Juicy Baked Pork Chops Recipe by Ina Garten Made Simple

Ina Garten’s crispy baked pork chops are a game-changer for weeknight dinners, turning simple ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece.

These succulent cuts promise a golden, crunchy exterior that’ll make everyone at the table swoon.

With just a few pantry staples, you can transform ordinary pork into a restaurant-worthy meal that sparks culinary excitement.

The magic lies in the perfectly seasoned coating that locks in juiciness and creates an irresistible crunch.

Panko breadcrumbs work their charm, delivering a texture that’s crisp and utterly addictive.

Each bite promises a symphony of flavors that elevates comfort food to an art form.

Get ready to become the dinner champion with this foolproof recipe that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 461 kcal

Servings: 4

What You’ll Need for Ina Garten’s Baked Pork Chops

• Panko Breadcrumbs: Choose light, crispy Japanese-style breadcrumbs for maximum crunch and golden texture.
• Vegetable Oil: Select a neutral, high-heat oil that helps create an even, golden coating.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: Opt for freshly grated cheese for robust, nutty flavor and better melting.
• Italian Seasoning: Pick a blend with dried herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme for authentic Mediterranean taste.
• Kosher Salt: Use coarse salt for better seasoning control and enhanced flavor distribution.
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Grind pepper just before use to release maximum aromatic oils.

• Pork Chops: Select bone-in, thick-cut chops for juicier, more flavorful meat with better moisture retention.

• Lemon: Choose bright, firm lemons with smooth skin for fresh, zesty citrus notes to cut through rich pork flavor.
• Water: Use cool, filtered water to help breadcrumb mixture adhere perfectly to the meat's surface.

Tools to Help You Bake Pork Chops Like Ina

• Oven: Preheats to 450°F for perfect crispy baking.
• Large resealable plastic bag: Mixes and coats breadcrumb mixture.
• Large bowl: Used for moistening pork chops before coating.
• Wire rack: Helps create crispy exterior by allowing air circulation.
• Baking sheet: Provides stable surface for cooking pork chops.
• Measuring spoons: Ensures precise seasoning amounts.
• Grater: For freshly grating Parmesan cheese.
• Pepper mill: Grinds fresh black pepper for robust flavor.
• Tongs: Helps handle and transfer coated pork chops.
• Meat thermometer: Checks internal temperature for perfect doneness.
• Cutting board: Prepares and rests meat during cooking process.

Follow These Steps for Perfect Baked Pork Chops

• Preheat Oven to Sizzling Hot

Blast the oven to a toasty 450°F, creating the perfect environment for crispy, mouthwatering pork chops.

• Mix Mega-Flavor Coating

Toss panko, herbs, and cheese into a bag, shaking until the mixture becomes a flavor explosion waiting to happen. This isn’t just breading – it’s a taste adventure.

• Transform Pork Chops

Give the meat a quick water splash to help the coating cling like a dream. Tumble the chops into the seasoned bag, giving them a wild shake until every inch is covered in crispy goodness.

• Arrange for Crunchy Success

Place a wire rack on a baking sheet and spread the coated chops with care. Sprinkle any leftover coating for an extra crunch that’ll make taste buds dance.

• Bake and Conquer

Slide the pork chops into the oven, letting them sizzle and transform. After 15-20 minutes, they’ll emerge golden brown and perfectly cooked, with an internal temperature hitting the delicious sweet spot of 145°F.

• Serve With Flair

Pull the pork chops out and let them rest briefly. Plate with a zesty lemon wedge, creating a restaurant-worthy meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Ina Garten’s Tips for Juicier Baked Pork Chops

• Crisp Up Your Coating: Experiment with different breadcrumb types like Japanese panko, whole wheat, or seasoned Italian breadcrumbs to create unique texture and flavor profiles.
• Spice It Up: Customize the seasoning blend by adding chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, or dried herbs like thyme and rosemary for a personalized kick that transforms the classic recipe.
• Swap the Protein: Replace pork chops with chicken breasts, turkey cutlets, or even fish fillets while maintaining the same delicious crispy coating technique for versatile meal options.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute traditional breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond meal, crushed cornflakes, or gluten-free breadcrumbs to accommodate dietary restrictions without sacrificing crunch.

