This dish delivers a golden, crispy crust that looks and tastes impressive but is easy and fast enough for delicious weeknight dinners.
When I was a kid, my dad liked to serve us pork chops with a side of applesauce for dinner. It somehow always felt like a cute culinary relic of his upbringing in the 60s. We loved it because the applesauce made it feel like a treat.
This breaded pork chops recipe takes me right back to those dinners with Dad. They have a perfectly golden brown crust with juicy, savory meat inside that’s insanely satisfying. The spices and Parmesan cheese add just enough complexity to the breading to make this dish seem more grown-up than the chops my dad made.
I particularly love how quickly this meal comes together. It’s easy enough to do on a weeknight—but so impressive looking and tasting that I like to serve it when my partner’s parents come over for dinner. I typically use hot paprika because I like a little more heat. It’s fun experimenting with different herbs and spices in the breading for nearly endless flavor profiles!
Are Breaded Pork Chops Healthy?
These breaded pork chops offer a great protein boost and essential minerals—but they can be high in fat, sodium, and calories, especially when fried. Pork is an excellent source of protein, B vitamins, selenium, potassium, iron, and zinc. The ingredients in the breading add carbs, a little fiber, some calcium, and a few other nutrients. Overall, this dish could be a moderately healthy addition to a well-balanced diet with mindful portion control, especially if paired with low-fat, veggie-rich sides.
Those watching their sodium intake could skip the added salt and opt for low-sodium cheese. To lower the fat content, consider baking your chops instead of frying them.
Pork Chops: A Global Comfort Food
Breaded pork chops are more than just an American weeknight staple—they’re a culinary canvas that reflects traditions from around the globe. In Germany, schnitzel features thin, breaded pork cutlets fried until golden and served with lemon. Italy’s cotoletta alla Milanese is a similar celebration of crispy pork, while in Japan, tonkatsu pairs breaded pork with tangy sauces and shredded cabbage. Even in the U.S., regional twists abound, from Southern fried pork chops to Midwestern versions served with applesauce or gravy. This worldwide love affair with breaded pork shows how a simple technique—coating meat in crumbs and frying—transcends borders and brings comfort to tables everywhere.
FAQs & Tips
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover breaded pork chops in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Reheating in a 350°F oven is your best option for maintaining crispiness. Place the chops on a foil- or parchment-lined baking sheet. Heat refrigerated chops for 10–15 minutes and frozen for about 20–25 minutes—and make sure they reach a safe internal temp of 165°F.
How To Bake Breaded Pork Chops
Baking is a great way to cut down on the oil while still achieving juicy pork chops with a crispy coating. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the breaded chops in a single layer, leaving space between each. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F. For extra crispiness, you can flip the chops halfway through baking. You can also broil them for the last 2–3 minutes, watching closely so they don’t burn. Let the chops rest for 3–5 minutes before serving.
Custom Breading Options
This recipe is a great base for creating custom-flavored chops. For milder tastes, consider adding herbs like thyme, rosemary, parsley, oregano, or basil to the breadcrumb mixture. For a spicier kick, mix in cayenne pepper, chili powder, Cajun seasoning, or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. You can also use a smoky chipotle powder or a touch of cumin for a southwestern twist. Italian seasoning would add Mediterranean flair, while a bit of brown sugar and smoked paprika would deliver a sweet-and-smoky twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve up an amazing meal by pairing these breaded pork chops with Roasted Sweet Potatoes And Apples, this creamy Crock-Pot Corn Casserole, and this delightful Panzanella Kale Salad With Apples, Bacon, And Cheese Vinaigrette. Top it off with a light dessert, like this no-bake Lemon Icebox Pie.
Recipe
Breaded Pork Chops
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 boneless pork chops 1-inch thick
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375°F.
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In a wide, shallow bowl, combine the flour with the salt, pepper, and paprika.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.
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In a third bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the Parmesan cheese and garlic powder.
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Dredge each pork chop in the seasoned flour, then dip it in the egg mixture, then coat it with the breadcrumb mixture. Continue until all the pork chops are breaded, setting them aside on a plate.
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Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add pork chops. Cook until golden brown on each side, about 4 minutes per side.
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Transfer pork chops to a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven until the internal temp reaches 145°F, about 10 minutes.
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Remove from oven and let the chops rest for 5 minutes. Serve while warm.
Nutrition
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