Easy Ina Garten Baked Pork Chops Recipe: Juicy Perfection

Crispy Ina Garten’s baked pork chops transform an ordinary weeknight meal into a culinary celebration of comfort and flavor.

Succulent meat meets a golden, crunchy exterior through a magical combination of ingredients that elevate simple proteins.

Professional chefs and home cooks appreciate how these pork chops deliver restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.

The technique involves coating tender cuts with a savory mixture that guarantees maximum deliciousness in every single bite.

Pantry staples become your secret weapon for creating a meal that looks impressive and tastes extraordinary.

Panko breadcrumbs contribute an irresistible crunch while seasoning adds depth and complexity to the dish.

Home cooking doesn’t get much easier or more satisfying than this crowd-pleasing recipe: prepare to become the dinner hero.

What You Need for Ina Garten’s Baked Pork Chops

• Pork Chops: Thick, boneless center-cut cuts perfect for crispy baking, preferably around 1-inch thick for best results.

• Panko Breadcrumbs: Light and crispy Japanese-style breadcrumbs that create a golden, crunchy exterior.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds rich, salty flavor and helps breadcrumbs adhere to the pork chops.
• Vegetable Oil: Helps bind the breadcrumb mixture and promotes even browning.

• Italian Seasoning: Herb blend that provides depth and traditional Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances overall seasoning and brings out natural meat flavors.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and complements the other seasonings.

• Water: Helps breadcrumb mixture stick to pork chops for better coating.
• Lemon Wedges: Optional fresh garnish that adds bright, citrusy contrast to the rich pork.

How to Make Ina Garten’s Baked Pork Chops

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a blazing 450°F, getting it sizzling hot and ready for delicious pork chops.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Coating

• Panko breadcrumbs
• Vegetable oil
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Italian seasoning
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Seal and shake the bag until ingredients are perfectly mixed.

Step 3: Prep the Meat

Drizzle water over pork chops in a large bowl. This secret trick helps the coating stick like magic. Transfer chops to the seasoned breadcrumb bag and shake vigorously to ensure complete coating.

Step 4: Set Up Baking Station

Place a wire rack on top of a baking sheet. Arrange coated pork chops evenly on the rack. Sprinkle any remaining breadcrumb mixture over the chops for extra crunch.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes until pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F. Watch for that gorgeous golden-brown crust.

Step 6: Rest and Garnish

Remove pork chops from the oven. Let them rest for 3-5 minutes to lock in juicy goodness. Serve with fresh lemon wedges for a zesty finish.

Pro Tips for Ina Garten’s Baked Pork Chops

• Maximize Crunch Coverage: Gently press breadcrumbs using fingertips, creating a solid, even layer that locks in seasoning and guarantees crispy texture throughout each bite.
• Verify Internal Temperature Precisely: Slide meat thermometer into thickest section, confirming 145°F for safe, succulent pork that remains juicy and tender.
• Enhance Breadcrumb Flavor Instantly: Sprinkle garlic powder into mixture, delivering subtle aromatic notes that complement Parmesan and Italian seasonings perfectly.
• Allow Meat Resting Time: Give pork chops five-minute breather after baking, enabling juices to redistribute and preventing potential dryness during serving.
• Select Quality Breadcrumbs Carefully: Choose fresh, fine-textured breadcrumbs that create a consistent, golden-brown coating without becoming soggy or falling apart.

How to Store Ina Garten’s Baked Pork Chops

• Vacuum Sealing: Lock in freshness by using a vacuum sealer for each pork chop. Removes all air, preventing freezer burn and preserving texture. Perfect for long-term storage and maintaining peak flavor intensity.
• Portion Packaging: Wrap individual pork chops in parchment paper before placing in freezer bags. Creates a protective barrier against moisture and freezer odors. Allows easy separation and quick thawing of exactly what you need.
• Temperature Control: Store in the coldest part of your refrigerator, typically the back section near the cooling element. Helps maintain consistent temperature and prevents temperature fluctuations that can degrade meat quality. Keeps pork chops at a steady 40°F or below to maximize food safety and taste.

Fun Variations on Ina Garten’s Baked Pork Chops

• Herbed Mustard Crunch: Replace Italian seasoning with fresh chopped herbs like thyme and rosemary, then add dijon mustard to the coating for a tangy kick.
• Mediterranean Spice Blend: Swap panko with seasoned breadcrumbs, incorporate za'atar spice mix, and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the chops before baking for a Middle Eastern-inspired version.
• Smoky Cajun Coating: Mix paprika, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder into the breadcrumb mixture, then use smoked salt to create a spicy, southern-style pork chop with robust flavor profiles.
• Asian-Inspired Sesame Crust: Blend panko with sesame seeds, ginger powder, and a splash of soy sauce, then top with chopped green onions after baking for a light, fragrant alternative.

