It’s 6 PM on a busy weeknight. You’re tired. Your family is hungry. And the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. Sound familiar
I’ve been there countless times. That’s why I fell in love with this shake and bake pork chops recipe. It’s quick, easy, and delivers crispy, golden pork chops in just 30 minutes. No frying. No mess. Just a delicious dinner that everyone will love.
These homemade shake and bake pork chops use simple pantry ingredients. The result: Juicy meat with a perfectly crunchy coating. It’s comfort food made simple.
Why You’ll Love It
This recipe is a total lifesaver for busy families. You’ll have dinner ready in 30 minutes flat. That means less stress and more time with your loved ones.
It’s healthier than fried pork chops too. Baking instead of frying cuts down on oil and calories. But you still get that crispy coating everyone craves.
The best part It’s budget-friendly. All the ingredients are affordable. You probably have most of them already. You can feed four people for under $15.
Kids love these pork chops. The mild seasoning works for picky eaters. And the shaking process They’ll have fun helping you make dinner.
Even beginners can nail this recipe. There are no fancy techniques. Just simple steps that work every time.
Key Ingredients in Shake and Bake Pork Chops
Let’s talk about what you need. First, grab 4 pork chops. Bone-in or boneless both work great. Just make sure they’re about 3/4 to 1 inch thick.
For the coating, you’ll need panko breadcrumbs. Panko gives you extra crunch. Regular breadcrumbs just don’t compare.
Add Parmesan cheese for a rich, savory flavor. Then mix in your spices. Use paprika for color. Add garlic powder and onion powder for depth. Throw in some thyme or Italian seasoning. Don’t forget salt and pepper.
Here’s a secret tip: drizzle olive oil or melted butter into your breadcrumb mix. This helps everything brown beautifully.
For the egg wash, whisk eggs with a splash of milk. This helps the coating stick perfectly.
Want to customize it Add hot sauce for heat. Try crushed cornflakes for more crunch. Mix in lemon zest for brightness. Make it your own.
How to Make Shake and Bake Pork Chops
Making these pork chops is super easy. Start by heating your oven to 400°F. This high heat creates that crispy exterior.
Pat your pork chops dry with paper towels. This step matters. Wet meat won’t hold the coating. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
Now set up your breeding station. In one bowl, whisk eggs and milk together. In another dish, mix your breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and all the spices. Add your oil and toss everything together.
Here’s the fun part. Dip each pork chop in the egg mixture. Let extra drip off. Then drop it into the breadcrumb mixture. If you’re using a ziplock bag, seal it and shake hard. If using a dish, press the coating on firmly.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Better yet, use a wire rack. The rack lets air flow around the pork chops. This makes them crispy on all sides.
Place your coated pork chops on the baking sheet. Leave space between them. Crowding makes them steam instead of crisp.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. The pork chops are done when they reach 145°F inside. Use a meat thermometer to check. Want extra crispiness Turn on the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes at the end. Just watch them closely.
Let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. This keeps the juices inside.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Got leftovers to cool them completely. Then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for 3 to 4 days.
To reheat, use your oven. Set it to 350°F. Place pork chops on a wire rack over a baking sheet. Heat for 10 to 12 minutes.
Got an air fryer even better. Heat them at 375°F for 5 to 6 minutes. They’ll taste almost freshly made.
You can freeze these too. Wrap each pork chop in plastic wrap. Put them all in a freezer bag. They’ll last 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
I want to prepare meals. Make the coating mixture days ahead. Store it in a container at room temperature. Or coat the pork chops the night before. Cover and refrigerate. Then just bake when you’re ready to eat.
What to Serve with Shake and Bake Pork Chops
These pork chops pair well with so many sides. Try creamy mashed potatoes and green beans for classic comfort food.
Kids love mac and cheese alongside. Add applesauce for a touch of sweetness.
I want something lighter to make a fresh garden salad. Roast some vegetables like Brussels sprouts or asparagus. Try cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
For Southern comfort, serve with baked beans and cornbread. Add coleslaw for crunch.
Loaded baked potatoes work great too. So do sweet potato wedges or quinoa pilaf. Mix and match to create your perfect meal.
Shake and Bake Pork Chops Recipe
Ingredients
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 pork chops (3/4 to 1-inch thick)
- Salt and pepper
For the Coating:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Binding:
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
Heat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or set a wire rack on top.
Pat pork chops dry. Season with salt and pepper.
Whisk eggs and milk in a bowl.
Mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and all spices in another bowl. Add olive oil and mix well.
Dip each pork chop in egg mixture. Then coat with breadcrumb mixture. Press firmly so it sticks.
Place on your baking sheet. Leave space between them.
Bake 20 to 25 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Recipe Notes
Thin pork chops need only 15 to 18 minutes. Thick ones may need 30 minutes. Always check with a thermometer.
Add cayenne for spice. Try ranch seasoning for different flavors. Use lemon zest for brightness.
For gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Always pat meat dry first. Use a wire rack for best crispiness.
Nutrition
Per serving: 320 calories, 32g protein, 14g carbs, 15g fat
FAQ
Can I use boneless pork chops
Yes Just reduce cooking time by 3 to 5 minutes.
How do I know when they’re done
Use a meat thermometer. Cook to 145°F.
Can I use an air fryer
Yes Cook at 400°F for 12 to 15 minutes. Flip halfway through.
Why won’t my coating stick
Make sure pork chops are completely dry. Don’t skip the egg wash.
Can I make these gluten-free
Yes Use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
