Best Pork Chop Recipe (2024)

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This best pork chop recipe is crusted with parmesan and fried up with less than 10 minutes of prep work!! They are perfectly juicy.

We love quick and easy dinners at our house, and this pork chop recipe is one of our favorites. They are similar to our Fried Pork Chops and as delicious as our Italian Pork Chops!

Best Pork Chop Recipe (1)

BAked pork chops – a family fav!

Pork chops have become a favorite dinner idea as I’ve grown older.

We have typically sautéed pork chops or cooked them on the stove, but this new recipe coats the meat in crusty parmesan and is simply delicious! This same recipe can even be made with chicken!

The spices and parmesan cheese that coat these boneless pork loins add so much flavor, making them our the BEST pork chop recipe. As I mentioned, they are so easy and so good, they’re hard not to love.

For side dishes, we love to serve Mashed Potatoes or Roasted Vegetables. We have this recipe on the menu plan at least once a month for a tasty weeknight dinner!

Best Pork Chop Recipe (2)

How to Cook Pork Chops

This recipe uses a combination of pan frying to get a nice crisp crust and then baking in the oven so the center is perfectly cooked.

COAT. Mix Parmesan cheese, bread crumbs, paprika, parsley, pepper, and garlic powder and place on a plate.

SEAR. Dip pork chops in the mixture (making sure the mixture sticks) and sear in a pan of olive oil on medium-high heat. Sauté for 5 minutes on each side.

BAKE. Place pork chops in a glass baking dish (making sure to leave 1 inch around each chop) and cook according to thickness. NOTE: For more crispy pork chops, bake on a greased wire rack over a baking sheet.

Bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes (or when internal temperature reaches 145°F).

To make sure the pork chop temp is correct, we use a Meat Thermometer.

baking pork chops

Even though we usually fry the pork chops, this particular recipe calls for sautéing AND baking. Sautéing the spices and cheese into the pork chops infuses the flavor even more.

To bake without sautéing. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Place pork chops in a baking pan. Spread 1 teaspoon of butter over each pork chop along with spices.

  • Since you are not flash-frying them first, bake them a bit longer. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chops has reached 145°F (63°C) and the juices run clear.
Best Pork Chop Recipe (3)

Air FryER pork chops

The temperature and length of time that the pork chop will need to cook will depend on the thickness and if it is boneless. For a boneless chop, approximately ¾ inch thick, cook them at 380°F for 4-5 minutes.

Flip and cook for another 4-5 minutes. (Be sure to spray both sides of the chop with cooking spray before placing it in the air fryer basket.)For bone-in and/or thicker pork chops, increase the cooking time.

Best Pork Chop Recipe (4)

Recipe Tips

For the most flavorful and crispy pork chop recipe, use these tips and variations!

Tender pork chops. Be careful to not overcook the pork chops. Doing so causes all the moisture to cook right out leaving behind dry, tough chops. One way to avoid overcooking is to allow the pork chops to come to room temperature before cooking.

Use a meat thermometer to test the chops. They should reach an internal temperature of 140°F before removing them from the oven. Then, let them rest before cutting. Resting allows the center to finish cooking to a perfect 145°F as well as distribute all the moisture evenly through the chop.

Thicker crust. These pork chops have a light crumb and Parmesan coating. Should you wish for a thicker crust, dredge the chops in flour and then dip it in a bowl containing one whisked egg with milk. At this point, coat it with the breadcrumb mixture you make in the recipe.

Best Pork Chop Recipe (5)

Additional Tips

  • Use a cast iron skillet or another heavy-bottomed pan. This will help the chops fry evenly.
  • Bone-in pork chops generally take 10-20% longer to bake than boneless pork chops.
  • Stick to ¾ inch to 1-inch thickness
  • Sauté the chops on medium heat but adjust as necessary so the crust doesn’t burn.
  • Do not cover the pan with a lid when frying and bake uncovered. Otherwise, the trapped steam will cause the pork chops to be moist instead of crisp.

What to serve with this best pork chop recipe:

  • Cheesy Garlic Bread
  • Roasted Brussel Sprouts
  • Parmesan Asparagus
  • Roasted Green Beans
Best Pork Chop Recipe (6)

Storing Tips

Make ahead of time. Coat the pork chops and place them on a platter. Cover with plastic wrap and keep them in the refrigerator for 1-2 days before cooking.

In the freezer. Wrap each pork chop with plastic wrap and place them together in a freezer Ziploc. They can be kept in the freezer for 2 months. Unwrap and thaw on the counter for 20-30 minutes before frying and baking. Allow extra baking time if partially frozen.

STORE. Leftover baked pork chops can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, or wrapped tightly in plastic and foil and frozen for 3 months.

To reheat, use the microwave or cook on low heat in the oven. In this case, we usually recommend drizzling olive oil over the chops so they don’t dry out in the oven.

Best Pork Chop Recipe (7)

Recipe FAQ

How do I get a coating to stick to pork chops?

Pat the pork chops dry with a paper towel, dip them in a cup of milk mixed with one egg, and then into the coating.

Should I bake boneless pork loin chops or use bone-in pork chops?

It is up to you. I prefer boneless chops as they cook faster and are easier to cut. If using bone-in pork chops, allow them to bake 10-20% longer to ensure they are cooked all the way through.

For More Easy Pork Chop Recipes, Try:

  • Italian Pork Chops
  • Smothered Pork Chops
  • Fried Pork Chops
  • Slow Cooker Pork Chops

Best Pork Chop Recipe (8)

Best Pork Chop Recipe (9)

4.99 from 589 votes

Best Pork Chop Recipe

By: Lil’ Luna

This best pork chop recipe is crusted with parmesan and fried up with less than 10 minutes of prep work!! They are perfectly juicy.

