Chops & Roasts

Southern Style Pork Chops

Name: Southern Style Pork Chops
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 180 min
Total time: 200 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 pork chops, 1-1.5 inches thick; 6 slices of bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/4 cup chicken broth; 2 tbsp brown sugar; 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

By Odette Delacroix · June 19, 2026 · Chops & Roasts

Prep20 min

Cook180 min

Total200 min

Serves4

I still remember the first time I had Southern Style Pork Chops - it was at my grandmother's house, and the smell of smoky pork and bacon filled the entire kitchen. The combination of tender, juicy pork and the crunch of crispy bacon was love at first bite. Since then, I've been perfecting my own recipe for Southern Style Pork Chops, and I'm excited to share it with you.

This recipe is special because it's a true comfort food dish that's easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. The key to making great Southern Style Pork Chops is to cook the pork low and slow, so the meat stays tender and the flavors have time to develop. I'll walk you through every step of the process, from prep to finish, so you can make this delicious dish in your own kitchen.

Southern Style Pork Chops are perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. They're also a great dish to make for a crowd, as they're easy to scale up and can be served with a variety of sides. Whether you're a pork lover or just looking for a new recipe to try, I think you'll love this dish.

In this recipe, we'll be using a combination of pork chops, bacon, and spices to create a rich, smoky flavor. We'll also be using a technique called 'low and slow' cooking, which involves cooking the pork at a low temperature for a long period of time. This helps to break down the connective tissues in the meat, making it tender and juicy.

So, let's get started! With this recipe, you'll be able to make delicious Southern Style Pork Chops that are sure to become a favorite in your household.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
The dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
The combination of pork and bacon creates a rich, savory flavor profile.
The recipe is highly customizable, so you can add your own favorite spices and seasonings.
The dish is sure to become a favorite in your household, and is perfect for serving to guests.
The recipe is budget-friendly and can be made with affordable ingredients.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to making great Southern Style Pork Chops is to cook the pork low and slow, so the meat stays tender and the flavors have time to develop. This is because pork chops can be prone to drying out if they're cooked too quickly, but by cooking them low and slow, we can help to lock in the moisture and create a tender, juicy texture.

Another important factor in making great Southern Style Pork Chops is the use of bacon. Bacon adds a smoky, savory flavor to the dish that complements the pork perfectly. By cooking the bacon until it's crispy, we can add a nice textural element to the dish as well.

Finally, the spices and seasonings we use in this recipe are also important. We'll be using a combination of paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder to add depth and complexity to the dish. These spices will help to bring out the natural flavors of the pork and bacon, and create a rich, savory flavor profile.

By combining these elements - low and slow cooking, the use of bacon, and a blend of spices and seasonings - we can create a truly delicious and authentic Southern Style Pork Chops recipe that's sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this recipe, you'll need a few simple ingredients, including pork chops, bacon, and spices. You'll also need some basic pantry staples, such as olive oil, salt, and pepper. Be sure to choose high-quality ingredients, as they will make a big difference in the flavor and texture of the final dish.

When shopping for pork chops, look for thick-cut chops with a good amount of marbling. This will help to keep the meat tender and juicy. You'll also want to choose a good-quality bacon that's smoked or cured to add depth and complexity to the dish.

4 pork chops, 1-1.5 inches thickLook for thick-cut chops with a good amount of marbling to keep the meat tender and juicy.
6 slices of bacon, cut into 1-inch piecesChoose a good-quality bacon that's smoked or cured to add depth and complexity to the dish.
2 tbsp olive oilUse a high-quality olive oil to add flavor and moisture to the dish.
1 tsp paprikaPaprika adds a smoky, savory flavor to the dish that complements the pork perfectly.
1 tsp garlic powderGarlic powder adds a rich, depthful flavor to the dish that pairs well with the pork and bacon.
1 tsp onion powderOnion powder adds a sweet, savory flavor to the dish that complements the pork and bacon.
1 tsp saltSalt enhances the flavors of the dish and helps to bring out the natural flavors of the pork and bacon.
1/2 tsp black pepperBlack pepper adds a sharp, peppery flavor to the dish that complements the pork and bacon.
1/4 cup chicken brothChicken broth adds moisture and flavor to the dish, and helps to keep the meat tender and juicy.
2 tbsp brown sugarBrown sugar adds a rich, caramel-like flavor to the dish that complements the pork and bacon.
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsleyParsley adds a fresh, herbal flavor to the dish that complements the pork and bacon.

