Keto Smothered Pork Chops with Onion Gravy Recipe
A rich, one-pan comfort meal that’s completely keto-friendly.
Key Info:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: 485 per serving
- Fat: 32g
- Protein: 45g
- Net Carbs: 4g
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Dietary: Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free
Equipment Needed:
- Large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan
- Meat thermometer
- Tongs
- Whisk
- Measuring spoons and cups
Ingredients:
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (1.5-2 inches thick) (680g)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (30ml)
- 1 tsp salt (5g)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper (2.5g)
For the Gravy:
- 2 tbsp ghee or butter (30g)
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced (150g)
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (225g)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 2 cups chicken broth (480ml)
- 3 tbsp heavy cream (45ml)
- 1/2 tsp xanthan gum (2g)
Method:
-
- Pat pork chops dry with paper towels and let rest at room temperature for 15 minutes.
- Season pork chops generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Sear pork chops for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
-
- Remove chops to a plate and lower heat to medium.
- Add ghee to the same pan and melt.
- Add onions and mushrooms, cooking for 15-20 minutes until deeply caramelized.
-
- Add garlic and thyme, cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits.
- Stir in heavy cream.
- Sprinkle xanthan gum evenly across surface, whisking continuously.
- Return pork chops to pan and spoon gravy over them.
- Cover and simmer for 5-10 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145°F.
Crucial Tips:
- Don’t move pork chops while searing.
- Watch onions carefully to prevent burning.
- Sprinkle xanthan gum gradually to prevent clumping.
- Let meat rest 5 minutes before serving.
Storage & Reheating:
- Store in airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in covered pan on low heat.
- Add splash of broth when reheating if gravy is too thick.
Variations:
- Replace cream with coconut milk for dairy-free version.
- Add crumbled bacon for extra flavor.
- Use bone broth for added nutrients.
- Swap thyme for rosemary or sage.
Common Mistakes:
- Overcrowding the pan.
- Skipping the meat rest period.
- Adding xanthan gum too quickly.
- Not using a meat thermometer.











