Crispy Baked Pork Chops: A Foolproof Weeknight Meal
Forget takeout and ditch the confusion! This recipe is your guide to creating the perfect weeknight dinner – Crispy Baked Pork Chops that are both delicious and incredibly easy to prepare.
Pork chops are a versatile and budget-friendly cut of meat, but can become dry if overcooked. This recipe uses a simple breading technique and baking method to ensure juicy and flavorful pork chops with an irresistible, crispy crust.
Gather Your Ingredients for Crispy Perfection:
- The Wet Breading Symphony (2 large eggs):
- Eggs – act as a binder to hold the breading onto the pork chops.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon) and onion powder (½ teaspoon) – add a touch of savory depth to the flavor profile.
- The Crunchy Coating (2 cups):
- Breadcrumbs (panko recommended) – panko breadcrumbs are light and airy, offering superior crunch. You can substitute with regular breadcrumbs if preferred.
- The Searing and Baking Companions:
- Olive oil or vegetable oil (3 tablespoons) – for searing the pork chops and adding richness.
- 6 thin-cut boneless pork chops – the stars of the show!
Step-by-Step Guide to Crispy Pork Chop Bliss:
- The Flavorful Dip (2 minutes): In a large, shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs. Add the garlic powder and onion powder to the egg mixture, whisking it all together to create a flavorful base for your breading station.
- The Breading Station (2 minutes): Pour the breadcrumbs onto a large plate or shallow dish. Panko breadcrumbs are highly recommended for their superior level of crunch, but feel free to use your favorite type of breadcrumbs.
- Coating for Perfection (5 minutes per chop): One by one, dip each pork chop into the egg mixture, ensuring it's evenly coated. Then, gently transfer the egg-coated pork chop to the plate of breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs gently onto the pork chop to ensure good adhesion. Repeat this process for all the pork chops.
- Heating Up the Pan (2 minutes): Heat the olive oil or vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot but not smoking, carefully add the breaded pork chops to the pan.
- Searing for Flavor (2 minutes per side): Sear the pork chops for about 1 minute per side, or until golden brown. This searing process adds a beautiful caramelized crust and locks in the juices of the pork chops.
- Baking to Perfection (15-20 minutes): Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Once the pork chops are seared, transfer them to a baking dish. Bake the breaded pork chops in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit (63 degrees Celsius) for safe consumption.
- Dinner is Served (5 minutes): Once the pork chops are cooked through, take them out of the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This resting time allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in an even more flavorful and tender dining experience.
These Crispy Baked Pork Chops are a fuss-free recipe that delivers on both taste and texture. They're perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick and satisfying meal. Pair them with your favorite sides for a complete and delicious dinner. Consider mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad to round out the meal!
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