The smell of these pork chops baking in the oven will bring everyone to the kitchen before dinner’s ready. Each chop is coated in a seasoned stuffing mix that crisps up beautifully in the oven without the mess of frying. The result? A crunchy exterior with a juicy, tender center that’s full of savory flavor.
What makes this recipe so lovable is its simplicity. You likely have most of the ingredients in your pantry already. It’s the perfect go-to for busy weeknights when you need something delicious but don’t want to stand over the stove. Just pop it in the oven and let the golden crust do all the work. Serve with mashed potatoes and green beans for a nostalgic comfort meal.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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4 bone-in pork chops
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1 large egg
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2 tablespoons milk
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1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
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1 cup herbed stuffing mix (crushed)
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1/4 cup unsalted butter
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
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Pour melted butter into a 9×13-inch baking dish and tilt to coat the bottom evenly.
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In a shallow dish, whisk together the egg, milk, and black pepper.
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Place crushed stuffing mix in another shallow dish.
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Dip each pork chop first into the egg mixture, then coat evenly in the stuffing mix.
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Lay the pork chops in the prepared baking dish in a single layer.
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Bake for 10 minutes, flip each chop, and bake for another 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches at least 145°F (74°C).
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Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 410 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
A Comfort Food Classic: Why Oven-Fried Pork Chops Deserve a Spot in Your Weekly Rotation
If there’s one dish that encapsulates the essence of home-cooked comfort food, it’s the humble pork chop. Now, elevate that image by imagining it perfectly golden, crunchy on the outside, and tender within straight from your oven, not the fryer. That’s the beauty of Oven-Fried Pork Chops, a deliciously simple take on a classic that blends convenience, flavor, and family-friendly appeal.
A Healthier Take on a Fried Favorite
Traditional fried pork chops are undeniably delicious, but they often come with a hefty dose of oil and calories. By baking instead of deep-frying, this recipe slashes unnecessary fats without compromising on taste or texture. You still get that crispy exterior that makes every bite satisfying, but without the post-dinner guilt. It’s a wonderful alternative for anyone trying to balance indulgence with healthier habits, all while delivering the same satisfaction as its pan-fried cousin.
This oven method also minimizes the mess a major bonus. There’s no hot oil to worry about splattering, no greasy stovetop to clean up afterward, and the results are still just as beautiful and crave-worthy. It’s an ideal way to keep the flavor you love while streamlining your kitchen routine.
Crunchy Coating, Juicy Center
The hallmark of any good pork chop is contrast and this dish gets it right. The outside is coated in a crunchy breading, often made with herbed stuffing mix, which adds both texture and a savory punch. Inside, the pork stays incredibly juicy and flavorful, especially if you use bone-in chops, which retain moisture better than their boneless counterparts.
The stuffing mix isn’t just a breading substitute; it’s a flavor booster. Each bite comes infused with herbaceous notes, giving you a well-seasoned chop without having to dive deep into your spice rack. The milk and egg wash that preps the chops ensures the coating adheres nicely and bakes to a satisfying crisp in the oven.
A Weeknight Hero
One of the biggest advantages of this recipe is how approachable it is. With minimal prep and about 20 minutes of cook time, Oven-Fried Pork Chops are perfect for busy weeknights. Whether you’re juggling work, school pickups, or extracurricular chaos, this dish comes together quickly and bakes while you set the table or toss together a quick salad.
It’s the kind of recipe that gives you flexibility. Need to feed a crowd? Double the batch with ease. Only cooking for two? Halve the recipe and save the rest for another night. Either way, it’s a no-fuss, reliable meal that delivers every time.
Perfect Pairings and Side Dishes
The versatility of pork chops means you can serve them with just about anything. For a classic Southern-inspired meal, try pairing them with mashed potatoes and steamed green beans. The creamy potatoes play beautifully against the crispy crust, while the green beans add freshness and balance.
Prefer something lighter? A crisp apple slaw or roasted Brussels sprouts make fantastic sides. You could even lean into the comfort food angle with macaroni and cheese, or go rustic with roasted root vegetables in the fall and winter months. A drizzle of honey mustard or a simple gravy also goes a long way in elevating the dish further.
Don’t forget the wine yes, pork chops and wine can be a thing! A light red like Pinot Noir or a medium-bodied white such as Chardonnay pairs beautifully, cutting through the richness while complementing the savory flavor.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results
Achieving the perfect oven-fried pork chop isn’t hard, but there are a few tips that can take your dish from good to great:
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Use bone-in chops if possible they tend to stay juicier and offer more flavor.
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Don’t overcrowd the pan. Giving each chop a bit of space allows the hot air to circulate evenly, ensuring the coating crisps up beautifully on all sides.
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Preheat your oven fully and let your baking dish heat with the butter inside it. That initial sizzle when the chops hit the pan kick-starts the crisping process.
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Let the chops rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute and prevents dryness.
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Customize your breading. While stuffing mix adds great texture and flavor, you can also experiment with crushed cornflakes, panko, or even pretzels for different textures.
Crowd-Pleasing and Kid-Friendly
If you’ve got picky eaters at home, Oven-Fried Pork Chops are a great way to introduce them to something new. The crunchy exterior gives it that “chicken nugget” appeal that many kids gravitate toward, while the mild pork flavor is easy for young palates. You can even serve it with ketchup or a dipping sauce to make it feel fun and familiar.
For gatherings, the recipe scales up easily. Serve them on a platter with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a lemon wedge or two, and you’ve got a dish that looks and tastes impressive with very little extra effort.
A Dish Rooted in Tradition
While the technique here is a modern, healthier twist, the idea of breaded pork chops has deep roots in many food traditions from the Italian cotoletta to the German schnitzel. This version brings that history into the modern kitchen with a nod to convenience and a focus on wholesome ingredients. It’s the kind of recipe that feels both nostalgic and new, bridging generational gaps with every bite.
Conclusion:
In a world where we’re constantly looking for meals that balance ease, nutrition, and flavor, Oven-Fried Pork Chops check all the boxes. They’re fast, they’re unfussy, and they taste like something your grandmother might have made if she had a convection oven and Pinterest.
It’s more than just a weeknight dinner; it’s a back-pocket recipe that you’ll find yourself revisiting again and again. Whether you’re feeding a busy family, prepping for a cozy date night, or simply cooking for one and planning leftovers, this dish fits the bill.