Next, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking—about 350°F (175°C) if you have a thermometer. You can test the temperature by dropping a small amount of flour into the oil; if it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready. Carefully place the breaded pork chops into the hot oil, cooking them in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry the pork chops for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. The pork chops should have an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Once fried, transfer the pork chops to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
While the pork chops are frying, prepare the bacon gravy. In a separate skillet, cook 4 strips of chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. As the bacon cooks, it will release its fat, which will be used as the base for the gravy. Once the bacon is crispy, remove it from the skillet with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a plate.
In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the bacon fat and melt it over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, cooking for about 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Stir constantly to prevent the flour from burning. The roux will thicken the gravy and give it a smooth consistency.
Slowly pour in 2 cups of whole milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency. If the gravy becomes too thick, you can add a little more milk, a tablespoon at a time, to adjust the consistency.
Season the gravy with salt, pepper, 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of onion powder. Taste the gravy and adjust the seasonings as needed. Once the gravy has thickened and is well-seasoned, stir in the crispy bacon pieces and remove the skillet from the heat.
To serve, place the fried pork chops on a plate and generously spoon the bacon gravy over the top. The combination of crispy pork, rich gravy, and savory bacon is irresistible. Serve with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, collard greens, or cornbread, for a complete Southern meal.
Notes
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