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 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon celery seed; 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 1/3 cup mayonnaise; Cooking spray; Fresh minced parsley for garnish; Lemon wedges for serving

If you're on the hunt for a weeknight dinner that's both crispy and bursting with fresh flavor, this Crispy Baked Pork Chops with Lemon Recipe is going to be your new best friend. Think golden, perfectly breaded pork chops with a bright lemony finish that makes every bite sing.

The image shows a white plate with three golden-brown fried chicken pieces stacked close to each other on the left side. The top piece is pierced by a black fork held by a woman's hand, revealing a crispy, textured crust with small herbs sprinkled on top. Underneath the fried chicken, there are two bright yellow lemon slices partly visible. On the right side of the plate, there is a pile of fresh, bright green cut green beans. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface. 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 absolutely love making these crispy baked pork chops because they deliver that satisfying crunch without the mess of frying, plus the lemon wedges add a brightness that elevates the whole plate. It's comfort food with a fresh twist!

Effortless Crispy Texture: Baking with a breadcrumb and Parmesan coating gives you that irresistible crunch without standing over a greasy pan.
Lemon Adds Freshness: The zesty lemon wedges cut through the richness, making each bite balanced and light.
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: Pantry staples like smoked paprika and garlic powder amp up the taste without complexity.
Quick & Convenient: Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe fits perfectly into busy weekday evenings.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you head to the kitchen, here’s a quick rundown of the ingredients and why they make this Crispy Baked Pork Chops with Lemon recipe so dependable and delicious. Keeping your pork chops fresh and choosing quality Parmesan will make a world of difference!

Flat lay of four fresh boneless pork chops with clean white shells of two whole brown eggs resting nearby, a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden plain breadcrumbs, another small white bowl holding finely grated Parmesan cheese, a small white bowl containing smooth mayonnaise, fresh whole lemons cut into wedges alongside a few bright green sprigs of parsley, all arranged symmetrically and naturally on a simple 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

Boneless Pork Chops: Thick-cut chops hold juiciness better during baking, preventing dry results.
Salt and Pepper: Simple seasoning that enhances the pork’s natural flavor.
Plain Breadcrumbs: The foundation for that crunchy coating, keeping things crisp as they bake.
Kosher Salt: A cleaner, less intense salt to season the breading evenly.
Smoked Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky depth without overpowering the dish.
Black Pepper: Gives a gentle kick and rounds out the flavor profile.
Garlic Powder: Infuses a savory, garlicky note that's essential for taste.
Onion Powder: Adds a hint of sweetness and complexity.
Celery Seed: Brings a unique, slightly bitter aroma that elevates the breadcrumbs.
Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese: Melts into the crust for a rich, nutty flavor and extra crispness.
Mayonnaise: A secret weapon – it helps the breading stick and locks in moisture so your pork stays juicy.
Cooking Spray: Ensures the breaded chops bake to a golden perfection without sticking.
Fresh Minced Parsley: Adds a pop of color and a mild herbal freshness for garnish.
Lemon Wedges: Brighten up the dish with a fresh squeeze of citrus right before eating.

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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

One of the best things about this Crispy Baked Pork Chops with Lemon Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you want to make it lighter, add some seasonal flair, or try a different cooking method, there’s plenty of room to make it your own.

Make it spicy: I love adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some crushed red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a subtle kick. It brings out the smoky paprika and adds a nice warmth that pairs beautifully with the bright lemon.
Herbal touch: Sometimes I fold fresh thyme or rosemary into the breadcrumb mixture for an earthy depth—especially great in the cooler months.
Gluten-free option: Swap the plain breadcrumbs for gluten-free panko or almond flour. I’ve tried almond flour, and it gives a slightly nuttier flavor while staying super crispy.
Different cheeses: Parmesan is perfect here, but feel free to experiment with Pecorino Romano or Asiago for a different cheesy twist.
Cooking method swap: For a crispy finish without the oven, I’ve made these using the air fryer as well. Just remember to lightly spray the basket and chops, and cook at 400°F for about 6 minutes per side.

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

The dish shows a white plate with three parts: sliced golden brown crispy coated meat arranged in a slight curve on the left side, sprinkled with small green herb bits, and garnished with two lemon slices at the top left and one lemon slice at the bottom right of the meat; next to the meat, on the top right side, is a creamy light yellow mound of mashed potatoes with some small green herb pieces sprinkled on top and a small melting pat of butter; on the bottom right side, there are bright green steamed cut green beans placed neatly together. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Get Your Oven Ready and Prep the Pan

Start by preheating your oven to a lively 425°F—it’s the perfect temperature to get our pork chops golden and crispy. While the oven warms up, line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Not only will this make clean-up a breeze, but it also helps keep your chops from sticking. Set this aside; we’ll need it in just a bit.

