Are you on the hunt for the ultimate easy, crispy, and juicy pork chop that is baked, not fried, and ready in about 20 minutes? This incredible, foolproof recipe for Baked Breaded Pork Chops is your new weeknight superstar! It’s a healthy, family-friendly meal that delivers all the satisfying, golden-brown crunch of a fried pork chop without the extra oil, mess, or fuss.
This isn’t just another pork chop recipe; it’s a guide to your new favorite “busy-day” dinner. We’ll show you the simple but crucial secrets to a crust that bakes up shatteringly crisp and a pork chop that is always perfectly moist and tender on the inside. This is the kind of satisfying, nostalgic meal that brings the whole family to the table with a smile.
Recipe Overview: The Ultimate Crispy Baked Pork Chops
What makes these Baked Breaded Pork Chops so spectacularly delicious is their incredible texture and their simple, savory flavor. The secret to the super-crispy, golden-brown coating is a classic breading technique combined with a few smart tricks, like using a wire rack and a light spritz of cooking spray. The breading itself is a wonderfully savory and cheesy blend of seasoned breadcrumbs and salty Parmesan cheese. This foolproof baking method creates a pork chop that is perfectly cooked and juicy every single time, with a satisfying crunch in every bite.
| Metric | Time / Level |
| Total Time | 25 minutes |
| Active Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Difficulty Level | Easy |
| Servings | 4 |
The Essential Ingredients for This “Zippy” Dish
This recipe uses a handful of simple pantry staples to create its signature comforting and cheesy flavor.
- The Pork Chops:
- Boneless Pork Loin Chops: This recipe calls for 4-ounce, boneless chops. For a quick-cooking dish like this, it’s a great idea to choose chops that are about 1/2-inch thick. If your chops are thicker, you may want to pound them to an even thickness to ensure they cook quickly and stay juicy.
- The Breading:
- The Binder (Milk): A simple dip in milk is a fantastic and easy way to provide the necessary moisture for the dry breadcrumbs to adhere to the pork.
- The Crispy Coating: A classic, crowd-pleasing combination of your favorite store-bought seasoned breadcrumbs and salty, nutty, freshly grated Parmesan cheese creates a savory, cheesy, and wonderfully crispy crust. For an even crispier texture, you can use Panko-style breadcrumbs.
Step-by-Step to the Crispiest Baked Pork Chops
This delicious meal comes together in just a few simple stages. We’ve also included instructions for making these in an air fryer!
Step 1: Set Up Your Breading Station
Step 1: First, preheat your oven to a hot 425°F (218°C). Place a wire rack inside a large, 15×10-inch baking pan.
Pro Tip: Using a wire rack is a crucial step for crispy baked food! It allows the hot air to circulate all around the pork chop, which is the key to making the bottom just as crispy as the top and preventing a soggy bottom.
Step 2: Prepare your two-step breading station. Place the 1/4 cup of fat-free milk in one shallow bowl.
Step 3: In a separate shallow bowl, toss together the 1/4 cup of seasoned breadcrumbs, the 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, the 1/4 teaspoon of salt, the 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder, and the 1/8 teaspoon of pepper.
Part 2: Bread and Bake to Crispy, Golden Perfection
Step 1: Pat your 4 boneless pork loin chops completely dry with a paper towel.
Step 2: Working with one pork chop at a time, first dip the chop into the milk, making sure it is completely coated on all sides.
Step 3: Let any excess milk drip off, and then immediately place the pork chop into the breadcrumb mixture. Use your hands to press the crumbs firmly onto all sides of the pork.
Step 4: Place the coated pork chops on the prepared wire rack in your baking pan. Lightly spritz the tops of the chops with cooking spray. This is the secret that helps the dry breadcrumbs to “fry” in the oven, making them extra golden-brown and crispy.
Step 5: Bake for 8 to 10 minutes on the first side. Carefully flip the pork chops, spritz the other side with cooking spray, and bake for another 8-10 minutes.
Pro Tip: The only 100% foolproof way to guarantee a juicy, perfectly cooked pork chop is to use an instant-read thermometer. Pork is perfectly and safely cooked when the internal temperature in the thickest part of the chop registers 145°F (63°C).
Step 6: Let the cooked pork chops rest for at least 5 minutes before serving. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, guaranteeing a tender result.
The Best Crispy & Juicy Baked Breaded Pork Chops
An extremely quick and easy recipe for ‘Busy-Day’ baked pork chops. This simple weeknight meal features boneless pork loin chops that are coated in a savory mixture of seasoned breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese, using milk as a binder. The breaded chops are then spritzed with cooking spray and baked in a hot oven until they are cooked through and the coating is golden brown.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup fat-free milk
- 1/4 cup seasoned bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- 4 boneless pork loin chops (4 ounces each)
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Pour the milk into a shallow bowl. In a separate shallow bowl, toss the bread crumbs with the Parmesan cheese, salt, garlic powder, and pepper.
