These French Onion Smothered Pork Chops are juicy, cheesy, and loaded with rich, sautéed mushrooms and caramelized onions. This easy skillet recipe turns simple pork chops into a delectable dish that tastes like it came from your favorite fancy bistro.

Jump to:

• ❤️ Why You'll Love This Smothered Pork Chops Recipe
• 🛒 Ingredients for French Onion Pork Chops
• 🔪 How to Make Smothered Pork Chops
• 💡 Tips
• ☑️ Storage Instructions
• 🍴 What to Serve with French Onion Pork Chops
• 🔄 Substitutions and Additions
• How Do I Keep Pork Chops From Drying Out?
• Can I Make This Ahead?
• Can I Use Chicken Instead of Pork?
• Why is My Sauce Too Thin?
• 🍽️ More Delicious Pork Recipes

❤️ Why You'll Love This Smothered Pork Chops Recipe

• Tender juicy pork chops
• Smothered in a mushroom and caramelized onion sauce
• Topped with melted Gruyere cheese
• Easy to make weeknight dinner 
• Fancy enough for special occasions

Some dinners just make you want to slow down and savor every bite, and these French Onion Smothered Pork Chops are one of them. The pork stays juicy while soaking up all that rich, buttery mushroom and caramelized onion gravy. A gooey layer of melty Gruyere cheese makes it even more comforting and decadent.

I’ve made plenty of pork chop recipes over the years, but this one is hands-down my favorite for weeknights and special occasions alike. It comes together in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze, which is always a huge bonus in my book. You can serve it with mashed potatoes or a simple side salad and you’ll have a meal your friends and family will be asking again and again!

If you love those classic French Onion flavors, you should also try this French Onion Chicken recipe.

🛒 Ingredients for French Onion Pork Chops

• Boneless pork chops: Even cut chops work best.
• Baby bella mushrooms, sliced: Adds earthy depth to the sauce.
• Gruyere cheese, grated: Melts perfectly with a rich, nutty flavor.
• Beef broth: Adds so much flavor to the sauce.
• Yellow onion, sliced: Caramelizes into sweet, golden goodness.
• Mascarpone cheese: Makes the sauce silky and creamy.
• Garlic cloves, minced: Adds a subtle, savory punch.
• Butter: For sautéing and richness in the sauce.
• Fresh parsley, chopped: A fresh finish for the dish.
• Olive oil: Helps sear the pork chops.
• Salt, divided: Season both the pork and the sauce.
• Ground black pepper: Adds a little warmth to balance flavors.

*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

🥣 Recommended Tools

• Large skillet

🔪 How to Make Smothered Pork Chops

Heat a large skillet to medium and add in the olive oil. Add in the pork chops and sprinkle half the salt and pepper over the tops.

Sauté for a few minutes on each side or until almost cooked through. Remove the pork chops, cover and set them aside.

Add in 1 tablespoon of the butter and mushrooms, then sauté until they have some good color. Remove the mushrooms and set them aside.

Add in another tablespoon of butter, salt, pepper and onions.

Sauté for 10-12 minutes or until they are caramelized. Add in the garlic and sauté for about 20 seconds, making sure not to brown them.

Pour in the beef broth and simmer for 10 minutes or until thickened slightly.

Add the last tablespoon of butter and mascarpone cheese in, and once melted, add the mushrooms back in and simmer until the gravy reaches your desired thickness.  

Return the pork chops to the skillet basting in the sauce.

Add the shredded Gruyere over the pork chops and cover with a lid until melted.

Top with the fresh parsley and serve with some of the mushroom, onions and gravy over the tops.

💡 Tips

• Choose pork chops that are at least 1 inch thick so they stay juicy while simmering.
• Pat pork chops dry before searing for a golden crust.
• Let your sliced onions caramelize slowly for the best depth of flavor.
• Use a heavy-bottomed skillet for even heat and better browning.
• If your onions are browning too quickly, lower the heat and add a splash of broth to slow things down.

☑️ Storage Instructions

You can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the chops and sauce in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the fridge before reheating in a skillet over medium heat.

🍴 What to Serve with French Onion Pork Chops

You can serve this cheesy pork recipe with any leafy green vegetable or salad, or try one of these delicious sides:

• Oven Roasted Broccoli
• Cheesy Roasted Asparagus with Prosciutto
• Bacon Wrapped Green Beans
• Sautéed Broccolini 
• Rosemary Garlic Mashed Cauliflower
• Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes
• Loaded Creamy Cauliflower Casserole

🔄 Substitutions and Additions

• Chops: Use bone-in pork chops for extra juiciness, adjusting cook time as needed.

• Cheese: Swap Gruyere for Swiss or provolone for a milder flavor.

• Herbs: Stir in fresh thyme or rosemary with the onions for an herby flavor.

• Greens: For more veggies, add spinach or kale during the final simmer.

• Cream: Make it creamier by adding a splash of heavy cream with the mascarpone.

• Spice: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for gentle heat.

How Do I Keep Pork Chops From Drying Out?

Avoid overcooking by removing them from the skillet when they’re just under your desired doneness and let them finish in the sauce.

Can I Make This Ahead?

Yes, prepare the sauce and sear the chops ahead of time, then finish cooking together before serving.

Can I Use Chicken Instead of Pork?

Yes, boneless chicken breasts or thighs cook well in this sauce. Adjust cook times accordingly.

Why is My Sauce Too Thin?

Simmer a little longer to reduce, or stir in an extra spoonful of mascarpone for creaminess.

🍽️ More Delicious Pork Recipes

• Pork Marsala
• Air Fryer Bone-in Pork Chops
• Grilled Hawaiian Pork Kebabs
• Easy Grilled Pork Chops
• Honey Glazed Pork Tenderloin