Parmesan Crusted Pork Chop

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Parmesan Pork Chops coated in Panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and lemon juice are baked until crispy perfection for a restaurant dinner at home.

278 CAL 6g CARBS 9g FAT 41g PROTEIN 9
9 Comments

These Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops made with lean pork tenderloin coated in a delicious crispy Panko and Parmesan breading are baked and come out delicious every time. Serve them with some Parmesan Garlic Roasted Cauliflower or Cripsy Baked Broccoli for a healthy, flavor packed dinner.

The Leftover Conundrum: I feel like this could be the title of my life story. It is, after all, something I feel like I'm faced with fairly regularly. Take this recipe, for example. Whenever I feel in the mood for a cheesy, baked piece of protein, I reach for a pounded chicken breast. However, as my life story would indicate, last week I was looking for a way to use up some leftover (uncooked) pork chops.

And, you know, as sometimes recipe ideas do, an idea came to me immediately (sometimes it takes longer — a lot longer): I thought that a crust of Parmesan, Panko breadcrumbs, and herbs would be the perfect solution for turning these leftover chops into something mouth wateringly delicious.

Luckily, (because I was also short on time), this dish is relatively simple to make and can be baked in the oven or lightly fried in a skillet with a hint of olive oil. For low-carb dieters, you could substitute in some almond flour for the Panko or just use all Parmesan cheese instead.

Parmesan pork chops with a crispy breading on a plate with salad on the side.

How do you make Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops?

Once my pork chops are thawed (if they've been in the freezer), and I'm ready to get working on dinner, I preheat the oven to 400 degrees. I combine my Parmesan, Panko, and spices in a shallow bowl, then whisk my egg whites in another shallow bowl and set those aside on my workspace.

I take the pork chops and put them on a plate or dish, so that they are all flat with one side facing up so I can season them with salt and pepper on both sides. In a kind of assembly line, I line up the seasoned pork chops, followed by the egg whites and then the breadcrumb mixture. I take one pork chop at a time, dip it in the egg whites, then into the breadcrumbs, making sure to get both sides coated well. Then each pork chop goes onto a baking sheet sprayed with nonstick cooking spray.

I pop those in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until they are fully cooked all the way through and the crust starts to brown.

Sides to serve with Parmesan Pork Chops

  • Pair these pork chops with a simple green salad and some lemon wedges — no need for a heavy dressing.
  • Roasted veggies are always a great idea — add your favorites to a sheet pan with a little olive oil, salt and pepper or use an Italian seasoning as well. Roast right next to your pork chops. You can even use the same sheet pan!
  • Some zucchini or other veggie noodles would be delicious alongside your pork and make the meal quite filling, yet super healthy.
  • Roasted Garlic Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes are a fan-favorite in my family. You can hardly tell you're eating a veggie instead of a starchy potato.
  • Israeli Chopped Salad is a quick-and-easy way to use up veggies begging to be eaten in your refrigerator. Plus, tomatoes are in season now and make this salad quite healthy and refreshing.
  • Roasted sweet potatoes are just what the doctor (chef?) ordered. Full of beta-carotene, and with a low glycemic index and cancer-fighting abilities, sweet potatoes are quite the super spud and should make an appearance as a side quite often, I think.
  • If you're hankering for a carby side, try some Broccoli Macaroni and Cheese. Baked in the oven, a small portion goes a long way and will satisfy your need to nosh.

Pork chops with Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs with lemon slices and a salad.

What makes these Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops healthy?

  • Lean, boneless center-cut pork chops are lower in fat and calories than other cuts of pork chops. They are a good source of lean protein, the building blocks of your muscular system. Baking them instead of frying them also makes them healthier and less caloric and fattening.
  • Egg whites are a high-protein, low-calorie, low-fat food. They also make a great base for making your breadcrumb coating stick to your meat without the use of milk, whole eggs, or flour.
  • Parmesan cheese is another great source of protein, calcium, and fat. Parmesan is also lower in fat and calories than a lot of other cheeses and the calcium it contains is good for your bones. It's also easier to digest than some softer cheeses and contains some probiotics.
  • Panko bread crumbs are a healthier alternative to regular breadcrumbs. They are lighter and airier too, which I find to make for a nice texture when breading and baking these pork chops. They are low in calories, fat, and sodium while still containing plenty of fiber to keep you feeling fuller, longer.
  • Spices such as Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper are a great way to add tons of flavor to your dishes without adding any extra calories or fat.
  • Lemons are a great source of vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant that is thought to reduce your risk of stroke. It also is a good source of flavonoids, which can help to ward off cancer and keep your heart healthy.
The Recipe
Parmesan crusted pork chops piled high with parsley and lemon slices.

Parmesan Crusted Pork Chop

278 CAL 6g CARBS 9g FAT 41g PROTEIN 9
PREP TIME: 15 Min
COOK TIME: 25 Min
TOTAL TIME: 40 Min
9 Comments
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Ingredients

US METRICS
  • 1.33 lbs. lean boneless center cut pork chops, trimmed
  • 2 egg whites, whisked
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
  • 1/3 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • Salt and pepper
  • 1 lemon

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Instructions

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1

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

2

Season the pork with salt and pepper.

3

Combine the Parmesan, Panko, and Italian seasoning.

4

Dip the pork in the egg whites and then into the Parmesan mixture. Place on a prepared baking sheet.

5

Bake for 20-25 minutes until fully cooked and browned. Squeeze fresh lemon over top and serve.

Nutritional Facts
Serving Size: 1 chop
Amount Per Serving
Calories 278
Calories from Fat 82
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 9g
14%
Saturated Fat 4g
21%
Monounsaturated Fat 2g
0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
0%
Cholesterol 109mg
37%
Sodium 335mg
15%
Total Carbohydrate 6g
2%
Dietary Fiber 1g
3%
Sugars 1g
Protein 41g

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

The Nutritional Values provided are estimates only and may vary based on the preparation method.

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About the author Meet Kristen McCaffrey
Hi, I’m the cookbook author, recipe developer, and food enthusiast behind Slender Kitchen. I am obsessed with making healthy food that is easy to prepare and absolutely delicious. Meal planning is my secret weapon and I hope I can make meal time easier for you with our tried and tested recipes and foolproof meal plans. Learn More
9 Comments
On Parmesan Crusted Pork Chop
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Christina
September 26, 2022 - 19:28
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5
We literally make these weakly! My kids love to help make them and gobble them up! Yummy!
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Jessica K
February 4, 2019 - 20:32
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5
Hi! I'm excited to make these. Do you use shredded parmesan or the grated kind in the green bottle? Thank you!
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February 5, 2019 - 06:57
Either will work fine! Usually I look for grated Parmesan but the in cheese/deli area since i find it has more flavor than the "green" bottle variety :)
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Belinda
January 10, 2019 - 10:15
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5
absolutely fantastic! I used fresh parsely and basil and some dry oregano since I didn't have italian seasoning, and my family loved it! I will be making it again and again. going to try it on chicken next!
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not healthy by habit
November 5, 2018 - 17:04
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5
This is the only way I make 'em now. Thanks!
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Corinne Scott
January 22, 2019 - 17:40
Me too!
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January 3, 2019 - 09:58
Love that! They are our favorites as well.
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Karen McCaslin
April 12, 2016 - 17:21
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5
Made the low carb version with almond meal instead of the panko; chops were moist and flavorful. Will definitely m are this again.
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January 3, 2019 - 09:58
So happy to hear you enjoyed them! Love making them with almond flour for a low carb or gluten free option.
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