Country Fried Pork Chops Recipe – Crispy Southern Comfort with Gravy

The Comfort of Country Fried Pork Chops

There’s something undeniably comforting about a plate of country fried pork chops. With their crispy golden crust, juicy interior, and rich peppery gravy, this dish brings Southern hospitality straight to your table. It’s the kind of meal that feels like home—warm, hearty, and made to be shared.

Rooted in nostalgic traditions, country fried pork chops are a staple of family dinners, Sunday suppers, and holiday gatherings. They evoke memories of cast iron skillets sizzling on the stove and the irresistible aroma of seasoned flour meeting hot oil.

Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or indulging in a weekend treat, this dish delivers big flavor with simple ingredients. It’s rustic, satisfying, and surprisingly easy to make. Serve it with mashed potatoes, collard greens, or biscuits, and you’ve got a meal that comforts from the first bite to the last.

What Are Country Fried Pork Chops?

Country fried pork chops are a classic Southern dish featuring bone-in or boneless pork chops that are dredged in seasoned flour, dipped in an egg wash, and pan-fried until golden and crispy. The result is a savory, crunchy exterior that gives way to tender, juicy meat inside.

While often confused with chicken fried pork chops, the difference lies in the gravy. Country fried versions are typically served with a peppery milk gravy, made from the pan drippings and poured generously over the chops.

This gravy is what elevates the dish—adding creamy richness and tying together the flavors of the seasoned crust and succulent pork. It’s a dish that’s both humble and indulgent, perfect for when you want comfort food with a little Southern flair.

Ingredient Breakdown: What You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make country fried pork chops:

Main Ingredients

• 4 bone-in pork chops (about ¾ inch thick)
• Salt and pepper to season

Flour Dredge

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

Egg Wash

• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup milk or buttermilk

Gravy

• Pan drippings from fried pork chops
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1½ cups milk or cream
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Optional: 1 tbsp bacon fat for extra flavor

Optional Add-ins

• Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish
• Pinch of cayenne for heat

Tip: Use buttermilk in the egg wash for extra tenderness and a subtle tang that complements the savory crust.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Pork Chops Pat pork chops dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Prepare the Dredge & Egg Wash In one bowl, mix flour with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, whisk eggs with milk or buttermilk.
3. Dredge the Chops Dip each pork chop into the flour mixture, then into the egg wash, and back into the flour. Press gently to ensure a good coating.
4. Pan-Fry the Chops Heat ¼ inch of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry pork chops in batches, 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
5. Make the Gravy Pour off excess oil, leaving about 2 tbsp of drippings in the skillet. Add flour and whisk to form a roux. Slowly add milk or cream, whisking constantly. Simmer until thickened. Season with black pepper and optional bacon fat.
6. Serve Plate pork chops and spoon gravy over the top. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan—fry in batches to maintain heat and ensure a crisp crust.

Taste & Texture Profile

Country fried pork chops offer a crispy, golden crust that gives way to a juicy, tender interior. The seasoned flour adds layers of flavor—garlic, onion, paprika—while the buttermilk egg wash helps create a light, flaky coating.

The gravy brings it all together with creamy, peppery richness, soaking into the crust and adding depth to every bite. It’s savory, slightly spicy, and full of Southern charm.

Each bite is a balance of crunch and comfort, with the pork’s natural flavor enhanced by the simple, hearty ingredients. Whether served with mashed potatoes or biscuits, this dish is comfort food at its finest—warm, satisfying, and made to be enjoyed slowly.