Traditional Breaded Pork Chops bring a comforting, home-cooked feel to your dinner table with their crispy exterior and tender inside. This straightforward recipe is perfect for a cozy family meal, delivering satisfying flavors in every bite.
Pork chops are the star of the dish, offering a meaty, juicy base that pairs perfectly with the crispy coating. Choose boneless chops about 1-inch thick for the best results. All-purpose flour helps the egg adhere to the chops by creating a dry surface. Eggs act as a binding agent, ensuring the flavorful breadcrumb mixture sticks to the pork. Breadcrumbs provide that crucial crunch, while Parmesan cheese infuses a savory, nutty flavor into the crust. Salt and black pepper season the chops, enhancing their natural flavors. Garlic powder and onion powder add depth and an aromatic quality to the breading. Finally, vegetable oil is used for searing, giving the chops a golden-brown crust before they finish cooking in the oven.
These breaded pork chops pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes and steamed green beans for a classic comfort meal. For a lighter option, serve with a fresh arugula salad tossed in a lemon vinaigrette. The acidity of the salad complements the richness of the chops beautifully.
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it's at the right temperature for baking the chops after searing. While the oven heats, pat the pork chops dry with paper towels — this step is crucial for achieving a good sear. Next, set up your breading station: in one shallow dish, place the flour; in a second, beat the eggs; and in a third, mix the breadcrumbs with Parmesan, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. This assembly line approach keeps things organized and efficient.
Begin by dredging each pork chop in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip the chop into the beaten eggs, making sure it's fully coated. Finally, press the chop into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring an even coating all over. Heat the vegetable oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the pork chops and sear them for about 3 minutes on each side, or until they're a lovely golden brown.
Carefully transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and let the chops bake for 15-20 minutes. You're looking for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) to ensure they're cooked through. Once done, let them rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the pork chops nice and juicy.