Looking for a crispy, flavorful, and quick dinner option? These Shake and Bake Pork Chops are the perfect solution. Made with a homemade seasoning mix and baked to golden perfection, this dish is not only delicious but also healthier than frying. It’s a go-to for busy weeknights and pairs well with almost any side. Plus, it takes under 30 minutes to prepare!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups unseasoned bread crumbs

• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder

• 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil

• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon dried parsley

• Pinch cayenne pepper

• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• 4–6 pork chops (1-inch thick, boneless or bone-in)

• Chopped fresh herbs, for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a large resealable bag, combine the breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, sugar, basil, oregano, parsley, and cayenne pepper. Seal and shake well to mix.

3. Lightly coat each pork chop with olive oil.

4. Add a pork chop to the bag, seal it, and shake to coat thoroughly.

5. Place the coated pork chop on the baking sheet. Repeat with remaining chops.

6. Bake for 10–15 minutes, flip, then bake for another 10 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (medium-rare) to 160°F (medium-well).

7. Remove from oven, garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and serve immediately.

Nutrients (Per Serving)

• Calories: 177 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 21g

• Protein: 4g

• Fat: 9g

• Saturated Fat: 1g

• Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g

• Monounsaturated Fat: 5g

• Cholesterol: 1mg

• Sodium: 781mg

• Potassium: 75mg

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugar: 2g

• Vitamin A: 5 IU

• Vitamin C: 0.1 mg

• Calcium: 58 mg

• Iron: 2 mg

Why This Recipe Works

What sets these Shake and Bake Pork Chops apart is the combination of speed and simplicity. You can have dinner on the table in under 30 minutes, which is a game-changer on busy weeknights. Unlike traditional frying, baking the pork chops reduces excess fat and oil, making them a lighter, healthier alternative that doesn’t sacrifice crunch or taste.

The homemade breadcrumb coating is another standout feature. By skipping store-bought mixes, you control the ingredients and flavor profile entirely. You can adjust the spice level, tailor the herbs to your preference, and know exactly what’s going into your meal—no preservatives or additives in sight.

The Flavor Profile

The seasoning mix in this recipe is thoughtfully balanced to deliver a robust flavor that complements the pork without overwhelming it. Paprika and cayenne bring subtle heat, while garlic and onion powder offer savory depth. Herbs like basil, oregano, and parsley add freshness and aroma. The small addition of sugar creates a hint of caramelization as the chops bake, resulting in a beautiful golden finish.

Each bite combines crunchy breadcrumbs with the tender juiciness of pork, delivering comfort food vibes with a gourmet twist. These pork chops are flavorful enough to stand alone but versatile enough to pair with a wide range of sides.

Healthier Than Frying

One of the biggest advantages of baking over frying is the reduced calorie and fat content. While still indulgent and satisfying, baked pork chops are much easier on your heart and waistline. They require only a light coating of olive oil before baking, significantly lowering the amount of saturated fat compared to pan-fried versions.

This makes the recipe ideal for health-conscious families or anyone following a lighter eating plan. Even better, the breading holds up beautifully in the oven, turning golden and crispy without becoming greasy or soggy.

Perfect for Meal Prep

Shake and Bake Pork Chops aren’t just for dinner. They also work wonderfully as a meal prep solution. You can bake a batch ahead of time and store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer to restore their crispy texture.

Leftover pork chops can also be sliced and added to sandwiches, salads, or wraps for easy lunches. If you’re planning weekly meals in advance, this recipe will quickly become one of your go-to proteins.

Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleaser Approved

This is one of those rare recipes that both kids and adults can agree on. The crunchy coating is similar to fried favorites, which appeals to little ones, while the blend of herbs and spices makes it sophisticated enough for grown-up palates. If you’re hosting guests or feeding a large group, these pork chops can easily be doubled and baked in batches without much extra effort.

You can even set up a fun shake-and-bake station for kids to help coat the pork chops, turning mealtime into a family bonding activity.

Pairing Ideas for a Complete Meal

These crispy pork chops are delicious on their own but truly shine when paired with flavorful side dishes. For a comforting and hearty meal, serve them with mashed potatoes, creamy mac and cheese, or roasted root vegetables. Want something lighter? Pair with a crisp green salad, steamed broccoli, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

If you’re aiming for a Southern-style dinner, serve the pork chops with cornbread and coleslaw. For a more Mediterranean vibe, pair with lemon-herb couscous and a side of grilled vegetables. The seasoning on the pork is flexible enough to complement a wide range of cuisines.

Tips for Success

To ensure the best results every time, here are a few helpful tips. First, make sure your pork chops are evenly thick—about 1 inch—for consistent cooking. If they’re too thin, they might dry out. If they’re too thick, they may need a few extra minutes in the oven.

Use fresh breadcrumbs or make your own from day-old bread to enhance the flavor and texture of the coating. Also, don’t skip the olive oil coating on the pork—it helps the breading stick and crisp up during baking.

Spacing is also important. Arrange the pork chops in a single layer on the baking sheet, making sure there’s space between each one. This allows hot air to circulate, helping them bake evenly and crisp up on all sides.

Lastly, use a meat thermometer to avoid under- or overcooking. Pork is safe to eat at an internal temperature of 145°F, but if you prefer it more well-done, go up to 160°F.

Adaptable for Dietary Needs

This recipe is naturally dairy-free and can easily be adapted for gluten-free diets by using gluten-free breadcrumbs. You can also substitute pork with boneless chicken thighs or chicken breasts for a different twist.

If you’re avoiding sugar or sodium, reduce or eliminate the sugar and salt in the seasoning blend to fit your preferences. The herbs and spices will still bring a ton of flavor, and you can customize it to match your dietary goals.

Freezer Friendly Option

Want to get ahead on dinner for a future date? These pork chops can be assembled and frozen before baking. Simply coat the raw pork chops in the breadcrumb mixture, place them on a lined tray, and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 2 months.

When ready to cook, bake directly from frozen—just add an additional 5–10 minutes to the cooking time. This is a fantastic option for quick weeknight meals when you don’t want to cook from scratch.

Conclusion

Shake and Bake Pork Chops are a winning recipe in every sense. They’re fast, flavorful, healthier than frying, and endlessly versatile. With just a few pantry staples and minimal prep, you can create a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that tastes like it took hours to make. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a weeknight or hosting guests for a casual dinner, these crispy pork chops are bound to impress. Once you try them, they’re sure to earn a permanent spot in your recipe collection.