Golden Crispy Parmesan Pork Chops: Your Go-To Healthy & Flavorful Dinner Upgrade

Crispy Baked Parmesan Pork Chops – Juicy & Flavorful Dinner Made Easy!

Introduction

Nothing satisfies a weeknight craving quite like Crispy Baked Parmesan Pork Chops. Their golden, savory coating delivers a satisfying crunch, while the pork inside remains juicy and perfectly seasoned. This straightforward recipe takes minimal effort and rewards you with a comforting, restaurant-quality main dish – all baked to crispy perfection for a healthier twist on a classic favorite.

Why You’ll Love Crispy Baked Parmesan Pork Chops

These pork chops are a dinner game changer, combining a seasoned parmesan crust with tender meat for incredible flavor in every bite. Baking ensures a golden, even coating without the hassle or mess of frying. It’s an easy crowd-pleaser that looks (and tastes!) impressive enough for guests yet comes together with pantry staples and a few minutes of hands-on time.

The Key to Juicy, Flavorful Pork Chops

The secret is a two-part coating: first, a layer of tangy Dijon mustard helps the seasoned parmesan-breadcrumb mix adhere, while also locking in moisture. The parmesan adds nutty richness, breadcrumbs give irresistible crispiness, and a sprinkle of garlic powder and herbs ties everything together. Baking on a wire rack ensures air circulates for crispiness all around—no soggy bottoms!

Serving Suggestions for Crispy Baked Parmesan Pork Chops

Serve these pork chops alongside roasted potatoes, a simple green salad, or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Lemon wedges make a zesty touch, while a quick pan gravy or dollop of applesauce can enhance the savory-sweet contrast. They’re even delicious sliced and served atop grain bowls or in sandwiches for lunch leftovers!

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe makes 4 generous pork chops, each clocking in at approximately 330 calories. With a balance of lean protein, crisp coating, and the flavor punch of parmesan and herbs, you get all the satisfaction of a classic comfort meal, baked for less grease and mess.

Ingredients

4 boneless pork chops, about 1 inch thick
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup panko or regular breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon dried Italian herbs (or a mix of basil, oregano, thyme)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons Dijon or stone-ground mustard
Cooking spray or extra oil for the rack
Optional: Lemon wedges, fresh chopped parsley for garnish

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and meal planning.

CookifyAI meal planning interface

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Set a wire rack atop a baking sheet and lightly spray with cooking spray or brush with oil.
  2. Pat pork chops dry with paper towels. Rub both sides with the Dijon mustard to lightly coat.
  3. In a shallow bowl, combine parmesan, breadcrumbs, olive oil, Italian herbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  4. Press each pork chop into the parmesan mixture, coating both sides and edges evenly. Gently press to ensure a generous layer sticks.
  5. Arrange coated pork chops on the wire rack. For extra crispiness, lightly mist tops with additional oil or cooking spray.
  6. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until golden and an instant-read thermometer registers 145°F in the thickest part. Let rest 2–3 minutes before serving.
  7. Garnish with parsley and lemon wedges if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Weekly Meal Planning

This recipe is a dream come true for meal prepping and busy weeknights. Save and schedule this recipe to plan exactly when to enjoy it and generate smart shopping lists that automatically calculate and consolidate all needed ingredients, even if you’re making this alongside other meals in the week.

Planning Benefits:

– Seamlessly calculates ingredient totals when planning multiple meals
– Groups shopping lists by grocery store sections for quick, efficient trips
– Keeps track of overlapping ingredients across recipes to prevent overbuying
– Cuts down on meal planning time and helps eliminate food waste

Pro tip: Schedule your weekly meals to spot ingredient overlap (like parmesan, olive oil, or breadcrumbs) for streamlined meal prep and budget-friendly shopping.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

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