Herb-Crusted Pan-Seared Pork Chops

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 10 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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If there’s one dish that can make any dinner feel special, it’s Herb-Crusted Pan-Seared Pork Chops. This recipe combines a delightful crispy crust with juicy, flavorful pork. Perfect for a cozy family meal or an elegant dinner party.

Ingredients for Herb-Crusted Pan-Seared Pork Chops

Pork chops are the star, and using boneless ones ensures even cooking. The flour in the coating helps the crust stick, while panko breadcrumbs offer extra crunch. Parmesan cheese adds a savory depth, and the blend of Italian herbs gives a fragrant, hearty taste. For seasoning, garlic powder and onion powder lend an aromatic base, with a touch of paprika for warmth. A sprinkle of salt and black pepper balances everything. The olive oil and butter combination ensures a rich, golden crust. Finally, lemon slices and fresh parsley provide a fresh, vibrant garnish.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F for perfect doneness.
  • If you're short on time, prepare the crust mixture in advance and store it in an airtight container.
  • For extra flavor, marinate the pork chops in a bit of lemon juice and olive oil for a few hours before cooking.

Serving Suggestions

These herb-crusted pork chops pair beautifully with a side of roasted vegetables or a creamy mashed potato. For a lighter option, serve alongside a crisp green salad drizzled with a lemon vinaigrette. A glass of white wine, like a Chardonnay, complements the dish well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use bone-in pork chops?
Yes, but you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they cook through.
What if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs?
Regular breadcrumbs can work, but they might not be as crispy. Consider using crushed cornflakes for a similar crunch.
How can I store leftovers?
Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain the crust.

Herb-Crusted Pan-Seared Pork Chops Recipe Walkthrough

First, take your pork chops and pat them dry with paper towels. This step is essential to help the crust adhere properly. Season both sides with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Now, in a shallow dish, mix together the flour, panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian herbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This will be your delicious crust mixture.

Press each pork chop firmly into the flour mixture, ensuring an even coating. Meanwhile, heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter has melted and the oil is shimmering, gently add the pork chops to the skillet. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes on each side, aiming for a lovely golden-brown crust. When the chops are cooked through, transfer them to a plate and let them rest for 5 minutes. This resting time helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat juicy.

Before serving, garnish your pork chops with some lemon slices and a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a fresh finish.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • The herb crust forms a flavorful and crispy layer.
  • Quick and easy—perfect for weeknight dinners.
  • Uses common pantry ingredients, so no last-minute grocery runs!
  • Impressive enough for guests, yet simple to prepare.

Ingredients

4 boneless pork chops (1-inch thick)
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp dried Italian herbs
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 lemon (sliced for garnish)
Fresh parsley (chopped for garnish)

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels and season them with salt and pepper.
2. In a shallow dish, combine flour, panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian herbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Dredge each pork chop in the flour mixture, pressing firmly to adhere the coating to the meat.
4. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
5. Add the pork chops to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Transfer the pork chops to a plate and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
7. Garnish with lemon slices and chopped parsley before serving.

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