Name: Crispy Baked Pork Chops with Lemon Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless pork chops about 1 inch thick; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 1/2 cups plain breadcrumbs; 1 tsp kosher salt; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/4 tsp onion powder; 1/4 tsp celery seed; 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 1/3 cup mayonnaise; Cooking spray; Lemon wedges; Fresh minced parsley (optional)

If you’re craving a tender, juicy pork chop with an irresistible crunch, this Crispy Baked Pork Chops with Lemon Recipe is going to become your new go-to. The golden breading paired with a fresh lemon squeeze brings this simple dinner to life in just 30 minutes.

A white plate on a white marbled surface holds two golden brown crispy fried food pieces, each coated with a crunchy bread crumb texture and small bits of herbs sprinkled on top. Underneath one piece are two bright yellow lemon slices layered side by side. To the side of the crispy pieces is a pile of fresh green beans, cut into short segments. A black fork is piercing the top fried piece, held by a woman's hand partially visible on the right side of the frame. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Baked Pork Chops with Lemon Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Baked Pork Chops with Lemon Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Baked Pork Chops with Lemon Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can’t get over how easy and satisfying this baked pork chop dish is. It’s proof you don’t need complicated steps or frying to get incredible crispiness on your chops.

Effortless Crispy Texture: Baking gives the pork chops a crunchy coating without the mess of frying.
Flavorful Blend of Spices: Smoked paprika and Parmesan cheese add a savory depth that keeps every bite interesting.
Quick Dinner Fix: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute guests.
Bright Finish with Lemon: Fresh lemon wedges add a zesty contrast that lifts the whole dish beautifully.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Gathering your ingredients for this recipe is pretty straightforward. Picking fresh pork chops and quality Parmesan makes a big difference in taste and texture, and the spice mix keeps things lively without overpowering the pork.

Flat lay of four boneless pork chops with a light dusting of salt and pepper, a small white bowl of plain golden breadcrumbs mixed with reddish smoked paprika and specks of black pepper, a small white bowl filled with creamy white mayonnaise, a small white bowl of finely grated pale yellow Parmesan cheese, a whole fresh lemon cut into bright yellow wedges, and a few sprigs of vibrant green parsley, all arranged symmetrically on a rimmed white ceramic baking sheet, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Pork Chops: Choose boneless chops about 1 inch thick for even cooking and great texture.
Salt and Pepper: Simple seasoning to enhance the natural pork flavor.
Plain Breadcrumbs: They form the crunchy exterior that we crave in this baked version.
Kosher Salt: Adds just the right salty punch to the breading mix.
Smoked Paprika: Brings a subtle smokiness and beautiful color to the crust.
Black Pepper: For that mild heat and depth.
Garlic Powder: A classic aromatic that pairs wonderfully with pork.
Onion Powder: Adds sweetness and complexity.
Celery Seed: Offers a unique, almost herbal note that balances the spices.
Parmesan Cheese: Provides a nutty, salty hit that crisps perfectly in the oven.
Mayonnaise: This may surprise you, but mayo helps the breadcrumbs stick and keeps the pork juicy during baking.
Cooking Spray: A light mist helps achieve that golden-crisp finish without added fat.
Lemon Wedges: A fresh squeeze brightens and balances the rich, crispy pork chops.
Fresh Minced Parsley (Optional): For a pop of color and a hint of herbaceous freshness at the end.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

The great thing about this Crispy Baked Pork Chops with Lemon Recipe is how easily you can tailor it to your taste buds or dietary needs. Whether you want extra crunch, a lighter coating, or a twist with herbs, there’s plenty of room to play in the kitchen.

Use Panko Breadcrumbs: For an even crunchier crust, I swapped plain breadcrumbs with panko once. The texture was delightfully crisp without changing the delicious flavor.
Greek Yogurt Swap: Mayonnaise gives the chops a rich coating, but substituting it with Greek yogurt adds tang and reduces fat, perfect if you want a lighter dish.
Herb Boost: I love adding fresh chopped rosemary or thyme to the breading mixture for an aromatic, garden-fresh touch that complements the lemon perfectly.
Air Fryer Adaptation: If you’re short on time or want less mess, air-frying works beautifully. Just spray the basket and pork chops with cooking spray, and follow the cook times mentioned. You’ll get crisp chops in a flash.
Make it Spicy: Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the breading gives your pork chops a subtle heat kick that pairs amazingly with the citrusy lemon wedges.
Leftover Love: Leftover pork chops can be reheated in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes to keep the crust crispy rather than soggy.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Baked Pork Chops with Lemon Recipe

A white round plate holds a meal with three parts: six slices of crispy golden-brown fried chicken arranged in a slight curve on the left side, sprinkled with small green herb bits; a scoop of creamy, light yellow mashed potatoes topped with a small pat of melting butter and sprinkled with green herbs at the top right; and a pile of bright green steamed green beans cut into pieces on the bottom right. Three lemon wedges with pale yellow flesh and rind sit along the plate's bottom left edge, framing the chicken. The entire plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Get Your Oven and Baking Sheet Ready

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F—this high heat helps the coating get that perfect crunch. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper to make cleanup a breeze and ensure even baking. Set it aside while you prep the pork chops.

Step 2: Season and Dry Your Pork Chops

Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels—that’s a crucial step so the breading sticks well and the chops brown nicely. Then sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper, seasoning just enough to enhance but not overpower the other flavors.

Step 3: Whisk Together the Flavor-Packed Breading Mixture

In a shallow bowl, combine 1 ½ cups plain breadcrumbs with 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon onion powder, ¼ teaspoon celery seed, and ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir well so every bite delivers delicious layers of flavor.

Step 4: Coat the Pork Chops with Mayonnaise and Bread Crumbs

Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on one side of a pork chop, then press that mayo-covered side into the breadcrumb mixture, gently pressing to coat thoroughly. Flip the chop, spread another thin layer of mayo on the other side, and sprinkle breadcrumbs on top, pressing lightly to adhere. Place the coated pork chop on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat for all chops.

Step 5: Bake Until Perfectly Juicy and Crispy

Give the pork chops a light spray with cooking spray to help them crisp up, then pop the baking sheet in your preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F. You’ll know it’s done when the coating is golden brown and the pork feels tender to the touch.

Step 6: Rest, Garnish, and Serve

Let the pork chops rest for a few minutes after baking to lock in juices and keep them tender. Sprinkle fresh minced parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness, and serve each chop with bright lemon wedges to squeeze over just before eating. The lemon adds a lively zing that balances the crispy, savory pork beautifully.

Top Tip

Mastering the perfect crispy baked pork chop can be tricky, but these tips will help you nail the crunch and juiciness every time!

Press the Breadcrumbs: Gently but firmly pressing the breadcrumb mixture into the mayonnaise-coated pork chops ensures the coating sticks well and crisps beautifully in the oven.
Use Fresh Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan adds more depth of flavor and helps the crust brown evenly, something packaged pre-grated cheese can’t quite achieve.
Don’t Skip the Rest: Allowing the pork chops to rest a few minutes after baking locks in the juices, giving you tender, flavorful meat every time.
Watch the Temperature: Cooking until the internal temperature reaches 145°F keeps the pork tender and juicy without drying it out—use a meat thermometer if you can!

How to Serve Crispy Baked Pork Chops with Lemon Recipe

The images show a step-by-step process of coating four pieces of raw meat. The first image shows a white bowl with a layer of crushed golden-brown crumbs inside. The second image shows four pieces of raw pink meat laid out on a white tray with a creamy white spread on top. The third image shows one piece of meat placed on the crumb layer inside the white bowl. The fourth image shows the same piece of meat with the creamy white spread on top placed back on the crumbs in the bowl. The fifth image shows the meat fully covered in the golden crumbs, resting in the bowl on the white marbled surface. The final image shows all four coats of meat neatly arranged side by side on the white tray. A wooden spoon with crumbs is nearby along with a small dish of the creamy spread, and a woman's hand is seen working in some images. The background is a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple garnishes elevate this dish effortlessly. Fresh minced parsley sprinkled over the top adds a pop of color and freshness, while bright lemon wedges served alongside lend a zesty brightness that cuts through the richness of the crispy coating.

Side Dishes

This Crispy Baked Pork Chops with Lemon pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts, creamy mashed potatoes, or even a crisp green salad. For something lighter and fresh, try a simple cucumber and tomato salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover pork chops in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keeping them properly sealed helps maintain the crust’s texture and the pork’s juiciness.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap each pork chop tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil or place in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. This method helps restore crispness to the breadcrumb coating without drying out the pork. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that crunchy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use bone-in pork chops for this recipe?

Absolutely! Bone-in pork chops will work well, but you may need to increase the baking time slightly to ensure they reach the safe internal temperature of 145°F.

What can I substitute for mayonnaise in the breading?

Greek yogurt is a great lighter alternative to mayonnaise. It will still help the breadcrumbs adhere, though the texture may be a bit different.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Just swap out plain breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to keep the crispy coating intact.

How do I ensure the pork chops stay juicy and not dry?

Using an instant-read thermometer to cook the chops to exactly 145°F and letting them rest a few minutes after baking helps retain juiciness perfectly.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so satisfying about slicing into a crispy, golden pork chop with that satisfying crunch, balanced by the brightness of fresh lemon. This Crispy Baked Pork Chops with Lemon Recipe is a quick weeknight winner that feels just a little special. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—happy cooking and even happier eating!