3-Ingredient Baked Pork Chops Recipe

Cook Time: 20 minutes

This simple yet flavorful recipe for oven-baked pork chops is perfect for a quick dinner. The breaded pork chops are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. With just a few ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you'll have a satisfying meal in no time.

Ingredients

• 2 large eggs
• 4 (6 ounce) bone-in pork chops
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
• Cooking spray

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400F (200C).

Step 2: Crack the eggs into a shallow dish and whisk them until well combined.

Step 3: Season the pork chops with salt and pepper to your liking.

Step 4: Dip each pork chop into the whisked eggs, letting any excess egg drip off.

Step 5: Coat each pork chop evenly with the Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, ensuring a full covering.

Step 6: Lightly coat a baking rack with cooking spray, then place it on a rimmed baking sheet. Arrange the breaded pork chops on the rack.

Step 7: Bake the pork chops in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the pork registers 145F (63C).

Step 8: Remove the pork chops from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 506
• Fat: 23g
• Carbohydrates: 21g
• Protein: 51g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Cholesterol: 236mg
• Sodium: 530mg
• Total Sugars: 2g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Vitamin C: 1mg
• Calcium: 109mg
• Iron: 3mg
• Potassium: 689mg

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

History of Origin

The idea behind 3-Ingredient Baked Pork Chops can be traced to the rise of simplified home cooking in mid-20th-century America. As busy households looked for quick, reliable meals, minimal-ingredient recipes became popular in community cookbooks and home-economics guides. Breaded pork chops baked in the oven offered a practical alternative to traditional pan-frying, reducing both effort and mess while keeping the familiar comfort-food appeal. Over time, this streamlined method became a staple in many American kitchens, valued for its balance of ease and satisfying flavor.

Regional Features

Although this recipe is considered broadly American, it subtly adapts to regional tastes. In the Midwest, cooks often prefer seasoned crumbs with herbal blends reminiscent of classic casserole dishes. Southern variations might use spicier crumbs or add a touch of buttermilk to the coating step, echoing the regions fondness for hearty, rustic flavors. Coastal areas sometimes pair the dish with lighter sides such as citrus salads or roasted vegetables, creating a fresher, more modern interpretation.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

Unlike pan-fried pork chops, which rely on oil and high heat for crispiness, the baked version uses dry heat and breadcrumb coating to achieve a tender interior with a subtly crisp exterior. Compared with stuffed or marinated chops, this three-ingredient approach avoids long prep times and complex flavor layering. The simplicity is the defining featureno brining, no sauces, just minimal components that highlight the natural richness of the pork.

Where It Is Usually Served

3-Ingredient Baked Pork Chops are commonly served as an everyday family dinner, especially during busy weeknights. They also appear at potluck gatherings, where straightforward recipes that travel well are highly prized. Because the dish pairs effortlessly with classic sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or seasonal salads, it fits comfortably into casual dining settings rather than formal menus.

Interesting Facts

One notable aspect of this dish is its adaptability: despite the minimalist ingredient list, home cooks frequently customize it with herbs, spices, or different breadcrumb blends without altering its quick-prep nature. Another interesting detail is that baked pork chops became increasingly popular as oven technology improved, allowing more even heating and better moisture retention. Today, the recipe often appears in beginner-friendly cooking guides because it offers consistent results even for novice cooks. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to deliver comfort, flavor, and convenience in under half an hour.

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