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Crispy Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops

crispy garlic parmesan pork chops - featured image

These Crispy Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops feature a golden, garlicky crust with a juicy interior, seared to perfection in a cast iron skillet for a quick and delicious weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in pork chops, about 1 inch thick (center-cut preferred)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (Parmigiano-Reggiano recommended)
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (can substitute with almond flour for gluten-free)
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (dried oregano, basil, thyme mix)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil (for searing)
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional, for basting)

Instructions

  1. Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Let rest at room temperature for 10 minutes.
  2. Set up dredging stations: place flour in one bowl, beaten egg in a second bowl, and combine Parmesan, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a third bowl.
  3. Coat each pork chop in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into beaten egg, then press firmly into the Parmesan-garlic mixture to coat well.
  4. Preheat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat with 2 tablespoons olive oil until shimmering but not smoking (about 3-4 minutes).
  5. Place pork chops in the skillet without crowding. Cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes on the first side until golden and crispy.
  6. Flip carefully with tongs and cook another 4-5 minutes on the other side.
  7. Optional: In the last 2 minutes, add 1 tablespoon unsalted butter to the pan and baste the chops by spooning melted butter over them repeatedly.
  8. Check for doneness; internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Pat pork chops dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy crust. Let meat rest after cooking to lock in juices. Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent steaming. Use fresh Parmesan for best crust. For dairy-free, substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast and butter with coconut oil. For low-carb, substitute flour with almond flour or crushed pork rinds. Reheat leftovers in a skillet or oven to maintain crispiness; avoid microwaving.

Nutrition

Keywords: pork chops, garlic, Parmesan, crispy, cast iron skillet, easy dinner, weeknight meal, seared pork chops