Ina Garten’s Baked Pork Chops: A Tender and Flavorful Feast

Culinary adventures often lead to delightful discoveries, and Ina Garten’s baked pork chops prove this deliciously.

Golden-crusted perfection awaits with simple ingredients and masterful technique.

Crispy panko breadcrumbs provide an irresistible exterior that seals in succulent meat flavors.

Home cooks can easily recreate restaurant-quality dishes with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

Parmesan and Italian seasoning elevate these pork chops from ordinary to extraordinary, transforming weeknight dinners into memorable meals.

Passionate food enthusiasts will find pure joy in this recipe’s simplicity and incredible taste – so go ahead, share this delectable discovery, spark conversation in your kitchen, and inspire fellow culinary explorers with each crispy, flavorful bite.

Why Ina Garten’s Baked Pork Chops are Juicy and Delicious

• Crunch into Crispy Perfection: These baked pork chops deliver an irresistible golden-brown exterior that shatters with each delightful bite, thanks to the panko breadcrumb coating that creates an incredible crispy texture.
• Speed Up Your Weeknight Dinner: Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe transforms boring pork chops into a restaurant-worthy meal without spending hours in the kitchen, making it ideal for busy home cooks looking for quick yet delicious solutions.
• Foolproof Flavor Explosion: The combination of Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and breadcrumbs ensures maximum taste with minimal effort, giving you a perfectly seasoned dish that tastes like it was prepared by a professional chef.
• Healthy Baking Brilliance: By using an oven-baked method instead of deep-frying, you get all the crunch with less oil, creating a lighter meal that doesn't compromise on taste or texture while keeping things health-conscious.

Ina Garten Baked Pork Chops Recipe

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4.9 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s succulent baked pork chops elevate weeknight dinner with Mediterranean-inspired herbs and garlic. Juicy, tender meat marries perfectly seasoned flavors, promising a restaurant-quality meal you can easily create at home.

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Ingredients

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Meat:

• 4 bone-in pork chops (¾-inch thick, about 2 ¼ pounds)

Coating:

• 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
• 3 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
• 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Other Ingredients:

• 5 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Lemon wedges (optional)

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Instructions

1. Ignite the oven to a scorching 450 degrees Fahrenheit (232 degrees Celsius), creating the ideal thermal environment for transforming ordinary pork chops into a crispy culinary masterpiece.
2. Craft a flavor-packed crust by combining Japanese-style panko breadcrumbs, extra virgin olive oil, finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, aromatic Italian herb blend, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper inside a large resealable plastic bag. Vigorously massage the bag to ensure uniform distribution of ingredients.
3. Enhance the pork chops’ coating potential by lightly misting them with cool water, which acts as a natural adhesive for the crispy exterior. Gently transfer the moistened chops into the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, engaging in a thorough tumbling motion to achieve complete and even coverage.
4. Strategically position a sturdy wire cooling rack atop a rimmed baking sheet, creating an elevated cooking surface that promotes optimal air circulation. Meticulously arrange the breaded pork chops, maintaining generous spacing between each piece to guarantee maximum crispiness.
5. Sprinkle any remaining breadcrumb mixture over the chops, amplifying the potential for a golden, crunchy exterior. Carefully slide the prepared baking sheet into the preheated oven, allowing the transformation to begin.
6. Monitor the cooking process, targeting an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit (63 degrees Celsius), which typically requires 15 to 20 minutes of roasting time. The exact duration will depend on the thickness of the pork chops.
7. Extract the perfectly cooked pork chops from the oven and permit them to rest for 3 to 5 minutes, allowing the internal juices to redistribute and ensure maximum tenderness. Garnish with fresh lemon wedges to introduce a bright, citrusy accent that cuts through the rich, crispy coating.

Notes

• Ditch boring dinners and transform pork chops into a crispy, golden masterpiece that rivals restaurant-quality meals.
• Panko breadcrumbs deliver an unbeatable light and crunchy texture that elevates this simple protein to gourmet status.
• Moisture is key – a quick water spritz helps breadcrumbs cling perfectly, guaranteeing maximum crunch in every single bite.
• Wire rack baking allows hot air to dance around the meat, creating an evenly crisp exterior without soggy bottoms.
• Meat thermometer magic ensures perfectly cooked pork, preventing dryness and delivering juicy, tender results every single time.
• Parmesan cheese brings savory depth, creating a mouthwatering golden crust that makes these pork chops irresistibly delicious.
• Resting meat after cooking allows precious juices to redistribute, intensifying flavor and keeping each bite succulent and tender.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg