Breaded Pork Chops

This dish delivers a golden, crispy crust that looks and tastes impressive but is easy and fast enough for delicious weeknight dinners.

When I was a kid, my dad liked to serve us pork chops with a side of applesauce for dinner. It somehow always felt like a cute culinary relic of his upbringing in the 60s. We loved it because the applesauce made it feel like a treat.

This breaded pork chops recipe takes me right back to those dinners with Dad. They have a perfectly golden brown crust with juicy, savory meat inside that’s insanely satisfying. The spices and Parmesan cheese add just enough complexity to the breading to make this dish seem more grown-up than the chops my dad made.

I particularly love how quickly this meal comes together. It’s easy enough to do on a weeknight—but so impressive looking and tasting that I like to serve it when my partner’s parents come over for dinner. I typically use hot paprika because I like a little more heat. It’s fun experimenting with different herbs and spices in the breading for nearly endless flavor profiles!

Are Breaded Pork Chops Healthy?

These breaded pork chops offer a great protein boost and essential minerals—but they can be high in fat, sodium, and calories, especially when fried. Pork is an excellent source of protein, B vitamins, selenium, potassium, iron, and zinc. The ingredients in the breading add carbs, a little fiber, some calcium, and a few other nutrients. Overall, this dish could be a moderately healthy addition to a well-balanced diet with mindful portion control, especially if paired with low-fat, veggie-rich sides.

Those watching their sodium intake could skip the added salt and opt for low-sodium cheese. To lower the fat content, consider baking your chops instead of frying them.

Pork Chops: A Global Comfort Food

Breaded pork chops are more than just an American weeknight staple—they’re a culinary canvas that reflects traditions from around the globe. In Germany, schnitzel features thin, breaded pork cutlets fried until golden and served with lemon. Italy’s cotoletta alla Milanese is a similar celebration of crispy pork, while in Japan, tonkatsu pairs breaded pork with tangy sauces and shredded cabbage. Even in the U.S., regional twists abound, from Southern fried pork chops to Midwestern versions served with applesauce or gravy. This worldwide love affair with breaded pork shows how a simple technique—coating meat in crumbs and frying—transcends borders and brings comfort to tables everywhere.

Serving Suggestions

Serve up an amazing meal by pairing these breaded pork chops with Roasted Sweet Potatoes And Apples, this creamy Crock-Pot Corn Casserole, and this delightful Panzanella Kale Salad With Apples, Bacon, And Cheese Vinaigrette. Top it off with a light dessert, like this no-bake Lemon Icebox Pie.

Recipe

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