Golden Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops
Description:
These Golden Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops are juicy, tender, and coated with a flavorful, crispy golden crust made from Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and herbs. They are pan-fried to perfection and perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The cheesy crust locks in the juices and gives each bite a satisfying crunch.
Time Required:
Step Time
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cooking Time 15 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Ingredients: (Serves 4)
Pork:
4 boneless pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
Breading:
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated for best results)
1/2 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs (or Panko for extra crunch)
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
1/2 tsp dried oregano
Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for brightness)
Dredging:
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
Cooking:
2–3 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil (for pan-frying)
1 tbsp butter (optional, for added flavor)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork Chops
Pat pork chops dry with a paper towel.
Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
2. Set Up Breading Station
Plate 1: All-purpose flour
Bowl 2: Beaten eggs
Plate 3: Mix Parmesan, breadcrumbs, parsley, oregano, and lemon zest.
3. Bread the Chops
Dredge each pork chop in flour, shaking off excess.
Dip into beaten eggs.
Press into the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, coating well on both sides.
4. Cook the Chops
Heat olive oil (and butter if using) in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add pork chops and cook 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and internal temp reaches 145°F (63°C).
Transfer to a plate and let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve with garlic mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
Drizzle with lemon juice for added brightness.
Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 4 servings):
Nutrient Amount
Calories ~430 kcal
Protein 38 g
Fat 25 g
Saturated Fat 7 g
Carbohydrates 10 g
Fiber 1 g
Sugar 1 g
Sodium ~600 mg
Cholesterol ~140 mg
Note: Nutritional values are estimates and vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Q1: Can I use bone-in pork chops?
A: Yes, just increase the cooking time slightly (about 7–8 minutes per side) and ensure internal temperature reaches 145°F.
Q2: Can I bake instead of pan-fry?
A: Yes. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake on a rack-lined baking sheet for 20–25 minutes, flipping once. For extra crispiness, broil the last 2 minutes.
Q3: How do I make it gluten-free?
A: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour. Parmesan is naturally gluten-free.
Q4: What cheese can I use instead of Parmesan?
A: Grana Padano or Pecorino Romano are good substitutes. Avoid soft cheeses like mozzarella for this recipe.
Q5: Can I prepare it ahead of time?
A: You can bread the chops a few hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to cook. Avoid letting them sit overnight or the crust may get sogg