If you're looking for a deliciously easy weeknight dinner that will impress your family and friends, look no further than these Crunchy Baked Ranch Pork Chops! With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can transform ordinary pork chops into a mouthwatering meal that's bursting with flavor. Imagine juicy, tender pork enveloped in a crispy, golden coating, all enhanced by the tangy goodness of ranch dressing. Ready to elevate your dinner game? Dive into this recipe and discover how simple it is to create a dish that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 pork chops
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a shallow bowl, mix breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Pour ranch dressing into a separate shallow bowl or dish.
- Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the coating adhere better.
- Dip each pork chop first into the ranch dressing, ensuring it's completely coated on both sides, allowing excess to drip off.
- Next, roll the ranch-coated pork chop in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help the crumbs stick and create an even coating.
- Place the breaded pork chops on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each chop to ensure even cooking and crispy edges.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the pork chops reaches 145°F (63°C) and the breadcrumb coating is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from oven and let the pork chops rest for 3-5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute and maintain moisture.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh parsley or a side of ranch dressing for dipping.
Tips
- Choose the Right Pork Chops: For the best results, opt for bone-in pork chops, as they tend to stay juicier during cooking. However, boneless chops work well too if that's what you have on hand.
- Pat Dry for Better Coating: Make sure to pat the pork chops dry with paper towels before coating them. This step helps the ranch dressing and breadcrumbs adhere better, resulting in a crunchier texture.
- Customize the Seasoning: Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices to the breadcrumb mixture. A pinch of paprika or Italian seasoning can add an extra layer of flavor.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet: Give each pork chop enough space on the baking sheet to ensure they cook evenly and develop a crispy crust. If necessary, use two sheets.
- Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). This ensures your pork chops are safe to eat while remaining juicy.
- Let Them Rest: After baking, allow the pork chops to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat moist and tender.
- Serve with Sides: Pair your crunchy pork chops with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 525kcal
Carbohydrates: 24g
Protein: 26g
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 80mg