Print

Crispy Cast Iron Fried Pork Chops Recipe with Creamy Gravy Made Easy

crispy cast iron fried pork chops - featured image

A simple and satisfying recipe for crispy fried pork chops cooked in a cast iron skillet, paired with a rich and creamy homemade gravy. Perfect for cozy dinners and busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in pork chops, about 1-inch thick
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour/gluten-free blend for gluten-free option)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk with 1 tbsp vinegar/lemon juice as substitute)
  • ¼ cup vegetable oil or canola oil
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for gravy)
  • 2 cups whole milk or heavy cream (or dairy-free milk like oat milk)
  • Fresh herbs (parsley or thyme) for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season both sides lightly with salt and pepper. Let rest for about 10 minutes.
  2. Pour 1 cup buttermilk into a shallow bowl. Submerge the pork chops, coating evenly. Soak for 15-20 minutes if possible, or at least 5 minutes.
  3. In another shallow bowl, combine 1 cup all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk to distribute spices evenly.
  4. Remove pork chops from buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge each chop in the seasoned flour, pressing lightly to coat thoroughly. Shake off extra flour.
  5. Heat cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add ¼ cup vegetable oil and 2 tbsp unsalted butter. Let butter melt and foam, oil should shimmer but not smoke (about 5 minutes).
  6. Carefully place pork chops in hot skillet, leaving space between each. Fry for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and crusty. Flip gently with tongs. Avoid overcrowding.
  7. Check doneness with meat thermometer; internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). If crust browns too fast, reduce heat and cover loosely with foil to finish cooking.
  8. Transfer chops to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm while making gravy.
  9. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add 2 tbsp flour to skillet drippings and whisk constantly for about 1 minute to cook off raw flour taste.
  10. Slowly whisk in 2 cups milk or cream, stirring until thickened and smooth, about 4-5 minutes. Season gravy with salt and pepper to taste.
  11. Serve pork chops with creamy gravy poured over or on the side. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

Pat pork chops dry before dredging to ensure crispiness. Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent steaming. Use tongs to flip chops gently to keep crust intact. Whisk gravy constantly to avoid lumps. For thicker chops, finish cooking in a 375°F oven for 10 minutes. Variations include gluten-free flour, dairy-free milk, adding cayenne for spice, or herb-infused oil.

Nutrition

Keywords: fried pork chops, crispy pork chops, cast iron skillet, creamy gravy, easy dinner, comfort food, pork chop recipe