These Parmesan-crusted pork chops are a delightful twist on a classic dish! They’re perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
The combination of Parmesan and Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs creates a savory, crispy crust. It pairs wonderfully with the juicy, tender center of each chop.
Paprika, parsley, and garlic powder round out the flavor. Then, you sear them for a gorgeous, golden-brown finish.
Serve them with your favorite sides for a meal everyone will enjoy!
Why You’ll Love These Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops
Restaurant-Quality Taste: The dual cooking method (searing & baking) ensures these chops are a 5-star meal. They’re juicy inside with a perfectly crisp exterior.
Fantastic Flavor: Parmesan, garlic, and Italian breadcrumbs combine for a rich, satisfying taste. They’re flavorful, herby, and insanely delicious.
Easy Prep: With just 15 minutes of prep and a 20-minute cook time, this impressive dish is perfect for weeknights. You can have it on the table in under an hour without much hassle.
Ingredients
- Boneless Pork Chops: Choose thick-cut chops for maximum juiciness.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grate it yourself for a crispy, savory, totally irresistible crust.
- Italian-Seasoned Breadcrumbs: They add crunch and Italian flavor to the coating.
- Spices: Use a blend of paprika, dried parsley, garlic powder, and black pepper. They enhance the crust with aromatic notes.
- Large Eggs: The binding agent keeps the coating stuck to the pork chops.
- Olive Oil: Add just a splash to help you sear the chops and give them their golden crust.
How to Make Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops
Follow these steps to make parmesan crusted pork chops:
1. Preheat. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Mix the coating. Combine the cheese, breadcrumbs, paprika, parsley, garlic, and pepper in a shallow bowl. Mix well, then set aside. Beat the eggs and place them in a second shallow dish.
3. Season and coat. Pat the chops dry and season them well with salt and pepper. Then, dredge them in the beaten egg. Let the excess drip off, then coat them thoroughly with the parmesan mixture.
4. Sear. Add the olive oil to an oven-safe skillet. Heat over medium-high heat, then add the pork chops. Sear for 2 to 3 minutes per side or until golden brown.
5. Bake. Transfer the chops (in the skillet) to the oven. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until done.
6. Rest and serve. Remove the pork chops from the oven. Let them rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley and serve. Enjoy!
Tips for the Best Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops
Some tips and variations to try:
- The thicker, the better. For this recipe, 1-inch pork chops work best. Anything thinner, and you risk overcooking them before they brown properly.
- Give ’em a good press. After dipping the pork chops in the egg and Parmesan mixture, press them gently. Doing so helps the coating stick more firmly to the meat for a crispier crust.
- Use a cast-iron skillet. Although any oven-safe skillet will work, cast iron is best. The meat will sear better, and the taste will be deeper.
- Experiment with flavors. Try different herbs and spices, such as oregano, thyme, cayenne, etc. These are your pork chops, so add whatever seasonings suit your tastes.
- Skip the stove. You can bake these in the oven without searing them first. Place them on a baking sheet. Bake at 400 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping once halfway through.
- Use the air fryer. Preheat it to 380 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, spray the breaded pork chops with oil and air fry for 5 to 6 minutes. Flip and air fry them for another 5 to 6 minutes until crispy and cooked through.
What to Serve with Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops
This recipe tastes great with practically any side. Here are some of my favorites:
- Veggies: These pair well with a variety of roasted or air-fried veggies. I like Brussels sprouts or asparagus, but a mixed medley would also work nicely.
- Potatoes: Boiled potatoes, mashed potatoes, or baked potatoes all work well. Fried potatoes or French fries, too!
- Rice: Plain white rice or brown rice are easy options. For a zesty kick, serve it with this cilantro-lime rice instead.
- Salads: Pair the chops with a simple side salad for a complete, healthy meal.
- Bread: You can never go wrong with rolls, breadsticks, or other thick, crusty breads.
How to Store
Although these may not be as crispy once stored, they’ll still taste delicious. Of course, that assumes you HAVE any leftovers, which isn’t always the case.
To Store: Let the pork chops cool completely. Then, refrigerate them for 3 to 4 days in an air-tight container.
To Freeze: Wrap cooled pork chops separately in aluminum foil. Then, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
To Reheat: Thaw frozen pork chops in the fridge overnight before reheating. To reheat, use an air fryer (3-5 minutes at 350 degrees) or oven (10-15 minutes at 350 degrees). Flip once halfway through using either method.