Serving Ideas for Baked Pork Chops from Ina’s Kitchen

• Pair with Vibrant Sides: Create a colorful plate by serving the crispy pork chops alongside roasted seasonal vegetables like asparagus, carrots, or Brussels sprouts for a balanced meal.
• Drizzle with Tangy Sauce: Enhance the flavor by adding a quick homemade sauce such as honey mustard, herb-infused aioli, or a light lemon-garlic drizzle to complement the crispy coating.
• Complete the Feast: Serve with creamy mashed potatoes, garlic rice, or a fresh garden salad to round out the dish and provide delightful texture contrasts.
• Fresh Herb Finale: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley, chives, or basil on top just before serving to add a burst of color and bright, fresh flavor to the golden-brown pork chops.

How to Save and Reheat Ina’s Pork Chops Without Drying Them

• Meal Planning & Storage Advice
• Refrigerate Right: Store leftover pork chops in an airtight container within two hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze for Later: Wrap cooled pork chops individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. They'll maintain top-quality flavor for up to 3 months when frozen.
• Reheat with Care: Warm refrigerated chops in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to preserve their crispy coating and prevent drying out. Avoid microwave reheating to maintain texture.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare extra pork chops during weekend cooking sessions. Slice and add to salads, sandwiches, or grain bowls for quick weekday lunches that burst with flavor.

Juicy Ina Garten Baked Pork Chops Recipe

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4.9 from 11 reviews

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

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Description

Ina Garten’s baked pork chops deliver rich, herbed flavors straight from her Barefoot Contessa kitchen. Home cooks can create this classic dinner with simple ingredients and foolproof techniques that guarantee a delicious meal.

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Ingredients

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• 4 bone-in pork chops (¾-inch thick, about 2 ¼ lbs/1 kg)
• 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
• 5 tbsps vegetable oil
• 3 tbsps grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tsps dried Italian seasoning
• kosher salt
• freshly ground black pepper
• lemon wedges (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to a blazing 450°F (232°C), setting the stage for a perfectly crisp pork chop experience.
2. Seasoning Blend: Combine panko breadcrumbs, olive oil, Parmigiano-Reggiano, Italian herbs, kosher salt, and black pepper in a large plastic bag. Thoroughly mix the ingredients by massaging the bag to create a uniform coating mixture.
3. Coating Technique: Lightly moisten pork chops with water to help the breadcrumb mixture adhere. Transfer chops into the seasoned breadcrumb bag, shaking and turning to ensure complete, even coverage.
4. Baking Setup: Position a wire cooling rack on a rimmed baking sheet to promote air circulation. Arrange breaded pork chops with ample space between them, sprinkling any remaining breadcrumb mixture over the top for extra crunch.
5. Roasting Process: Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven, roasting for 15-20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Cooking time may vary depending on chop thickness.
6. Resting and Serving: Remove pork chops from the oven and let rest for 3-5 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute. Garnish with fresh lemon wedges to add a bright, zesty complement to the crispy exterior.

Notes

• Maximize Crispiness: Use a wire rack on the baking sheet to ensure hot air circulates evenly, creating a uniformly golden and crunchy exterior.
• Moisture Magic: Lightly spray pork chops with water before breading to help the panko crumbs stick better and create a more cohesive coating.
• Temperature Precision: Cook pork chops until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F to guarantee juicy, perfectly cooked meat without drying out.
• Resting Ritual: Allow pork chops to rest 3-5 minutes after cooking, letting juices redistribute for maximum tenderness and flavor preservation.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 461
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 530 mg
• Fat: 29 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg