The easiest recipe for juicy-on-the-inside, crispy-on-the-outside perfection.
When I can’t decide what to make for dinner, sometimes the only thing standing in the way between me and a perfect meal is… myself! I don’t know why, but I seem to have picked up an (incorrect) notion that meat is more difficult or more complicated to cook than vegetable-based meals. In reality, there are so many easy meat dishes out there that are ideal for busy evenings.
So, in an effort to break down this mental block, I’ve been making a point of cooking more easy meat recipes at home. These Parmesan-crusted pork chops are one of them and have pretty instantly made their way into my regular rotation. Let me tell you, if you thought pork chops were boring, think again! The Parmesan crust takes them to a whole other level, and it pairs perfectly with other simple sides like rice dishes or a nutritious salad.
For best results, boneless pork chops work best, about an inch thick. Otherwise, you probably already have all the other ingredients for this recipe in your kitchen: Parmesan cheese, Italian breadcrumbs, olive oil, garlic powder, an egg, plus salt and pepper. Then, with just 10 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking time, you’ll be ready to savor this juicy-on-the-inside, crispy-on-the-outside perfection.
Are Parmesan-Crusted Pork Chops Healthy?
This recipe for Parmesan-crusted pork chops, while utterly delicious, can’t really be considered healthy since it does have a high amount of fat. You could, however, look for extra lean cuts of meat. That said, pork chops are a good source of protein as well as vitamins and minerals. You could also opt for whole-grain breadcrumbs as a slightly more nutritious option, or use a gluten-free variety if that’s what you need or prefer.
Is It Better To Buy Boneless Or Bone-In Pork Chops?
This recipe calls for boneless pork chops, with the goal of making the cooking (and eating) as easy as possible. When it comes to buying boneless or bone-in pork chops, though, what matters most is simply personal preference.
Some may prefer bone-in pork chops because they bring a bit more of a fuller flavor, but many are happy to sacrifice this for the convenience that comes with boneless pork chops. They’re both the same cut of meat, but boneless pork chops have the bone removed, and extra fat along with it. This may also impact your choice, since some prefer the cut with fat intact as it keeps the meat more moist. If you’re serving pork chops to children, many opt for boneless pork chops since it makes cutting and eating the meat easier. Another consideration is that bone-in pork chops usually take a few extra minutes to cook. Ultimately, there is no wrong choice—it’s your call!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Or, you can store your Parmesan-crusted pork chops in the freezer for up to 3 months by wrapping them in aluminum foil and placing them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. To reheat, set your oven to 300°F and warm your Parmesan-crusted pork chops for about 10 minutes. If frozen, make sure to thaw your pork chops before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
These Parmesan-crusted pork chops are a fantastic dinner option, but chances are, you’ll be looking for something else to put on a plate with them. Luckily, they’re as versatile as they are delicious, so there are plenty of options! One of my favorite ways to serve them is with this Apple Coleslaw.
Pork and apples really are such a terrific pairing, so I also suggest this Shredded Cabbage Salad With Apples And Curry. Other great side dishes to serve with your Parmesan-crusted pork chops include this Red Potato Salad or this Garlic Rice recipe.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 boneless pork chops about 1 inch thick
- 1 large egg beaten
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with aluminum foil and setting a wire rack on top.
- In a shallow dish, combine the grated Parmesan, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Dip each pork chop into the beaten egg, then coat thoroughly with the Parmesan mixture, pressing to adhere.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and sear each side for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
- Transfer the seared pork chops to the prepared wire rack and bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- Let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Nutrition Info:
Recipes written and produced on Food Faith Fitness are for informational purposes only.
Leave a Comment