Ingredients for Southern Style Pork Chops

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or Dutch ovenSharp chef's knifeInstant-read thermometer Cutting boardMeasuring cups and spoonsWhisk

How to Make Southern Style Pork Chops

1
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
2
In a small bowl, whisk together the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
3
Place the pork chops in a large bowl and sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the chops.
4
Heat the olive oil in a large heavy skillet or Dutch oven over medium-low heat.
5
Add the bacon to the skillet and cook until crispy, stirring occasionally. This should take about 10-12 minutes.
6
Remove the bacon from the skillet with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
7
Add the pork chops to the skillet and sear until browned on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
8
Add the chicken broth, brown sugar, and crispy bacon back to the skillet, and bring to a simmer.
9
Cover the skillet with a lid and transfer to the preheated oven.
10
Bake for 2-1/2 to 3 hours, or until the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
11
Remove the skillet from the oven and let the pork chops rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
12
Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the top of the pork chops and serve hot.

Expert Tips

Make sure to choose thick-cut pork chops so they stay tender and juicy.
Don't overcrowd the skillet when cooking the bacon and pork chops.
Let the pork chops rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork chops reach a safe internal temperature.
Let the dish cool completely before refrigerating or freezing.
Reheat the dish gently over low heat to prevent drying out the meat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the pork chops, which can make them dry and tough.
Not letting the pork chops rest before slicing, which can cause the juices to run out.
Not using a meat thermometer, which can result in undercooked or overcooked meat.
Not cooking the bacon until crispy, which can make the dish lack flavor and texture.
Not using high-quality ingredients, which can affect the flavor and texture of the dish.

Variations and Substitutions

Add some diced onions or bell peppers to the skillet with the bacon for added flavor.
Use different types of wood chips or chunks to add a smoky flavor to the dish.
Add some BBQ sauce or honey to the dish for a sweeter flavor.
Use pork shoulder or butt instead of pork chops for a more tender and juicy texture.
Add some diced potatoes or carrots to the skillet for a hearty and filling dish.
Use a slow cooker instead of the oven for a hands-off and convenient cooking method.

What to Serve With Southern Style Pork Chops

Southern Style Pork Chops are perfect for serving with a variety of sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or corn on the cob. You can also serve them with some crusty bread or over rice or eggs.

Some other ideas for serving Southern Style Pork Chops include:

Serving them with a side of braised greens, such as collard greens or kale.

Serving them with a side of roasted sweet potatoes or carrots.

Serving them with a side of creamy coleslaw or baked beans.

Serving them with a side of crusty bread or cornbread.

Serve with mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables.Serve with crusty bread and a side salad.Serve with roasted sweet potatoes and steamed broccoli.Serve with corn on the cob and coleslaw.

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

Southern Style Pork Chops can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To refrigerate, let the dish cool completely, then cover and refrigerate.

To freeze, let the dish cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat gently over low heat.

When reheating, make sure to heat the dish until it's hot and steaming, but not boiling. You can also add a little bit of broth or water to the dish if it seems dry.

Some tips for storing and reheating Southern Style Pork Chops include:

Letting the dish cool completely before refrigerating or freezing to prevent bacterial growth.

Using airtight containers or freezer-safe bags to prevent freezer burn and keep the dish fresh.

Labeling and dating the containers or bags so you can keep track of how long they've been stored.

Reheating the dish gently over low heat to prevent drying out the meat.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of pork chops should I use for this recipe?

You should use thick-cut pork chops, preferably 1-1.5 inches thick. This will help the meat stay tender and juicy.

How long does it take to cook the pork chops?

The pork chops will take about 2-1/2 to 3 hours to cook in the oven, or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

Can I use a slow cooker instead of the oven?

Yes, you can use a slow cooker instead of the oven. Simply brown the pork chops and cook the bacon in a skillet, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

How do I know when the pork chops are done?

You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork chops. They should be at least 160°F (71°C) in the thickest part of the meat.

Can I freeze the pork chops after they're cooked?

Yes, you can freeze the pork chops after they're cooked. Simply let them cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months.

What type of bacon should I use for this recipe?

You should use a good-quality bacon that's smoked or cured. This will add depth and complexity to the dish.

Can I use different types of wood chips or chunks for smoking?

Yes, you can use different types of wood chips or chunks for smoking. Some popular options include hickory, applewood, and mesquite.

How do I prevent the pork chops from drying out?

You can prevent the pork chops from drying out by cooking them low and slow, and by not overcooking them. You should also let them rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.

The Full Recipe

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