The SECRET to Perfect Homemade Shake and Bake Pork Chops

Want to know the secret to a perfectly cooked, juicy pork chop with a flawless, crispy crust? This homemade Shake and Bake recipe is going to completely change your dinner game!

In this recipe, we are ditching the store-bought boxes and making a homemade breadcrumb and spice blend packed with flavor—including a kick from our very own homemade smoked paprika. Plus, we're sharing a game-changing money-saving hack: brush the oil directly onto the pork chops instead of mixing it into your breadcrumbs so you can save your leftover dry mix for your next batch! Baked at 400°F to a perfectly juicy 145°F, these thick, bone-in pork chops are an absolute must-try. (Pro-tip: Try serving these alongside some braised cabbage!)

Ingredients

• 3 bone-in pork chops
• Cooking oil (for brushing)
• 4 cups breadcrumbs
• 1 tbsp salt
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
• 1 tbsp celery salt
• 1 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic salt
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp instant minced onion
• 1/8 tsp (a pinch) dried oregano
• 1/8 tsp (a pinch) dried basil
• 1/8 tsp (a pinch) dried parsley

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2. Combine the Dry Mix: In a large, sealable plastic bag, add the breadcrumbs, salt, paprika, celery salt, ground black pepper, garlic salt, garlic powder, instant minced onion, oregano, basil, and parsley.
3. Mix the Seasoning: Seal the bag tightly to ensure nothing spills out, and shake/mix the ingredients thoroughly.
4. Save the Extra (Money-Saving Hack): Because you only need about 1 to 1.5 cups for three pork chops, pour about half of the dry breadcrumb mixture into an airtight container and store it away for a future meal. Keep the portion you intend to use inside the plastic bag. (Note: Do not mix oil directly into your master batch of breadcrumbs, as the oil will spoil the leftovers!)
5. Oil the Pork Chops: Using a basting brush, lightly coat both sides of the raw pork chops with cooking oil. This step helps the breadcrumbs stick perfectly.
6. Shake and Coat: Place one oiled pork chop into the plastic bag with the breadcrumb mixture. Seal the bag and shake it until the chop is fully coated. Remove it and place it on a baking pan. Repeat this process for the remaining pork chops. Discard any leftover breadcrumbs that touched the raw pork.
7. Bake: Place the pan with the breaded pork chops into the 400°F oven. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes (depending on thickness).
8. Check the Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The pork chops are ready when they reach an internal temperature of at least 145°F.
9. Serve: Remove from the oven, let them rest briefly, and enjoy!