Southern Fried Pork Chops (Full Recipe)

Southern Fried Pork Chops are a classic comfort food from the Southern United States. They’re seasoned, coated in flour, and pan-fried until crispy on the outside and juicy inside. Often served with gravy, mashed potatoes, or greens. 🍽️

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🥣 Ingredients

Pork Chops

• 4 bone-in pork chops (about ¾–1 inch thick)

• 1 cup buttermilk

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

• Vegetable oil for frying

Optional Pan Gravy

• 2 tablespoons flour

• 1½ cups milk

• Salt and pepper to taste

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Marinate the Pork Chops

• Place pork chops in a bowl and pour buttermilk over them.

• Let them soak 30 minutes to 2 hours (this makes them tender and flavorful).

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2️⃣ Prepare the Seasoned Flour

In a shallow dish mix:

• flour

• salt

• black pepper

• garlic powder

• paprika

• onion powder

• cayenne pepper

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3️⃣ Coat the Pork Chops

• Remove pork chops from buttermilk.

• Dredge each chop in the seasoned flour, pressing to coat well.

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4️⃣ Heat the Oil

• Heat about ½ inch of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

• Oil should reach about 350°F (175°C).

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5️⃣ Fry the Pork Chops

• Carefully place pork chops in the skillet.

• Fry 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.

• Internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).

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6️⃣ Rest the Meat

• Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels.

• Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

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🍲 Optional Southern Gravy

1. Remove excess oil from skillet, leaving about 2 tablespoons.

2. Stir in 2 tbsp flour and cook for 1 minute.

3. Slowly whisk in milk until smooth.

4. Cook until thickened and season with salt and pepper.

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🍽️ Classic Southern Side Dishes

Serve with:

• Mashed potatoes

• Collard greens

• Cornbread

• Mac and cheese

• Buttermilk biscuits

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✅ Cooking Tips

• Use bone-in pork chops for the best flavor.

• Double dredge (dip again in buttermilk then flour) for extra crispy crust.

• Cast-iron skillets work best for authentic Southern frying.

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If you want, I can also give you:
🍖 The secret to super crispy Southern pork chops
🍖 Smothered Southern pork chops with onion gravy
🍖 Oven-baked Southern pork chops (healthier version).