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 590 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? ›

High-heat frying sears them to a golden brown; and a moderately hot oven (400 degrees F) bakes the pork chops gently enough to keep them from drying out. This "sear-roasting" method is a great way to cook pork chops in the oven: Fry one side to golden brown, then flip, and place the chops directly in the oven.

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.

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 should I soak my pork chops in? ›

You can make an effective brine just with salt and water, but additional seasonings do help. If you are just looking to brine one (1) pork chop or tenderloin, or up to 4 at a time, a quick ratio of salt to water is 4 cups of water and 3 Tbsp of salt / for 30 minutes up to 4 hours.

What should I season pork chops with? ›

Pork Chop Seasoning Recipe
  1. 3 tablespoons paprika.
  2. 2 tablespoons kosher salt.
  3. 3 teaspoons pepper.
  4. 2 teaspoons brown sugar.
  5. 2 teaspoons garlic powder.
  6. 2 teaspoons onion powder.
  7. 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper.
  8. 1/2 teaspoon sage (optional)
Jul 31, 2023

Why do you rinse pork chops before cooking? ›

We call this cross-contamination. While washing meat and poultry to remove dirt, slime, fat or blood may have been appropriate decades ago when many slaughtered and prepared their own food, the modern food safety system doesn't require it.

Is it better to bake pork chops at 350 or 400? ›

I find that boneless pork chops can cook quicker and become dry easier. I suggest you cook them around the 375 degree temperature or even 400 for a crispier skin. See below for how long to cook them based on their thickness.

How do you make pork soft and tender? ›

Sear the pork, then bake it.

For instance, you might sear your pork in a hot pan on the stove (or on the grill), then transfer your pork to the oven (or move it to a cooler area of the grill and close the lid) for the rest of its cooking time. The indirect heat is vital to keeping your pork tender and juicy.

Should I cook pork chops in butter or oil? ›

I use both! At the same time! The butter helps achieve that golden brown color and adds more flavor, but you need the oil, too, because it has a higher smoke point and keeps the butter from burning. How long do you cook pork chops in a frying pan?

Is it better to cook pork chops fast or slow? ›

Cook them low and slow. Most times, when we cook pork, we cook it at high temps. Pork, and pork chops in particular, cook up pretty fast. However, pork only needs an internal temperature of 145 degrees.

Can pork chops be a little pink? ›

That color doesn't indicate anything nefarious—at 145°F, your pork is at a “medium rare” temperature. You would expect to see some pink in a medium-rare steak, so don't be surprised to find it in your pork chops! If the pink color freaks you out, you can continue cooking it until it reaches 155°F.

Why are my pan fried pork chops tough? ›

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 does it take for a pork chop to cook in a frying pan? ›

When you're frying thin pork chops over medium-high to high heat, 2 to 3 minutes per side is just right for browning and cooking them all the way through. For thicker chops, brown on both sides then check the internal temperature with a digital thermometer. It will take 5 to 6 minutes per side to completely cook them.

How to fry pork chops so they are tender? ›

How to Make Perfect Stovetop Pork Chops
  1. Tenderize the meat with a fork. ...
  2. Brine with brown sugar. ...
  3. Cook in cast iron. ...
  4. Flip frequently and finish with butter. ...
  5. Rest right in the pan: Your temperature destination for pork chops is 145°F — the sweet spot of juiciness and a rosy interior.

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? ›

The meat soaks up the salt water which results in meat with more moisture, even after cooking. The salt also changes the texture of the meat, making it more tender. In addition, that salt is adding seasoning and flavor for a more delicious dish. For more information about brining, head over here.

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

Depends on the cut and cooking method. Pork shoulder can be cooked low and slow for a good amount of time but not pork chops or pork loin. Pork can get dried out and tough pretty easily. Ribs do well low and slow as well.

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