Parmesan-Crusted Pork Chops are a delicious and crispy dish that combines the rich flavor of Parmesan cheese with seasoned breadcrumbs, creating a savory crust around tender, juicy pork chops. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion!
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or butter, for cooking)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Prep the Pork Chops:
- Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Prepare the Coating:
- In one shallow dish, add the flour.
- In a second shallow dish, whisk the eggs.
- In a third shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder (if using), salt, and pepper.
3. Bread the Pork Chops:
- Dredge each pork chop in the flour, shaking off any excess.
- Dip the floured pork chop into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Coat the pork chop in the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to adhere the crumbs to the surface.
4. Cook the Pork Chops:
- Heat olive oil (or butter) in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the breaded pork chops to the skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the crust is golden brown and the pork chops are cooked through (internal temperature should reach 145°F/63°C).
- You may need to cook the pork chops in batches, depending on the size of your skillet.
5. Serve:
- Remove the pork chops from the skillet and let them rest for a few minutes.
- Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Enjoy your crispy and flavorful Parmesan-Crusted Pork Chops—a simple yet impressive meal!