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Cozy Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops: Easy 30-Minute Dinner

Parmesan crusted pork chops - featured image

Golden, crusty, and impossibly savory, these Parmesan crusted pork chops feature a nutty, salty, cheesy coating that shatters when you cut into it. Ready in just 30 minutes, this is the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
  • Lemon wedges for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
  2. In a small skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add panko breadcrumbs and cook, stirring frequently, for 2-3 minutes until lightly golden and fragrant. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Transfer to a shallow bowl.
  3. Pat pork chops dry with paper towels. Melt remaining 1 tablespoon of butter in a separate shallow dish.
  4. Using tongs, dip each pork chop into melted butter, turning to coat both sides. Then press into the Parmesan-panko mixture, coating evenly on all sides. Shake off excess.
  5. Place coated pork chops on prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) when measured with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part.
  6. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges if desired.

Notes

Toasting the panko in butter before baking is the key to a deeply golden, crunchy crust. Pat the pork chops dry to ensure the coating sticks. Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and browning. Let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes after baking to keep them juicy.

Nutrition

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