- Dip each pork chop first in the milk, then dredge it in the crumb mixture, patting to help the coating adhere to both sides.
- Place the coated chops on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Lightly spritz the tops of the chops with more cooking spray.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes on each side, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chop reads 145°F.
- Let the pork chops stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- This is a very fast recipe, perfect for a busy weeknight.
- Spritzing the breaded chops with cooking spray before baking is a key step that helps the coating to become crispy and golden without frying.
- Resting the pork chops for 5 minutes after they come out of the oven is crucial for ensuring they are juicy and tender.
Air Fryer Instructions
For an even faster and crispier result, you can use your air fryer!
Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Step 2: Prepare and coat the pork chops as directed above. Lightly spray the air fryer basket and the tops of the coated pork chops with a nonstick cooking spray.
Step 3: Place the crusted pork chops in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You will likely need to work in batches.
Step 4: Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping the pork chops halfway through, until the crust is golden brown and crispy and the pork is cooked through to 145°F.
What to Serve With Your Baked Pork Chops
These fun and crispy pork chops are perfect for a classic, family-friendly comfort food dinner.
- Applesauce: The absolute number one, classic pairing for any pork chop.
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Another perfect partner for this dish.
- Roasted Vegetables: Simple, roasted broccoli, asparagus, or green beans are a wonderful, healthy accompaniment.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Make-Ahead: For a super-fast and impressive weeknight meal, you can get a head start by breading the raw pork chops and laying them on your prepared baking sheet. You can then cover the sheet tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before you plan to bake.
- Storage: Store any leftover cooked pork chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: The absolute best way to reheat the pork chops and bring back their original crispiness is in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for just 3-4 minutes. You can also place them on a baking sheet in a hot 400°F (200°C) oven for about 5-8 minutes.
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Creative Recipe Variations
- Use a Different Protein: This same delicious, crispy breading is absolutely fantastic with boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken tenders, or even with firm white fish fillets (like cod or tilapia). You will just need to adjust the baking time accordingly.
- Use a Different Breading: For an even crunchier crust, substitute the seasoned breadcrumbs with an equal amount of Panko breadcrumbs. You can also use finely crushed cornflakes or even potato chips for a different, fun, and crunchy texture.
- Add Different Spices: Feel free to customize your breading! Add about 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor, a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick, or some dried thyme or rosemary for a more herbaceous flavor.
Enjoy The Ultimate Easy Weeknight Dinner!
You’ve just created a truly special dish that is a perfect harmony of fun, classic ingredients and delicious, satisfying flavors. These Crispy Baked Pork Chops are a testament to the power of a simple, from-scratch-tasting meal to be both incredibly fast and incredibly delicious. It’s a rewarding and deeply satisfying recipe that is sure to become a new, much-requested family favorite for busy weeknights.
We hope you enjoy every last, perfect, and delicious bite!
If you enjoyed making this recipe, please leave a comment below or share it with a friend who loves a good, easy, and comforting meal!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the absolute secret to a super crispy, baked pork chop?
This recipe uses three main secrets! First, the three-step breading process (flour, then egg, then the coating) ensures the crust sticks. Second, baking the pork chops on a wire rack allows the hot air to circulate all around the pork chop, making the bottom just as crispy as the top. Finally, a light spritz of cooking spray on top helps the dry breadcrumb coating to “fry” and become extra golden and crunchy in the oven.
Q2: Can I use bone-in pork chops for this recipe instead of boneless?
Yes, you can, and they will be even juicier! You will just need to increase the baking time. For a thick-cut, 1-inch bone-in pork chop, you will likely need to bake for about 15-20 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
Q3: How do I keep my breading from falling off the pork chops?
There are a few key tricks! First, be sure to pat your pork chops completely dry before you start. Second, after you have coated the pork chop in the breadcrumbs, press the breading on firmly with your hands to make sure it is well-adhered. Finally, be sure your baking sheet is coated with cooking spray to prevent the bottom from sticking.
Q4: How do I know for sure when my pork chops are cooked through without them being dry?
The only 100% foolproof way to guarantee a juicy, perfectly cooked pork chop is to use an instant-read thermometer. The USDA recommends cooking pork to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), followed by a 3-minute rest. This will result in a pork chop that is incredibly juicy and may still have a hint of beautiful, blush pink in the center, which is both perfectly safe and delicious.
Q5: Can I make these pork chops ahead of time?
Yes! The best make-ahead method is to fully bread the raw pork chops and lay them out on your prepared baking sheet. You can then cover the sheet tightly with plastic wrap and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before you plan to bake them.