Italian Breaded Pork Chops

Italian breaded pork chops, or cotolette alla Milanese are a culinary staple that bridges the gap between comforting home cooking and elegant dining. This dish, with its crispy, golden crust and tender, juicy interior, is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and perfect for using up day old bread. Let's dive into the secrets of creating the perfect Italian breaded pork chops. I have tips, tricks, and answers to your burning questions to share.

How to bread pork chops

The key to exceptional crispy pork chops lies in the crust. A well-executed breading provides a textural contrast to the tender pork. It's similar to the fried shrimp technique. Here's how to achieve the golden crisp magical crust that locks in the juices:

1. Choose the right cut of meat: Opt for bone-in or boneless pork chops, about ½-inch thick. Bone-in chops tend to be more flavorful, while boneless are quicker to cook. I usually season the meat with salt and pepper before dredging.
2. Tenderizing: For extra tenderness, consider pounding the chops slightly with a meat mallet. This also helps ensure even cooking.
3. Don't brine: While brining adds flavor and extra juiciness the absorption of liquid into the meat may prevent the crust from sticking.
4. The Three-Step Breading:
   • Flour: Dredge the chops in all-purpose flour. This creates a dry surface for the egg to adhere to. Season the flour with salt, pepper, and your favorite Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme), if desired.
   • Egg Wash: Dip the floured chops in a mixture of beaten eggs and a splash of water. This helps the breadcrumbs stick.
   • Breadcrumbs: Coat the egg-dipped chops thoroughly with your custom blend of seasoned breadcrumbs. For a truly authentic experience, use homemade breadcrumbs for extra crispness. You can also add parmesan cheese to the breadcrumbs for extra flavor. I always do.
5. Cooking Method: Pan-frying in olive oil or a combination of olive oil and butter is the traditional method. Ensure the oil is hot but not smoking to achieve a golden-brown crust without burning. Alternatively, an air fryer can be used for a lower fat option. Just lightly spray the exterior of your breaded pork with a high smoke point oil like avocado or grapeseed. Air fryer pork chops will cook for about 10-14 minutes at 380°F. Turn them after 5 to 7 minutes of the cook time.

How to flavor Italian Breaded Pork Chops

While the classic recipe is delicious, you can elevate your Italian breaded pork chops with a few simple additions:

• Garlic and Herbs: Incorporate garlic powder into the flour and fresh herbs into the breadcrumb mixture for a more aromatic flavor. I don't use fresh garlic in the breading as it easily burns. For more garlic punch, flavor your cooking oil with a few cloves and then remove it before adding the pork chops.
• Lemon Zest: A touch of lemon zest adds a bright, citrusy note that complements the richness of the pork.
• Parmesan Cheese: As mentioned, adding grated parmesan cheese to the breadcrumbs enhances the savory flavor and adds a subtle nutty undertone.
• Sauce it up!: Serve with a simple tomato sauce, a lemon-butter sauce, or a creamy mushroom sauce for added depth.

Serving suggestions

Italian breaded pork chops are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of sides:

• Classic Sides: Roasted potatoes, sautéed vegetables (broccoli, spinach, asparagus), or a simple green salad.
• Italian Inspired: Pasta with marinara sauce, risotto, or polenta.
• Comfort Food: Creamy mashed potatoes or a warm crusty bread.

Italian breaded pork chops are a testament to the beauty of simple, well-executed cooking. With a little attention to detail, you can create a dish that's both comforting and impressive. Enjoy the crispy, golden goodness!

Italian Breaded Pork Chops

Lisa Keys

Italian breaded pork chops with homemade breadcrumbs is an easy comfort main dish meal.

5 from 1 vote

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 minutes mins

Total Time 23 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4 servings

Calories 259 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 4 boneless or bone-in pork chops ½-inch thickness
• 1-2 teaspoons kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon water
• 2 cups fine soft breadcrumbs day old bread ground in food processor
• ¼ grated parmesan cheese
• Olive oil

Instructions

 

• Pat pork chops dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
• Mix flour and Italian seasoning on a flat plate. Dust pork chops with flour mixture shaking off the excess.
• Using a fork, on a flat plate, blend egg and water. Dip pork chops in egg mixture letting excess drip back onto plate.
• On a third plate mix breadcrumbs and cheese. Coat the pork chops with crumbs gently pressing them into the meat. Shake off any loose crumbs.
• Lay breaded pork chops in a single layer on a rack set inside a sheet pan. Chill at least 30 minutes or as long as a few hours, uncovered, in the refrigerator.
• Heat (¼-inch deep) olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.
• Cook as many pork chops as possible that will fit in the skillet in a single layer. Cook 3 to 4 minutes per side or until brown and crisp on both sides.
• Transfer chops to paper towels. Sprinkle with additional salt, if needed.
• Serve immediately with desired sides and garnishes.

Notes

You can also cook the chops in a mix of 2 parts oil to butter.

Chops can be cooked in an air fryer at 380°F for 10-12 minutes.

2 hot dog buns ground in the food processor yields 1 ½ to 2 cups bread crumbs

4 to 6 slices Italian bread ground in the food processor yields 2 cups bread crumbs

Keyword air fryer, dinner, quick and easy, shallow fry