The Crispy Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops are the perfect combination of savory garlic and Parmesan flavors, paired with a satisfying crispy coating. The golden, crunchy exterior gives way to tender, juicy pork, making each bite a delightful experience.
These pork chops are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. With minimal ingredients and just 35 minutes from start to finish, they make for a fantastic weeknight dinner. Plus, they can be paired with a variety of sides such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad, making it a versatile and crowd-pleasing meal.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in pork chops
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a shallow bowl, combine Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, salt, pepper, and breadcrumbs.
- Brush each pork chop with olive oil, then dip them into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to coat both sides.
- Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add the melted butter.
- Once the skillet is hot, add the pork chops and sear them for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 400 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
The Story Behind Crispy Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops
These Crispy Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops are a perfect balance of savory, crispy, and tender. The dish combines the bold, earthy flavors of garlic with the rich, nutty taste of Parmesan, creating a delicious coating for the pork chops. Whether you’re serving them for a cozy weeknight dinner or as part of a special meal, these pork chops are sure to impress. It’s an easy yet flavorful dish that doesn’t require a lot of time or complicated ingredients.
Tips for Perfect Pork Chops
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Choosing the Right Cut of Pork Chop: Bone-in pork chops are ideal for this recipe as they are juicier and more flavorful. However, boneless pork chops can also be used if preferred. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time to avoid overcooking.
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Searing for Crispiness: The key to achieving a crispy crust is searing the pork chops in a hot skillet with butter before baking. This gives the breadcrumb and Parmesan coating a golden, crunchy texture.
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Resting After Baking: After removing the pork chops from the oven, let them rest for 5 minutes. This helps retain the juices inside, ensuring each chop stays tender and juicy.
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Add a Personal Touch: Feel free to customize the seasoning! Add your favorite herbs like thyme or rosemary for a fragrant twist, or sprinkle some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
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Serving Suggestions: Serve these crispy pork chops with a side of mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad. The richness of the Parmesan coating pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, making this dish versatile and easy to pair with what you have on hand.
Why You’ll Love These Pork Chops
- Quick & Easy: This recipe comes together in under 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings.
- Crispy & Flavorful: The crispy breadcrumb and Parmesan crust offers the perfect contrast to the juicy, tender pork inside.
- Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love the delicious, savory flavors in this recipe. It’s a dish that everyone can enjoy!
Variations of the Recipe
- Low-Carb Option: For a keto-friendly alternative, replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds.
- Air Fryer Version: If you prefer to use an air fryer, cook the pork chops at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, for a crispier, lighter option.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like Asiago, Romano, or a combination for a twist on the classic Parmesan.
This recipe for Crispy Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops is not only delicious but adaptable to suit your preferences. With a few simple ingredients and cooking tips, you can create a meal that is both satisfying and full of flavor!
Why This Recipe Works
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Perfectly Cooked Pork Chops: The secret to perfectly cooked pork chops is in the searing and baking process. Searing the pork chops first locks in the juices and forms a crisp, golden crust, while baking ensures they are thoroughly cooked without drying out. Using a meat thermometer ensures your pork chops are cooked to perfection every time.
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Easy-to-Find Ingredients: This recipe calls for simple ingredients that are easy to find at your local grocery store, such as grated Parmesan, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and dried oregano. You don’t need any fancy or hard-to-find ingredients to make this dish a success.
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Versatility: Whether you’re serving a small family dinner or prepping a larger meal, this recipe can be easily scaled up or down. It’s also flexible when it comes to side dishes; pair it with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, rice, or a simple green salad for a well-rounded meal.
How to Make the Most of Your Pork Chops
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Don’t Skip the Resting Time: After baking, it’s important to let your pork chops rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, keeping your pork chops tender and juicy.
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Customizable Flavors: While this recipe features classic garlic and Parmesan flavors, it’s easy to adapt based on your preferences. You can add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some heat, or switch out the oregano for other herbs like thyme or rosemary for a different twist.
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Serving Suggestions: These Crispy Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops are perfect on their own, but they’re also a great pairing with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving them with roasted sweet potatoes, sautéed spinach, or a fresh garden salad for a balanced meal. You can also drizzle some homemade garlic butter or gravy over the chops for an extra indulgent touch.
Common Questions About Crispy Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops
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Can I use boneless pork chops?
Yes, boneless pork chops can be substituted, but the cooking time may be shorter, so be sure to monitor the internal temperature to avoid overcooking. -
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can swap the regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or use almond flour as a low-carb alternative. -
Can I cook these in the air fryer?
Yes! Preheat your air fryer to 400°F and cook the breaded pork chops for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. This will give you the same crispy, golden texture with less oil. -
How do I know when the pork chops are done?
The best way to ensure your pork chops are cooked to the perfect temperature is by using a meat thermometer. Pork is safe to eat once it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Healthier Alternatives
For a lighter version of this dish, consider swapping out the breadcrumbs for panko breadcrumbs or using a bit less butter. You can also experiment with baking the pork chops on a wire rack set inside a baking sheet to allow the excess fat to drip away.
Conclusion
This Crispy Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops recipe is a go-to for anyone looking to make a flavorful, easy-to-prepare meal that’s sure to satisfy. Whether you’re preparing dinner for your family, hosting friends, or just craving something delicious, these pork chops will become a new favorite in your cooking repertoire. With simple ingredients and easy steps, this dish will have you in and out of the kitchen in no time, without sacrificing flavor!