Servings: 4

Prep: 10 minutes mins

Cook: 30 minutes mins

Total: 40 minutes mins

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless pork chops, (about 3/4 inch thick)
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2-3 tbsp Italian breadcrumbs
  • 1/8 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp dried parsley
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/4 tsp pepper

Instructions

  • Mix parmesan cheese, bread crumbs, paprika, parsley, pepper, and garlic powder and place on a plate.

  • Dip pork chops in the mixture (making sure the mixture sticks) and sear in a pan of olive oil on medium-high heat. Sauté for 5 minutes on each side.

  • Place pork chops in a glass baking dish (making sure to leave 1 inch around each chop) and cook according to thickness. NOTE: For more crispy pork chops, bake on a greased wire rack over a baking sheet.

  • Bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes (or when internal temperature reaches 145°F).

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 326kcal, Carbohydrates: 4g, Protein: 32g, Fat: 18g, Saturated Fat: 5g, Cholesterol: 97mg, Sodium: 259mg, Potassium: 521mg, Vitamin A: 105IU, Calcium: 111mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Making this recipe? Tag us!

Share it with us on Instagram using the hashtag #lilluna, so we can see what you’re creating in the kitchen!

Categorized as: American Recipes, Cuisines, Main Dishes, Pork, Recipes

About Kristyn

My name is Kristyn and I’m the mom of SIX stinkin’ cute kids and the wife to my smokin’ hot hubby, Lo. My mom’s maiden name is Luna, and I’m one of the many crafty “Lil’ Lunas” in the fam. On this site I like to share all things creative - from recipes to home decor to gifts and home decor ideas. Welcome!

More About Kristyn

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Best Pork Chop Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the best way to cook pork chops without them drying out? ›

For juicy, flavorful pork chops, try brining the chops before grilling or broiling — two high-heat cooking methods that can quickly dry out lean pork chops. Brines are essentially salty, sugary water solutions; they'll keep the meat moist, while adding flavor.

What is the best method to cook pork chops? ›

A quick turn in a hot pan followed by a little time in the oven is another great way to cook pork chops. You build color and flavor in the skillet, then hand the cooking over to the oven, which gives you time to prep the rest of the meal.

What is good seasoning to put on pork chops? ›

Best Seasoning for Pork Chops

Thyme and sage add herby and floral notes complementing pork's flavor exceptionally well. There's also a combination of smoked paprika, pepper, and a little bit of cayenne pepper, which all give your pork chops a lovely, not overly spicy, kiss of heat.

What tenderizes pork chops? ›

Marinate the Pork Chops

Mild tenderizing is accomplished through the use of acidic ingredients. Lemon juice, flavored vinegar, red wine, and coffee are all recommended as marinade ingredients that can soften the meat a little.

Is it better to pan fry or oven bake pork chops? ›

While there are a number of ways to cook pork chops for dinner, baking is arguably the easiest path to perfection. The hands-off cooking method cooks pork chops gently and evenly without the need for extra fat, resulting in juicy, healthier pork chops that pair well with practically any side dish.

How do you get the most flavor out of pork chops? ›

Like steak or chicken, pork also needs a lot of salt to bring out all the flavor. If you really want to be fancy, you can brine the pork chops in some salt water (season it with other stuff like whole peppercorns and bay leaves).

What do you soak pork chops in before cooking? ›

To brine pork chops before cooking, create a brine solution using kosher salt, sugar, and water. Dissolve the salt and sugar in water, then immerse the pork chops in the brine. Refrigerate for a few hours, allowing the brining process to enhance flavor and tenderness.

Is it better to pan fry pork chops in butter or oil? ›

Unlike butter, many cooking oils have higher smoke points, allowing you to achieve a hotter cooking temperature without the risk of burning. This is particularly advantageous when seeking a perfect sear on your pork chops.

What spice brings out the flavor of pork? ›

When it comes to pork, the rich umami flavour of garlic works very well. You can use fresh garlic, garlic flakes or garlic powder, depending on the recipe. A no-nonsense seasoning requires a no-nonsense recipe, so, if you're fancying garlic and pork, try our Mexican Pork With Garlic And Kidney Beans.

What spices tenderize pork? ›

Apply dry rub and refrigerate the pork for at least 8 hours.

Create your dry rub by combining 2 tsp (6 g) of salt, 1 tsp (2 g) of dried herbs, and ½ tsp (1 g) of black pepper. Blot each side of the pork chops so they're totally dry, and then coat the meat with the seasoning.

How to make pork extremely tender? ›

How do you make pork soft and tender? Soak your pork in a salt-based brine before cooking it using your desired method. Pork chops need to soak between 12–24 hours, an entire pork tenderloin needs to soak for 6–12 hours, and an entire pork loin requires 2–4 days of soaking.

How do you keep pork chops from getting tough? ›

Easy and simple: Let the pork chops rest for at least 10 minutes, covered, before slicing them up. The juices will redistribute back into the meat to keep them flavorful, tender and juicy.

Do pork chops get more tender the longer you cook them? ›

Because pork chops are such a lean cut, they are relatively quick-cooking and prone to overcooking. When they're cooked for even a few minutes too long, whether it's in the oven or on the stovetop or grill, they're quick to dry out, and — you guessed it — become tough, chewy, and less than appealing.

How long do you leave baking soda on pork chops to tenderize? ›

Alternatively, a baking soda mixture generally takes between 15 and 20 minutes to tenderize the cuts of meat. It also carries less risk of harming the meat should the cuts sit in a baking soda for longer. As a result, a baking soda wet brine can be more forgiving and foolproof than a traditional saltwater brine.

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