Name: Crispy Baked Pork Chops with Lemon Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless pork chops about 1 inch thick; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 1/2 cups plain breadcrumbs; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon celery seed; 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 1/3 cup mayonnaise; Fresh minced parsley for sprinkling; Lemon wedges for serving

If you love a juicy, flavorful dinner that’s surprisingly easy, I’ve got a winner for you. This Crispy Baked Pork Chops with Lemon Recipe is all about golden, crunchy outsides paired with tender pork and a bright splash of fresh lemon. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal!

The image shows a white plate with three golden-brown fried chicken pieces stacked close to each other on the left side. The top piece is pierced by a black fork held by a woman's hand, revealing a crispy, textured crust with small herbs sprinkled on top. Underneath the fried chicken, there are two bright yellow lemon slices partly visible. On the right side of the plate, there is a pile of fresh, bright green cut green beans. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Baked Pork Chops with Lemon Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Baked Pork Chops with Lemon Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Baked Pork Chops with Lemon Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I make these crispy baked pork chops again and again because they hit that perfect balance between easy prep and downright delicious. Plus, the lemon adds such a fresh twist that makes every bite pop with flavor.

Simple ingredients: You probably already have everything on hand, making this a stress-free dinner.
Quick prep and cook: Ready from start to finish in just 30 minutes.
No frying mess: Baking keeps things tidy while still delivering that satisfying crispy crust.
Bright lemon finish: Fresh lemon wedges add a zing that perfectly complements the savory pork.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When picking your ingredients, aim for fresh, quality pork chops about an inch thick—they cook evenly and stay juicy. The breading mix is a flavorful blend that takes simple breadcrumbs to the next level, and the mayonnaise is key for that crispy coating without frying.

Flat lay of four fresh boneless pork chops with clean white shells of two whole brown eggs resting nearby, a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden plain breadcrumbs, another small white bowl holding finely grated Parmesan cheese, a small white bowl containing smooth mayonnaise, fresh whole lemons cut into wedges alongside a few bright green sprigs of parsley, all arranged symmetrically and naturally on a simple white ceramic baking sheet, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Boneless pork chops: Thick enough to stay tender and juicy when baking.
Salt and pepper: Basic seasoning to enhance the natural pork flavor.
Plain breadcrumbs: The crispy foundation for the breading.
Kosher salt: Adds a clean, sharp salty taste to the crust.
Smoked paprika: Brings mild smokiness and a beautiful color.
Black pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth.
Garlic powder: Provides rich, savory undertones.
Onion powder: Enhances overall flavor complexity.
Celery seed: A little surprise note that brightens the seasoning mix.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: For nuttiness and extra crispiness.
Mayonnaise: Helps the breading stick and creates a wonderfully crunchy crust.
Fresh minced parsley: A fresh garnish that adds color and a hint of herbal brightness.
Lemon wedges: To squeeze on top and add that refreshing citrus zing.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

The beauty of this Crispy Baked Pork Chops with Lemon Recipe is that it’s a fantastic canvas for your creativity. Whether you want to tweak the seasoning or try different cooking methods, there’s plenty of room to make it truly yours without compromising on that juicy, flavorful bite.

Pan-Fried Variation: I love the occasional pan-fried version when craving extra crispiness. Using a heavy skillet with about ¼ inch of vegetable or peanut oil, frying the pork chops for 5-6 minutes per side creates a beautifully golden crust. Just watch the temperature carefully to hit that safe 140-145°F internal temp for juicy perfection.
Air Fryer Twist: For a quick, less oily option, air frying at 400°F works wonders. After lightly spraying both the basket and chops, cooking for 6 minutes per side gives a wonderfully crisp outside and tender inside—perfect for busy weeknights.
Lemon Love: Don't skip those fresh lemon wedges! The bright citrus squeeze right before eating adds a refreshing pop that complements the smokiness of the paprika and the richness of Parmesan perfectly.
Herb Boost: Sprinkle extra fresh minced parsley or even some thyme or oregano on top before serving for a lovely herbal aroma and flavor that elevates this easy dinner even further.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Baked Pork Chops with Lemon Recipe

The dish shows a white plate with three parts: sliced golden brown crispy coated meat arranged in a slight curve on the left side, sprinkled with small green herb bits, and garnished with two lemon slices at the top left and one lemon slice at the bottom right of the meat; next to the meat, on the top right side, is a creamy light yellow mound of mashed potatoes with some small green herb pieces sprinkled on top and a small melting pat of butter; on the bottom right side, there are bright green steamed cut green beans placed neatly together. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Get Oven Ready and Prep Your Pan

Start by preheating your oven to a toasty 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper—this keeps cleanup easy and helps the pork chops bake evenly without sticking. Setting this up ahead keeps the process smooth as you move along.