Step 2: Season the Pork Chops

Pat your 4 boneless pork chops dry very well with paper towels. This step is important because removing excess moisture helps the coating stick and promotes crispiness. Then, season both sides lightly with salt and pepper to your liking. Don’t be shy — the seasoning is what makes the flavors pop!

Step 3: Mix the Flavorful Breading

In a shallow bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of 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 it all together until everything is evenly mixed. The smell of the smoked paprika and Parmesan really starts to tickle your nose here—trust me, it’s worth it!

Step 4: Coat Your Pork Chops

Take a pork chop and spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on one side—that’s the secret to juicy, tender meat and helps the breadcrumbs cling better. Then press that mayo-covered side down firmly into the breadcrumb mixture, making sure it gets a nice even coating. Flip the chop, spread mayo on the other side as well, and sprinkle breadcrumbs on top, pressing gently again. Place the fully coated pork chop on your prepared baking sheet. Repeat these steps for all four pork chops.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Now, lightly spray the breaded chops with cooking spray. This will help them crisp up beautifully in the oven. Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes. The goal is an internal temperature of 145°F—use an instant-read thermometer if you have one. You’ll know they’re ready when the coating is golden brown and the pork feels firm but still juicy when touched gently.

Step 6: Rest and Serve with a Zesty Twist

After baking, let your pork chops rest on the tray for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute for maximum tenderness. Then sprinkle fresh minced parsley over the top for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve with bright lemon wedges on the side—squeezing a little lemon juice over the pork just before eating really lifts the whole dish and adds that perfect citrusy zing.

Top Tip

Getting that perfect crispy crust on your baked pork chops can feel like a bit of a challenge, but these tips will make sure your Crispy Baked Pork Chops with Lemon Recipe turn out golden and juicy every time.

Mayonnaise Magic: Using a thin layer of mayonnaise instead of egg wash really helps the breadcrumb and Parmesan coating stick better and keeps the pork moist while baking.
Patience with Drying: I learned the hard way that drying your pork chops really well with paper towels before seasoning helps the coating adhere better and prevents sogginess.
Spraying for Crispiness: A light spray of cooking oil on the breaded chops before baking adds that wonderful crisp without deep frying—this little trick makes all the difference.
Don’t Skip the Rest: Letting the chops rest for a few minutes after baking allows the juices to redistribute, so you get tender, juicy bites every time.

How to Serve Crispy Baked Pork Chops with Lemon Recipe

The image shows six steps of making a breaded meat dish on a white marbled surface. The first image features a white bowl with a flat, even layer of light brown breadcrumbs inside. The second image shows four raw meat pieces on a white tray, each covered with a spread of creamy white mayonnaise. The third image displays one raw meat piece placed in the center of the white bowl with breadcrumbs. The fourth image shows a single meat piece coated with mayonnaise resting on top of breadcrumbs in the bowl. In the fifth image, the meat is fully coated with breadcrumbs, sitting inside the bowl. The last image presents four finished meat pieces, fully breaded and ready, laid out side by side on a white tray. A wooden spoon with breadcrumbs is near the bowl, and a woman's hand appears holding breadcrumbs in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh minced parsley sprinkled on top brings a burst of color and a mild herbal note that complements the richness. Don’t forget those bright lemon wedges! A squeeze of lemon juice right before eating adds a lively, citrusy pop that perfectly balances the savory crust and pork.

Side Dishes

Pair these pork chops with buttery mashed potatoes or creamy polenta for a comforting meal. Roasted vegetables like asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or green beans with garlic and a squeeze of lemon tie the whole plate together beautifully. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette also adds a refreshing contrast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover crispy baked pork chops in an airtight container and store them in the fridge. They’ll stay good for up to 3 days, making for easy lunches or quick dinners later in the week.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover pork chops by wrapping each one tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To keep the pork chops crispy when reheating, warm them in a preheated 350°F oven for about 10-12 minutes until heated through. Avoid the microwave if you want to maintain that delightful crust!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use bone-in pork chops for this Crispy Baked Pork Chops with Lemon Recipe?

Absolutely! Bone-in pork chops will work just as well, though you may need to increase the baking time by a few minutes to ensure they reach the safe internal temperature of 145°F.

Why do you use mayonnaise in the breading process?

Mayonnaise acts as a sticky base that helps the breadcrumb and Parmesan coating adhere tightly to the pork. It also adds moisture, keeping the pork juicy during baking.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute the plain breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs, and double-check that your mayonnaise and other seasonings are gluten-free as well.

What is the best way to check if the pork chops are cooked through?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The pork chops should reach 145°F for safe and juicy results.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly satisfying about homemade crispy pork chops fresh from the oven, especially when brightened with a squeeze of lemon. This Crispy Baked Pork Chops with Lemon Recipe brings together ease, flavor, and a touch of elegance for any weeknight or special dinner. So next time you want a comforting yet impressive meal, give this a try—you might find it quickly becomes a family favorite!