These oven fried pork chops are a healthier alternative to deep fried pork chops and fried chicken. It's a delicious, healthy soul food recipe that the entire family will enjoy. The best part? With this easy dinner recipe, you'll have a meal on the table in under an hour.
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It's that time of year again! The kids are back in school and us parents are hustling to and from carpools and after school activities in between emails and conference calls. I'm tired just thinking about it!
Usually the last thing on our minds is what we're having for dinner. But I'm trying to break that habit by planning healthy-ish meals I know my kids will love and we will too. This recipe hits the spot!
As you know, we're all about fried pork chops, smothered chicken, and all the good Southern soul food fixins'. Eating like that everyday isn't an option though. Mostly because we don't have the time, but also because a lot of those recipes are heavy.
These oven fried pork chops check all the boxes: delicious, quick, easy, healthy-ish. They're really similar to fried chicken, but with a light and crunchy breading that's full of soul food flavor.
We usually pair them with some quick sides like broccoli or sweet potatoes. I put the potatoes in the oven about 20 minutes before the pork chops so they get finished around the same time. While they're cooking, I've got my broccoli on the stove.
What we love about this recipe
- It's a healthy soul food recipe: These pork chops are baked instead of fried, making it a healthier option but with the same soul food flavor.
- It's perfect for weeknight dinner: This easy pork chop recipe is a perfect family meal for busy weeknights, and ready in less than 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- Boneless pork chops: Choose chops that are about ½ to ¾ inch thick for even cooking. If yours are thicker, you may need to increase the baking time.
- Diamond Crystal kosher salt: This is the only salt we ever use. If you're using a different type, like table salt or Morton kosher salt, or are worried about the saltiness, start with half the amount and adjust to taste.
- Egg: For egg wash, to help the bread crumbs and seasoning stick to the pork chops.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: In my opinion, they're crunchier and flakier than traditional breadcrumbs, and they do a nice job of staying crispy after baking.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds flavor to the breading and crisps up in the oven.
- Lawry's Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Seasoning for the bread crumb mixture.
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
- Seasonings: Mix 1-2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning or lemon pepper seasoning into the Panko and Parmesan mixture for a different flavor profile.
- Bread Crumbs: Substitute with regular bread crumbs or crushed corn flakes or crackers.
- Chicken: Use chicken breasts or thighs instead of pork.
How to Make Oven-Fried Pork Chops
- Set your oven temperature to 425°F. Place a wire rack over a baking sheet and spray with nonstick spray.
- Sprinkle some kosher salt on your pork chops to season them.
- In a shallow dish, mix together Panko bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and your seasonings (Lawrys, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper).
- Beat the egg in another bowl.
- Dip chops in the beaten egg, then coat it in the Panko breading mixture. Press down in the front, back, and sides of the chops to make sure they’re evenly covered.
- Place the breaded chops on the wire rack. Give them a quick spray on top with nonstick spray.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until they’re golden and cooked through. Let the pork chops rest for a few minutes before serving.
Recipe Tips
- Use a Wire Rack: To avoid soggy bottoms, place the pork chops on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. This allows air to circulate around the chops so that they stay crispy. Also, spray the wire rack with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Broil for Extra Color: For a nice golden-brown finish, you can use the broil feature on your oven for the last minute or two of baking. Just keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t burn.
- Double Dredging: After coating the chops in the egg and Panko mixture, dip them back into the egg and then coat them again with the bread crumbs to get a super crispy coating.
Troubleshooting
- The bottoms of the pork chops are soggy instead of crispy: Use a wire rack set over a sheet pan so that air can circulate under the chops. If you don't have a wire rack, set the pork chops directly on the baking sheet, but flip them halfway through baking.
- The pork chops are browned unevenly: Make sure the pork chops are spaced out evenly. If necessary, rotate the sheet pan halfway through.
- The breading isn’t crispy: Make sure to spray the tops with nonstick spray before baking. If you want an extra crunchy coating, try double dredging the chops in the bread crumbs or use the broil feature for a minute or two at the end of baking.
What to Serve
For busy weeknights, we often pair these juicy pork chops with roasted summer squash and zucchini, broccoli, or mashed sweet potatoes. Some other delicious side dishes include:
- Collard Greens: We have two recipes: collard greens with ham hocks and collard greens with smoked turkey. Both of these delicious recipes go good with oven fried pork chops.
- Green Beans and Potatoes: Our Southern green beans are simmered in a flavorful broth with potatoes and smoked turkey.
- Candied Yams: Sweet and buttery and featuring brown sugar and warm spices. A traditional soul food candied yams recipe passed down from generation to generation.
- Cabbage: Boiled cabbage cooked with in a savory broth or fried cabbage are delicious with this pork chops.
- Southern Mac and Cheese: Made with four cheeses and eggs. We also have a Gouda mac and cheese recipe that is made with a roux.
How to Store Leftovers
To store leftover oven fried pork chops, let them cool to room temperature. Place in an airtight container or wrap in aluminum foil. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 or 4 days.
Commonly Asked Questions
Pork chops are done when they reach an internal temperature 145°F (63°C) and the outside is golden brown and crispy.
Yes, you can use bone-in chops. Just adjust the cooking time because they may take a bit longer to cook through.
If you're looking for healthy soul food dinner ideas, these oven fried pork chops are perfect. Boneless pork chops are breaded in seasoned Panko crumbs and then baked in the oven until they're crispy and delicious. Serve it with a side of sweet potatoes and broccoli or another favorite vegetable for a delicious weeknight meal.
📖 Recipe
Oven Fried Pork Chops (Healthy Soul Food Recipe)
Ingredients
- Nonstick cooking spray to coat the baking sheet
- 6 boneless pork chops ½" to ¾" thick
- 2 teaspoons Diamond Crystal kosher salt use 1 teaspoon if using any other type of salt
- 1 large egg beaten
- 1 cup Panko bread crumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tablespoons Lawry's seasoned salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F. Spray a baking sheet with nonstick spray.
- Season the pork chops with Diamond Crystal kosher salt.
- In a shallow bowl, combine the Panko bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, seasoned salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
- Place the beaten egg in a separate bowl.
- Dip each pork chop into the egg, then coat it in the Panko mixture, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs adhere.
- Arrange the coated pork chops on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece.
- Lightly spray the tops of the pork chops with additional nonstick spray.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the pork chops are golden and cooked through.
Melvin says
I Can’t wait to try these! Thank you!