Step 2: Season Those Pork Chops

Pat your boneless pork chops dry with paper towels; this step is key to crispiness because moisture slows browning. Then season lightly with salt and pepper on both sides. It’s a simple seasoning, but it lets the pork’s natural flavor shine through.

Step 3: Mix Up the Flavorful Breading

In a shallow bowl, combine plain breadcrumbs, kosher salt, smoked paprika, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, celery seed, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Give it a good stir to distribute all those flavorful bits—this mixture is where the magic happens, lending that smoky, cheesy punch.

Step 4: Coat the Pork Chops with Mayo and Bread Crumbs

Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on one side of a pork chop—this acts like glue and adds moisture. Press that mayo-coated side into your breadcrumb mixture, making sure it’s well coated. Then repeat by spreading mayo on the other side and sprinkling that side with the breadcrumbs. Gently press the crumbs to help them stick, then place the breaded chop on your prepared baking sheet. Repeat the process for all four pork chops.

Step 5: Bake to Crispy, Juicy Perfection

Lightly spray the tops of the pork chops with cooking spray—this helps the breading brown beautifully in the oven. Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature; you’re aiming for 145°F to keep the pork juicy and safe to eat.

Step 6: Rest and Serve with a Fresh Lemon Twist

Once out of the oven, let your pork chops rest a few minutes to lock in those delicious juices. Then sprinkle freshly minced parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately with plenty of lemon wedges on the side—squeeze a little bright lemon juice over each chop just before eating to awaken all those smoky, savory flavors.

Top Tip

These tips will help you get the crispiest, juiciest baked pork chops every time while making the preparation seamless and enjoyable.

Even Coating: Spread the mayonnaise in a thin, even layer before pressing the pork chops into the breadcrumb mix. This helps the coating stick perfectly and bake up crisp without sogginess.
Proper Drying: Patting your pork chops dry with paper towels before seasoning prevents excess moisture from steaming the breading, leading to a better crunch.
Use a Rack (Optional): Placing the pork chops on a wire rack set over the baking sheet can improve airflow and ensure an extra crispy crust all around.
Avoid Overcrowding: Make sure the pork chops have enough space on the baking sheet so the heat can circulate evenly; this avoids soggy spots in the breading.

How to Serve Crispy Baked Pork Chops with Lemon Recipe

The image shows six steps of making a breaded meat dish on a white marbled surface. The first image features a white bowl with a flat, even layer of light brown breadcrumbs inside. The second image shows four raw meat pieces on a white tray, each covered with a spread of creamy white mayonnaise. The third image displays one raw meat piece placed in the center of the white bowl with breadcrumbs. The fourth image shows a single meat piece coated with mayonnaise resting on top of breadcrumbs in the bowl. In the fifth image, the meat is fully coated with breadcrumbs, sitting inside the bowl. The last image presents four finished meat pieces, fully breaded and ready, laid out side by side on a white tray. A wooden spoon with breadcrumbs is near the bowl, and a woman's hand appears holding breadcrumbs in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh minced parsley is a bright, flavorful garnish that adds a lovely pop of color and herbaceous freshness. Don’t forget the lemon wedges — a simple squeeze over the top right before eating really lifts the dish with a zesty tang that complements the smoky paprika and Parmesan perfectly.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes or roasted garlic potatoes for a cozy meal. For something lighter, consider a crisp green salad or steamed green beans tossed with a bit of lemon and olive oil. Roasted vegetables, like asparagus or carrots, also make for colorful, wholesome sides that balance the richness of the pork chops.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover pork chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They keep well for up to 3 days, making them perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners during the week.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked pork chops by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them inside a freezer-safe bag or container. For best quality, consume within 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To keep the breading crispy when reheating, warm the pork chops in a 350°F oven for about 10-12 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the coating soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use bone-in pork chops for this recipe?

Absolutely! Bone-in chops will also turn out flavorful, but keep in mind they might need a few extra minutes in the oven to reach the safe internal temperature of 145°F.

What if I don’t have mayonnaise?

Mayonnaise helps the breadcrumbs stick and adds moisture, but sour cream or Greek yogurt can be good substitutes if you prefer.

How do I know when the pork chops are done?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 145°F. This ensures the pork is safe and juicy without overcooking.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, simply omit the Parmesan cheese from the breading mixture and use a dairy-free mayonnaise alternative.

Final Thoughts

Making Crispy Baked Pork Chops with Lemon Recipe is truly a satisfying experience — it’s quick, easy, and results in a beautifully golden crust with juicy pork inside. The burst of fresh lemon at the end ties everything together with a refreshing finish. I hope these tips and suggestions help you enjoy this dish again and again, whether it’s a weekday dinner or a special meal with family and friends. Happy cooking!