Easy Homemade Shake and Bake Pork Chops

Juicy pork chops with a crispy coating that takes you right back to mom’s dinner table. Thanks to panko bread crumbs, classic seasonings, and buttermilk, this homemade shake and bake recipe is a quick weeknight dinner (under 30 minutes) that’ll satisfy the whole family.

 

The Homemade Version of the Classic Shake N’ Bake Pork Chops

Back in the day, a pork chop dinner was as easy to make as opening a box of Shake N’ Bake. It was so easy to use, but somehow the pork chops were always tough and overcooked! I made this recipe as a way to get all that yummy flavor but without the preservatives and found that marinating the pork chops in buttermilk before cooking leads to the most tender and juicy baked pork chops. 

A buttermilk marinade is a game changer for this recipe, but also for grilled pork chops, stuffed pork chops or pan fried pork chops.

This recipe is packed with simple ingredients and a homemade seasoning mix you’ll want to keep on hand. The great thing about this homemade mix is you can easily double or triple and keep it on hand for cooking emergencies. This recipe makes enough to fully coat six pork chops and works just as well with bone-in pork chops as it does boneless.

Depending on the cut, you may need to adjust the cooking time. If you don’t have a meat thermometer in your kitchen, now’s the time, you need it for all pork recipes. You’ll want to make sure the thickest part of the meat has reached an internal temperature of 145º, but that means you take them out of the oven when they’ve reached 135º. They will continue to cook as they rest.

Taking them out at 135º will ensure that they aren’t overcooked.  

These delicious pork chops are perfect as the main dish alongside green beans, mashed potatoes, and biscuits. Let me know what your favorite sides to pair with shake and bake pork chops are in the comments below! 

If you want a sweeter pork chop, it just takes an additional step to make some honey glazed pork chops.

The Secret To Perfectly Tender Pork Chops

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it ’til the end of time! The key to tender pork chops is a buttermilk marinade. Buttermilk is a secret ingredient in a lot of Southern recipes—and for good reason.

Pro Tip: Don’t worry if you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make your own buttermilk with ingredients in your pantry.

Buttermilk is a cultured milk that has a bit of acidity and tang to it. The acidity helps break down the meat and absorb flavor, meaning your meat is not only super tender but extra flavorful too! It also keeps the meat moist from the inside out so it doesn’t dry out while in the oven. This is especially important if using a thicker pork chop as it’ll need longer in the oven. 

Why You’ll Love This Shake and Bake Pork Chop Recipe 

• Baked, Not Fried – ​It’s crispy like it hit the deep fryer, but without the hassle or added grease.
• Juicy Meat – These pork chops can handle high heat without drying out thanks to the buttermilk marinade.     
• Fun To Make – Let’s face it, there’s something irresistible about shaking the plastic bag to coat the entire pork chop.

Ingredients For Baked Pork Chops

• Pork chops – You can use bone-in or boneless pork chops for this recipe. Make sure they are at least one inch thick or more. 
  
• Buttermilk – Buttermilk is essential for this recipe. If you want to try making your own, my recipe for homemade buttermilk is a must-try. 
  
• Spices – Kosher salt, black pepper, paprika, celery seeds, dried parsley, garlic powder, and onion powder. If you want it a little spicy, use hot paprika, otherwise use sweet.
  
• Panko bread crumbs – I like the extra crispy texture of panko bread crumbs, but you can use plain or Italian bread crumbs if you have those on hand. 
  
• Vegetable oil – You’ll use this to help the bread crumb mixture stick to the pork chops. You could also use an egg if you prefer!

How To Make Crispy Shake and Bake Pork Chops

Step One: Marinate Meat. 

Marinate the pork chops in a cup of buttermilk overnight or for at least 2 hours. Rinse and pat dry. Let pork chops sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.

Step Two: Prep Meat.

Lightly run vegetable oil on pork chops. Combine the seasonings and place in a ziplock bag.

Step Three: Shake…

Add one pork chop at a time, seal, and shake until coated evenly on every side. Place pork chops on the prepared baking sheet. 

Step Four: …and Bake! 

Bake for 10 minutes, turn and check the temperature. Return to the oven and bake an additional 8 to 10 minutes until a meat thermometer reads 135º in the thickest portion. Remove to a plate and let rest for 5-10 minutes tented with foil. 

Tips For Tasty Breaded Pork Chops

• Seasoned bread crumbs are key. Feel free to add other favorite spices or play with the ratios to ensure as much flavor as possible. All good recipes season to taste!
  
• Make sure the pork is in a single layer on the sheet pan. Use two if you need to! Giving each piece of meat enough space means that everything will get evenly heated and all sides are crispy, not steamed. 

Can I Use This Recipe With Other Meat?

Yes! The best part about this shake and bake recipe is it works just as well with chicken as it does pork! For extra tender meat, make sure to try out the buttermilk marinade trick and you’ll never go back. 

More Pork Chop Recipes To Try

If you loved this recipe, give it a star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating! Also, snap a picture of your finished dish and share it with me on Instagram using the hashtag #butterandbaggage and tagging me @butterandbaggage.