Cook’s Illustrated, modified slightly by Sarah
3 ounces bacon (about 3 slices), cut into 1/4-inch pieces
2 Tbsp unbleached all-purpose flour
1 3/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth (1 14-ounce can)
Vegetable oil
4 bone-in, rib-end pork chops, 3/4 to 1-inch thick
Ground black pepper
2 medium yellow onions, halved pole-to-pole and sliced thin (about 3 1/2 cups)
Table salt
2 Tbsp water
2 cloves garlic, pressed through garlic press or minced (about 2 teaspoons)
1 tsp minced fresh thyme leaves
2 bay leaves
1 Tbsp minced fresh parsley leaves
Fry bacon in small saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned, 8 to 10 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer bacon to paper towel-lined plate, leaving fat in saucepan (you should have 2 tablespoons bacon fat; if not, supplement with vegetable oil). Reduce heat to medium-low and gradually whisk flour into fat until smooth. Cook, whisking frequently, until mixture is light brown, about the color of peanut butter, about 5 minutes. Whisk in chicken broth in slow, steady stream; increase heat to medium-high and bring to boil, stirring occasionally; cover and set aside off heat.
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in 12-inch skillet over high heat until almost smoking, about 3 minutes. Meanwhile, dry pork chops well with paper towels and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Brown chops in single layer until deep golden on first side, about 3 minutes. Flip chops and cook until browned on second side, about 3 minutes longer. Transfer chops to large plate and set aside.
Reduce heat to medium and add 1 tablespoon oil, onions, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and water to now-empty skillet. Using wooden spoon, scrape browned bits on pan bottom and cook, stirring frequently, until onions are softened and browned around the edges, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and thyme and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds longer. Return chops to skillet in single layer, covering chops with onions. Pour in warm sauce and any juices collected from pork; add bay leaves. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer until pork is tender and paring knife inserted into chops meets very little resistance, about 30 to 35 minutes. Instant-read thermometer should read 210. (It’s a braise, so don’t worry that they’re going to be overcooked. Just keep it at a simmer.)
Transfer chops to warmed serving platter and tent with foil. Increase heat to medium-high and simmer sauce rapidly, stirring frequently, until thickened to gravy-like consistency, about 5 minutes. Discard bay leaves, stir in parsley, and adjust seasonings with salt and pepper. Cover chops with sauce, sprinkle with reserved bacon, and serve immediately over buttered noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice.
