Description

Craving a quick, delicious meal that delivers tender pork chops with a crispy, flavorful coating? The Busy-Day Pork Chops, with 54 glowing reviews, are your answer! This simple dish features boneless pork loin chops dipped in milk and coated with a savory blend of seasoned bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese, then baked to golden perfection

Ingredients

To make Busy-Day Pork Chops for 4 servings, you’ll need these key ingredients. Each one adds a layer of flavor or texture to this comforting dish:

Fat-Free Milk (¼ cup): Acts as a binder for the coating.
Seasoned Bread Crumbs (¼ cup): Provides a crispy, flavorful crust.
Grated Parmesan Cheese (¼ cup): Adds savory, nutty depth.
Salt (¼ tsp): Enhances overall flavor.
Garlic Powder (¼ tsp): Brings subtle savory warmth.
Pepper (⅛ tsp): Offers a mild kick.
Boneless Pork Loin Chops (4, 4 oz each): Lean, tender protein base.
Cooking Spray: Ensures a crispy finish without excess oil.

Substitutions and Variations:

Pork Chops: Swap with bone-in pork chops, chicken breasts, or tofu slices for a vegetarian option (adjust cooking time).
Milk: Use whole milk, buttermilk, or a dairy-free alternative like almond milk.
Bread Crumbs: Replace with panko, crushed crackers, or cornflake crumbs for a different crunch.
Parmesan Cheese: Substitute with Romano, Asiago, or a dairy-free cheese alternative.
Add-Ons: Mix dried herbs like thyme, oregano, or paprika into the crumbs for extra flavor.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread crumbs and check other ingredients (e.g., Parmesan) for gluten-free certification.
Spicy Kick: Add ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper or chili powder to the crumb mixture.

Why These Ingredients Matter: The pork chops provide lean protein, while the milk helps the seasoned bread crumbs and Parmesan create a crispy, savory coating. The seasonings add depth, making this a balanced, flavorful meal perfect for busy nights.

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Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat oven to 375°F.
Place ¼ cup fat-free milk in a shallow bowl.
In another shallow bowl, combine ¼ cup seasoned bread crumbs, ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, ¼ tsp salt, ¼ tsp garlic powder, and ⅛ tsp pepper; mix well.

Tip: Use wide, shallow bowls for easy dipping, and stir the crumb mixture thoroughly to evenly distribute seasonings.

Step 2: Coat the Pork Chops

Dip each of the 4 boneless pork loin chops (4 oz each) into the milk, coating both sides.
Then press into the bread crumb mixture, coating evenly and patting gently to help the coating adhere.

Tip: Press crumbs firmly onto the chops for a thick, even coating, and shake off excess to avoid a heavy crust.

Step 3: Bake

Place the coated pork chops on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray.
Lightly spritz the tops of the chops with cooking spray to promote browning.
Bake at 375°F for 8–10 minutes per side (16–20 minutes total), until a meat thermometer reads 145°F (medium doneness).
Let the chops rest for 5 minutes to retain juices.

Tip: Flip chops carefully with tongs to maintain the coating, and check the internal temperature in the thickest part to avoid overcooking.

Step 4: Serve

Transfer the pork chops to plates and serve hot.

Tip: Serve immediately to enjoy the crispy coating and juicy pork at their best.