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 581 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 secret to making tender pork chops? ›

How to Make Tender Pork Chops
  1. Opt for Thick-Cut Bone-In Pork Chops. Thin-cut pork chops won't sear properly in the time it takes to cook them through. ...
  2. Skip the Brine, but Season Liberally. ...
  3. Let the Pork Chops Rest. ...
  4. Sear Pork Chops Over Medium-High Heat. ...
  5. Baste the Pork Chops. ...
  6. Let the Pork Chops Rest, Again. ...
  7. Serve.
Feb 14, 2018

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 cooking method is best for pork chops? ›

Bake your pork chops at 425 degrees for 10 minutes. If you want to add an extra step, sear your pork chops in a pan first and transfer to a baking sheet to cook for about 6-8 more minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees.

Is it better to bake or pan fry 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.

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.

What do you soak pork chops in before cooking? ›

Combine water, salt, and any additional seasonings in a large container. Stir well to dissolve the salt and sugar. Soak the pork chops in the brine solution, making sure they're fully coated. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

What liquid should I cook pork in? ›

Aside from barbecue sauce, something tangy and sweet is a good go-to for slow-cooked pork. Apple cider vinegar has the right amount of acidity to break down the fattiness and is equipped with a bright flavor that pairs beautifully with pork. Using liquids you would normally drink is also a good choice.

Why do you rinse pork chops before cooking? ›

Some consumers may wash or rinse their raw meat or poultry because it's a habit or because a family member they trust has always washed their meat. USDA research found that washing or rinsing meat or poultry increases the risk for cross-contamination in the kitchen, which can cause foodborne illness.

How to cook pork chops like a chef? ›

Instructions
  1. Rub about a tablespoon of olive oil over each of your pork chops. ...
  2. Heat an oven-safe heavy skillet over high heat. ...
  3. Sear the pork chops for 2 minutes on each side.
  4. Transfer skillet immediately to the oven and cook until the internal temperature of the chop reaches 145 degrees, about 15 minutes.

Should I cook pork chops in butter or oil? ›

Butter, with its luxurious richness and distinctive nutty flavor, is a classic choice for frying pork chops, whether they are breaded or not. As the butter melts and sputters in the pan, it imparts a depth of flavor to the dish.

What is the rule for cooking pork chops? ›

“This is why whole muscle cuts of pork like roasts and chops are safe, juicy and flavorful at 145° internal temperature with a proper resting period.” If a medium-rare 145-150° isn't desirable, then try additional temperatures from the National Pork Board: medium (150-155°), medium-well (155-160°) or well done (160°).

How does Rachael Ray cook pork chops? ›

PAN-ROASTED PORK CHOPS WITH SHALLOTS FENNEL AND WATERCRESS

Simply throw everything in a pan—yes, the pork chops with the shallots and the fennel—and sear the chops for four minutes on each side. Everything starts to caramelize and the flavors meld together for a truly sensorial experience.

How do you cook pork chops so they are not tough? ›

First, we sear one side of the chops until browned, flip them, turn the heat to low, and cover the skillet with a lid. The second side will slowly turn golden brown, and since we added the lid, the heat from the pan will gently cook the middle. By gently cooking the chops this way, they stay juicy and become tender.

How do you cook pork chops so they are soft? ›

The Best Juicy Skillet Pork Chops
  1. Say goodbye to dry and flavorless pork chops. ...
  2. Tip #1: Don't cook chops straight from the refrigerator. ...
  3. Tip #2: Season the chops with salt half an hour before cooking. ...
  4. Tip #3: Rub the chops with spices and some flour. ...
  5. Tip #4: Sear on one side, flip, and then cover with a lid.

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? ›

Try a Marinade or Brine. A marinade or brine can introduce more moisture or lots of flavor into your meat before you cook it. A marinade is a sauce that introduces extra flavor to your pork, depending on the aromatics or herbs you choose to include. A brine pulls more moisture into the meat, which keeps your pork juicy ...

Does soaking pork chops in salt water make them tender? ›

A brine is essentially just salt and water. It helps prevent moisture loss during cooking, and the salt also helps tenderize the meat from the inside out. If you want an extra juicy piece of pork, brine it before cooking. You can make an effective brine just with salt and water, but additional seasonings do help.

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