Name: Shake and Bake Pork Chops: Crispy, Juicy, and Foolproof
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-483891H5M23S
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Coating Mix:; 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko works best for extra crunch); 2 teaspoons salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon paprika (adds a little smoky flavor); ½ teaspoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon dried thyme; ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little kick); 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (trust me, it makes a difference); For the Pork Chops:; 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops (½ to ¾ inch thick); 1 egg; 2 tablespoons milk; 1 tablespoon olive oil (helps with crispiness)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Let’s be real—sometimes, you just need dinner to be fast, crispy, and downright delicious without making a mess in the kitchen. That’s where shake and bake pork chops come in. If you grew up in an American household, chances are you’ve had the classic boxed version. But let me tell you—homemade shake and bake pork chops? A total game-changer.

We’re talking juicy on the inside, crispy on the outside, and seasoned just right. Plus, it’s all done with zero frying—just shake, bake, and boom—dinner’s on the table. Perfect for busy nights when you want real food without the fuss.

So, here we are. The recipe for making tasty homemade shake n bake pork.

Jump To

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part? You probably have most of this in your pantry already.

For the Coating Mix:

1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko works best for extra crunch)
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika (adds a little smoky flavor)
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little kick)
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (trust me, it makes a difference)

For the Pork Chops:

4 bone-in or boneless pork chops (½ to ¾ inch thick)
1 egg
2 tablespoons milk
1 tablespoon olive oil (helps with crispiness)

Ingredients for homemade shake and bake pork chops, including bread crumbs, seasonings, oil, and pork chops.

Step-By-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

The oven must be at 425°F/220°C. For easy cleaning and maintenance, parchment or foil should be placed over the baking sheet. For extra crunch, place a wire rack on the baking sheet and lift it above the pork chops slightly so air circulates freely around the pork chops.

2. Make the Shake and Bake Coating

In a large Ziploc bag (or a bowl), mix together all the dry ingredients—breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne, and Parmesan.

Shake the bag or mix it up with a fork. Boom—you just made homemade shake and bake seasoning. Way better than store-bought.

3. Prepare the Pork Chops

whisk together the egg, milk, and olive oil. This helps the coating stick to the pork and adds a little richness.

4. Shake the Pork Chops

Drop one pork chop at a time into the egg mixture, making sure it’s fully coated. Let the excess drip off, then toss it into the breadcrumb mixture. Seal the bag and shake it like you mean it! If using a bowl, press the coating onto the pork chop with your hands.

Repeat for all pork chops.

5. Bake to Crispy Perfection

Transfer the coated pork chops to the lined baking sheet (or rack, if utilized). Bake for 20-25 minutes, halfway through the cooking time flipping the pork chops so they can be evenly browned, until an internal temperature of 145°F is registered.

Pork chop coated with breadcrumbs inside a Ziploc bag, ready for shaking to evenly coat the chop.

Crispy homemade shake and bake pork chops with chopped parsley, resting on parchment paper on a baking sheet

Pro Tip: If you want extra crispiness, broil for the last 2 minutes, but keep an eye on them so they don’t burn!

What to Serve with Shake and Bake Pork Chops

These pork chops go with just about anything, but here are some classic sides:

Mashed potatoes – Because pork chops and mashed potatoes are a perfect match.
Roasted veggies – Easy and healthy (think broccoli, carrots, or green beans).
Coleslaw – A crunchy, tangy side to balance out the richness.
Garlic bread – Not traditional, but trust me, you won’t regret it.

Close-up of a sliced homemade shake and bake pork chop with crispy coating and tender interior.

Tips for the Best Shake and Bake Pork Chops

Use Panko breadcrumbs – Regular breadcrumbs work, but Panko makes them super crispy.
Don’t skip the Parmesan – It adds depth of flavor. Even a little makes a difference.
Let the coated chops sit for 5 minutes before baking – This helps the breading stick better.
Use a meat thermometer – Overcooked pork chops = sadness. Aim for 145°F for juicy results.

Why Shake and Bake Pork Chops Are a Game-Changer

If you’ve ever struggled with making pork chops that stay crispy and flavorful, you’re not alone. Many people end up with dry, bland chops, but that’s why shake and bake pork chops are so popular. The breadcrumb coating locks in moisture while crisping up beautifully in the oven. No deep frying, no greasy mess—just pure, crunchy goodness.

The secret is in the perfect balance of seasoning and texture. The mix of breadcrumbs, herbs, and Parmesan creates a savory crust that sticks to the meat. Unlike traditional frying, where the breading sometimes falls off, this method gives you a perfectly even coating that stays put.

Homemade shake and bake pork chop served with mashed potatoes and carrots.

Store-Bought vs. Homemade Shake and Bake Pork Chops

A lot of people grew up using the classic Shake ‘N Bake mix from the box—and hey, no shame in that! It’s quick and nostalgic. But when you make homemade shake and bake pork chops, you get way more flavor and control over ingredients.

