Shake ‘n Bake has been a household favorite for decades, offering a simple yet tasty way to prepare pork chops. The boxes of Shake ‘n Bake at the store made a convenient semi-homemade dinner solution for moms and dads across America back when it was introduced in 1965. All you had to do was drop your meat into the bag of seasoning, shake it up and bake it for a quick dinner fix that pretty much everybody loves. This recipe brings that nostalgic flavor back but with a homemade twist, making it even better since we know exactly what is going into it! Whether you’re using boneless pork chops or bone-in pork chops, the result is always a golden brown and crispy coating with juicy meat inside—just like the original, but with a lot more flavor and freshness. This version of Shake ‘n Bake pork chops combines panko breadcrumbs, Italian breadcrumbs, and a blend of spices to create a crispy, flavorful coating that’ll make every bite a delight! The best part? You don’t need to stand over a hot stove—just pop these pork chops in the oven, and in under 30 minutes, they’re ready to serve! Whether you’re feeding the whole family or whipping up a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe is your ticket to crispy, juicy pork chops without any hassle! For more easy dinner recipes packed with pork goodness, check out my French Onion Pork Chops, Creamy Apricot Pork Chops, Perfect Grilled Pork Chops with Sweet BBQ Pork Rub, Grilled Thai Pork Tenderloin with Coconut Lime Peanut Sauce, and Smothered Pork Chop Recipe!
Why We Love This Recipe
This recipe gives you perfectly crispy pork chops with a juicy interior, thanks to the combination of panko breadcrumbs and Italian breadcrumbs that deliver that golden brown perfection! It’s a healthier alternative to frying, as these pork chops are baked in the oven, cutting down on the fat but not the flavor. With just a few pantry staples and minimal effort, you can have a delicious main dish that pairs perfectly with your favorite sides like green beans, mashed potatoes, or even a simple salad!
What You’ll Need
Scroll down to the recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
Panko Breadcrumbs – The secret to the extra crispy texture. These light and airy breadcrumbs give the pork chops that perfect crunch. If you don’t have panko, crushed cornflakes or even crushed pork rinds can step in for a different, but still crunchy, coating. Italian Breadcrumbs – These breadcrumbs help bind the coating and bring a bit of extra seasoning. If you’re in a pinch, regular breadcrumbs will work just fine, or go with almond flour for a low-carb alternative. Kosher Salt – Enhances all the flavors in the mix, making sure every bite is well-seasoned. Black Pepper – Adds a subtle kick and balances out the other seasonings. Freshly ground pepper is best for an added touch of heat. Garlic Powder – This adds a savory depth to the coating. You could swap this for fresh garlic, but powder ensures an even distribution throughout the mix. Onion Powder – Complements the garlic powder and adds an extra layer of flavor. If you’re out, try using a bit of finely minced onion. Paprika – Adds a little color and a mild smoky sweetness to the pork chops. Smoked paprika is also a great substitute for a richer flavor. Brown Sugar – This brings a hint of sweetness to balance out the savory ingredients and helps with caramelization during baking. Eggs – These are the glue that holds the breadcrumb mixture onto the pork chops, making sure the coating sticks for that irresistible crunch. Boneless Pork Chops – For this recipe, thick, juicy pork chops are ideal. You can use bone-in if you prefer, but be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly. Thicker pork chops make for juicier meat, so try to pick chops that are about an inch thick.
How to Make Shake n Bake Pork Chops
Tips for Success
Always bring your pork chops to room temperature before baking to ensure even cooking and juicy meat. For an extra thick and crispy coating, double dip the pork chops in the egg wash and breadcrumbs before baking. Use a wire rack on your baking sheet for maximum crispiness on all sides. Patting the pork chops dry before breading helps the coating stick better and crisp up nicely. Don’t skip letting the pork chops rest for a few minutes after baking. This keeps the juices inside, making every bite tender and flavorful.
Substitutions and Variations
If you’re out of panko breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes or pork rinds are great alternatives for an extra crunchy texture. Swap Italian breadcrumbs with regular breadcrumbs or almond flour for a low-carb option. Bone-in pork chops can also be used but will need a bit more cooking time. You can even use chicken breasts for a variation!
More Easy Recipes Starring Pork
Instant Pot Pork Roast Slow Cooker Apricot Pulled Pork The Best Instant Pot Pork Carnitas with Escabeche BBQ Pulled Pork Nachos Instant Pot Pork and Beans Pork Tenderloin Sandwich New Mexico Carne Adovada (Red Chile Pork) Chinese Sweet and Sour Pork
