them sit while you prepare the breading.

Prepare the breading station. In one shallow bowl, whisk eggs and a splash of buttermilk for a rich, flavorful coating. In another, mix flour, cornstarch, and the remaining seasonings. Dredge each pork chop in the flour mixture, then dip in the egg mixture, and finally coat it again in flour. This double-dipping technique creates an ultra-crispy crust.

Heat the oil and fry the pork chops. In a large cast-iron skillet, heat about ½ inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F. Carefully place the pork chops in the skillet, cooking 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (145°F internal temperature). Transfer to a wire rack to keep the crust crisp while you make the gravy.

Make the bacon gravy. In the same skillet, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon bits and leave about 2 tablespoons of drippings in the pan. Add flour and whisk to form a roux, cooking for about a minute. Slowly pour in chicken broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Then, stir in heavy cream, returning the crispy bacon bits to the pan. Simmer until thickened, about 3-5 minutes.

Serve and enjoy. Pour the warm, creamy bacon gravy over the crispy pork chops and serve immediately with mashed potatoes, biscuits, or rice. The combination of crunchy pork chops and velvety gravy is simply irresistible.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (though they might disappear fast!), here’s how to store and reheat them for the best results.

Refrigeration: Store pork chops and gravy separately in airtight containers. The pork chops will stay crispy for up to 3 days, and the gravy will keep well for 4-5 days in the fridge.

Freezing: While the pork chops can be frozen for up to 2 months, the gravy doesn’t freeze well due to the dairy content. If you want to freeze the chops, place them in a freezer-safe bag with parchment between each piece.

Reheating: To keep the pork chops crispy, reheat them in the oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes or in an air fryer at 375°F for 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the breading soggy. Warm the gravy separately on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed.

Variations and Substitutions

This dish is already packed with flavor, but you can easily customize it to suit your taste and dietary needs.

Spicy Kick: Add more cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the breading for a fiery twist. A dash of hot sauce in the gravy also adds extra heat.

Lighter Version: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half in the gravy, and use an air fryer instead of deep-frying. Coat the pork chops with cooking spray and air fry at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Different Proteins: No pork chops? Try this recipe with chicken cutlets or even cube steak for a Southern-inspired chicken-fried steak variation.

Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour and cornstarch for the breading and substitute with a gluten-free flour blend for the gravy.

Extra Crunch: For an ultra-crispy crust, mix panko breadcrumbs into the flour coating. This adds even more texture to every bite.

Feel free to get creative and make this dish your own. No matter how you tweak it, Country Fried Pork Chops with Bacon Gravy will always be a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal. Enjoy!

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