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Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops - Crispy, Juicy, and Easy

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pork chops (about 1-inch thick; boneless or bone-in)
  • 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated works best)
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil and oregano)
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for color and depth)
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise or Dijon mustard (as the binder)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing)
  • Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
  • Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Method
 

  1. Preheat and prep. Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Dry surfaces sear better and help the crust adhere.
  2. Season the chops. Lightly season both sides with salt and pepper. Don’t oversalt—the Parmesan brings saltiness too.
  3. Make the crust mixture. In a shallow bowl, mix Parmesan, panko, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to combine evenly.
  4. Use a binder. Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise or Dijon on each side of the chops. This helps the crust stick and keeps the meat juicy.
  5. Coat the chops. Press each chop firmly into the Parmesan mixture, coating both sides and the edges. Shake off excess crumbs but keep a solid layer.
  6. Sear for color. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high. When hot, add the chops and sear 1–2 minutes per side until lightly golden. Don’t move them around; let the crust set.
  7. Finish in the oven. Transfer the skillet to the oven. Bake 8–12 minutes, depending on thickness, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Thicker, bone-in chops may take a bit longer.
  8. Rest and garnish. Let the chops rest for 5 minutes so the juices redistribute. Sprinkle with parsley or chives and serve with lemon wedges for a bright finish.
  9. Serve with simple sides. Try roasted green beans, a crisp salad, or garlic mashed potatoes to round out the meal.