Craving a delicious, crispy pork chop without the extra calories? Get ready to revolutionize your dinner routine with these mouthwatering Weight Watchers-friendly Oven Fried Pork Chops that prove healthy eating doesn't mean sacrificing flavor! Imagine biting into a perfectly golden, crunchy exterior that gives way to juicy, tender meat - all without the greasy guilt of traditional frying. This recipe is about to become your new weeknight dinner superhero!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Pork chops
- Breadcrumbs
- Parmesan cheese
- Eggs
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly spray with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a shallow dish, combine breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to create an even seasoning blend.
- In a separate shallow bowl, crack and whisk the eggs until well blended. This will serve as the binding agent for the breading.
- Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the breading adhere better to the meat.
- Dip each pork chop first into the whisked eggs, ensuring complete coverage. Allow excess egg to drip off.
- Immediately transfer the egg-coated pork chop to the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs adhere evenly on all sides.
- Place the breaded pork chops onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other for even cooking.
- Lightly spray the top of the pork chops with cooking spray. This will help achieve a golden, crispy exterior.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) and the breading is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 3-5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender pork chops.
- Optional: Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a light salad for a complete, Weight Watchers-friendly meal.
Tips
- Pat the pork chops completely dry before breading to ensure maximum crispiness and better breading adherence.
- Use a meat thermometer to precisely check the internal temperature - 145°F is the sweet spot for perfectly cooked pork.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet. Give each pork chop space to ensure even browning and crispy edges.
- For extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs instead of traditional breadcrumbs.
- Let the pork chops rest after cooking to lock in those delicious juices.
- Experiment with different herb and spice combinations in your breading mix to keep things exciting.
- For a lower-carb option, try using almond flour or crushed pork rinds as a breading alternative.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 120mg
