Breaded Pork Chops

It’s your call how you dress up your pork chops, whether that means using applesauce, gravy or any other dressing or garnish you like. And it’s up to you what to serve with the meat, be it Brussels sprouts or biscuits. However, if you want an elegantly simple and perfectly delightful way to prepare the chops themselves, do yourself a favor and follow this breaded pork chop recipe.

This dish calls for just five ingredients, and that includes the cooking oil and the pork chops themselves. A surprise breading brings the flavor, and it’s a flavor you’ll thoroughly enjoy, so let’s get cooking.

Ingredients for Breaded Pork Chops

• Egg: The recipe calls for one large egg, lightly beaten. Make sure the yolk and the whites are fully combined, but don’t whip the egg so much that it starts to froth or thicken.
• Milk: The 2% milk is ideal for this recipe, but of course, whole milk is fine as well if that’s what you have in the fridge.
• Saltine crackers: Make sure the crackers are thoroughly crushed. You can do this by placing them in a bag and working them over with a kitchen mallet or simply with your hands.
• Pork loin chops: Use boneless pork loin chops that are about an inch thick. Trim any excess fat, if you spot it.
• Canola oil: The canola oil can be supplanted by a different vegetable oil or other neutral oil, like avocado oil, if need be.

Directions

Step 1: Dredge and bread the pork chops

In a shallow bowl, combine the egg and milk. Place the cracker crumbs in another shallow bowl. Dip each pork chop into the egg mixture, then coat it with cracker crumbs, patting it down to make a thick coating.

Step 2: Cook the meat

In a large skillet, cook the chops in oil for four to five minutes on each side, or until a thermometer reads 145°F. Let the meat stand for five minutes before serving.

Breaded Pork Chop Variations

• Try a different breading: While saltines are a wonderful way to bread pork chops, you can also use traditional bread crumbs, panko bread crumbs, crushed cornflakes or other crackers, like club crackers, or even Cheez-Its, if you want to add a burst of flavor.
• Cheese things up: Adding some Parmesan cheese or Pecorini Romano cheese to the breading not only enhances the flavor of pork chops, but it can also help the breading stick to the meat.
• Chicken out: This exact same simple recipe can be used for breaded boneless chicken dishes. Just make sure the internal temperature of the poultry reaches 160° before you remove it from the pan.

How to Store Breaded Pork Chops

You can store leftover cooked breaded pork chops in an airtight container or airtight wrap in the fridge for three to four days. To reheat the meat, place portions on a foil-lined or parchment-covered baking sheet in an oven heated to 350° for 10 to 15 minutes.

Can you freeze cooked pork chops?

Yes, cooked pork chops can be frozen for up to six months. After that, the meat may begin to dry out or lose quality, but it will still be technically safe to eat.

Breaded Pork Chop Tips

How do you get breading to stick to pork chops?

The main culprit for breading that won’t adhere is meat that’s too wet. Try patting the pork chops dry with paper towels before dipping them into the egg mixture. If the breading falls off your pork chops, it’s possible the oil wasn’t hot enough, either. Proper oil temperature is essential when frying pork chops to tender, juicy perfection. Test the oil for readiness with a digital thermometer (it should read approximately 350°), or drop a piece of breading into the oil. The oil is ready if the bread crumb immediately starts to bubble and float to the top.

Can you bake breaded pork chops?

You can definitely make breaded pork chops in the oven, and some of our favorite pork chop recipes are baked, so if you’re looking to avoid excess oil, baked breaded pork chops are a great option. For the oven version, preheat the oven to 425° and bake the breaded pork chops on a rack for 15 to 20 minutes, or until a thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the meat reads 145°. You can also try making air-fryer breaded pork chops.

What do you serve with breaded pork chops?

These breaded pork chops are very versatile, so how you choose to serve them depends on your mood. They would taste fantastic alongside your favorite salad or over roasted vegetables, but they’re equally excellent when paired with hearty sides like mashed potatoes or mac and cheese.