Here’s why homemade wins every time:

Better ingredients – No preservatives or artificial flavors.
Custom seasoning – Adjust the spices to your taste (extra garlic? Yes, please!).
More crunch – Panko breadcrumbs give a crispier coating than the boxed version.
Less salt – Store-bought versions can be super salty, but homemade lets you control it.

If you’ve never tried making it from scratch, give it a shot—you’ll never go back!

Shake and Bake Pork Chops for Every Occasion

The beauty of shake and bake pork chops is that they fit into any meal plan. Whether you’re making a weeknight dinner for the family, meal-prepping for the week, or cooking for guests, these chops are a crowd-pleaser.

For a quick family dinner, serve them with mashed potatoes and green beans—classic comfort food. If you’re in the mood for something lighter, pair them with a fresh salad and roasted Brussels sprouts.

Want to make them fancy? Add a drizzle of honey mustard sauce or garlic butter on top. The crispy coating soaks it up beautifully, making each bite even better.

Can You Freeze Shake and Bake Pork Chops?

Yes! You can absolutely freeze shake and bake pork chops—either before or after baking.

To freeze before baking:

Coat the pork chops as usual, then place them on a baking sheet.
Put the sheet in the freezer for about 1 hour (this prevents sticking).
Once frozen solid, transfer the chops to a Ziploc bag and store for up to 3 months.
When ready to bake, cook them straight from frozen—just add 5-7 extra minutes to the bake time.

To freeze after baking:

Let the pork chops cool completely before wrapping them in foil or plastic wrap.
You can store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to two months.
For instance, reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes or in an air fryer at 375°F for 5-7 minutes.

This makes meal prep a breeze—just pull a few out when you need a quick dinner!

Shake and Bake Pork Chops: Variations to Try

Shake and bake pork chops recipe is amazing as is, but if you’re feeling adventurous, here are some fun twists:

BBQ-Style – Add 1 teaspoon of brown sugar and ½ teaspoon smoked paprika to the coating mix for a smoky, slightly sweet flavor.
Italian Herb – Swap out regular breadcrumbs for Italian-seasoned ones and add extra Parmesan and oregano. Serve with marinara sauce!
Spicy Kick – Increase the cayenne pepper to 1 teaspoon and mix in a little chili powder for extra heat.
Cheesy Ranch – Mix in ½ packet of ranch seasoning and an extra sprinkle of cheddar cheese into the breadcrumb mixture.

If you’re a fan of pork but want to try something a little different, check out this juicy and flavorful pork steak recipe for another delicious meal option.

FAQs: Shake and Bake Pork Chops

How long do you shake and bake pork chops?

The shaking process only takes about 10-15 seconds per pork chop, just enough to coat them evenly with the breadcrumb mixture. Baking time is based upon the temperature of the oven and the thickness of the pork chops.
At 425°F: Bake for 20-25 minutes for best crispiness.
Bone-in pork chops: Add 5 extra minutes to the cooking time.
Air fryer method: Cook at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Is it better to bake pork chops at 350 or 400?

Higher heat is the best way to get a crispy, golden crust while keeping the pork chops juicy inside.
At 350°F – Takes 30-35 minutes but may not get as crispy.
At 400°F – Cooks faster (about 20-25 minutes) and gets a nice golden crust.
At 425°F – Best for crispiness, taking about 20 minutes for boneless chops.
For extra crunch, broil the pork chops for the last 2 minutes of baking.

Why are my shake and bake pork chops not crispy?

If your pork chops aren’t turning out as crispy as expected, a few things could be going wrong:
Too much moisture: Dabbing a paper towel on the pork chops is a good idea.
Overcrowding the pan: Give each chop space so they crisp up instead of steaming.
Not using a wire rack: Placing them on a wire rack allows air to circulate for an even crisp.
Low oven temperature: Baking at 350°F may not be hot enough for a crunchy coating.
No oil in the mixture: Adding a little olive oil to the egg wash helps the breading crisp up.
If the pork chops still aren’t crispy enough, air-fry them for 2-3 minutes after baking to crisp up the coating.

Can I use chicken Shake and Bake for pork chops?

Yes, Shake ‘N Bake chicken seasoning does work for pork chops, but honestly, it’s not that punchy. You might like to kick it up a little with garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika.
To up the flavor and give you a richer crust, consider mixing one tablespoon of grated Parmesan into the coating.

Final Thoughts

On a selection scale, maybe a weighted factor of around 9 out of 10. They are soft, crispy, flavorful, and easy-to-make homemade shake and bake pork chops. No need for frying or going through complicated steps. Just shake, bake, and have! Whether you are making dinner for your family or just craving one of those classic comfort meals, this recipe will win the day.

So, go get your pork chops and give it a try. And do tell me how it turned out if you tried it! Happy Cooking!