Shake and Bake Pork Chops – Crispy, Juicy, Easy Dinner
Shake and Bake Pork Chops are a classic weeknight dinner solution—crispy, flavorful, and ready in under an hour. Coated in seasoned breadcrumbs and baked to golden perfection, these chops require minimal prep and no frying. It’s a nostalgic favorite with a modern twist, perfect for busy families craving a comforting, homemade meal.
History and Origins
The concept of “Shake and Bake” originated in the 1960s when Kraft introduced the now-iconic boxed breading mix. Designed to mimic the texture and taste of fried foods without the mess, Shake and Bake quickly became a staple in American kitchens. The pork chop version gained popularity for its simplicity and consistently crispy finish. While the boxed version is still available, homemade shake-and-bake versions have surged in popularity due to their customizable flavor and clean ingredients.
Shake and Bake Pork Chops Recipe
This homemade shake and bake version delivers a crispy crust and juicy interior—no frying needed!
Ingredients Table
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Bone-in or boneless pork chops | 4 (about 1-inch thick) |
| Breadcrumbs (regular or panko) | 1 cup |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | ¼ cup |
| Paprika | 1 tsp |
| Garlic powder | 1 tsp |
| Onion powder | 1 tsp |
| Dried oregano | 1 tsp |
| Salt | ½ tsp |
| Black pepper | ½ tsp |
| Olive oil or melted butter | 2 tbsp |
| Mustard or mayonnaise (optional) | 2 tbsp (for coating chops) |
Nutrition Information (Per Serving, Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 360 kcal |
| Protein | 30g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Carbohydrates | 12g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 1g |
| Sodium | 450mg |
| Cholesterol | 90mg |
Instructions
1: Preheat Oven
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and place a wire rack on top.
2: Prepare Breading Mix
- In a large zip-top bag or bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3: Coat Pork Chops
- Pat pork chops dry. (Optional: Spread a thin layer of mustard or mayonnaise on each side for extra moisture and flavor.)
- Add pork chops one at a time to the bag and shake until well coated.
4: Bake
- Place the coated chops on the wire rack. Drizzle with olive oil or melted butter.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) and the coating is golden and crispy.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 350°F for 10–12 minutes to retain crispiness.
- Freezing: Uncooked, breaded pork chops can be frozen. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.
Additional Information
- Customization: Add cayenne pepper for heat or Italian seasoning for herbaceous flavor.
- Low-carb option: Use crushed pork rinds or almond flour in place of breadcrumbs.
- Air Fryer Version: Cook at 375°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping once.
Advantages
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy and quick prep | Can dry out if overbaked |
| No frying required | Needs a wire rack for best crispiness |
| Kid-friendly and mess-free | Coating may fall off if not handled gently |
| Customizable seasonings | May be high in sodium |
| Great for meal prep | Breadcrumbs may not suit gluten-free diets |
FAQs
Can I use boneless pork chops?
Yes, just reduce the baking time by 5–7 minutes as boneless chops cook faster.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes as a substitute.
Why is the coating falling off?
Ensure the pork chops are dry and use a sticky base like mayo or mustard to help the coating adhere.
Can I prepare them ahead of time?
You can coat the pork chops and refrigerate for up to 6 hours before baking.
Conclusion
Shake and Bake Pork Chops are the ultimate weeknight dinner—crispy, juicy, and ready in a snap. Whether you’re recreating a childhood favorite or trying them for the first time, this simple and satisfying dish is a guaranteed winner. With a homemade breading mix and a few basic pantry ingredients, you’ll never need the boxed version again.
