How to Make Simple Shake-and-Bake Pork Chops
Updated: Sep. 06, 2023
Made in just 30 minutes, these shake-and-bake pork chops are the perfect weeknight dinner.
If you grew up with boxed Shake ‘N Bake seasonings, then you already know shake-and-bake pork chops are wonderful. Sure, you can buy the box mix from the store, but a homemade shake-and-bake seasoning saves a trip, is less expensive and is a whole lot tastier. Try it for yourself with our recipe below.
What Are Shake-and-Bake Pork Chops?
Shake-and-bake pork loin chops are the result of cuts of pork that are oiled, placed in a bag or container with bread crumbs and spices, shaken vigorously to coat and then baked in the oven. The two major actions (shake and bake) are its namesake, famously known from Kraft’s Shake ‘N Bake boxed seasoning mix.
Ingredients for Crispy Shake-and-Bake Pork Chops
Crispy shake-and-bake pork chops use simple ingredients: pork loins, dried bread crumbs, oil and a myriad of seasonings. You can use panko bread crumbs in place of regular bread crumbs but know that panko has airier and larger flakes which will give the pork chops a much crispier texture than bread crumbs.
You can also use seasoned bread crumbs, but make sure the seasonings pair well with those in this shake-and-bake pork chops recipe. This recipe uses a few stronger seasonings like paprika, celery salt and parsley flakes, so pair wisely!
The Best Pork for Shake-and-Bake Pork Chops
The best pork for shake-and-bake pork chops is 1/2-inch thick bone-in pork loin chops. As with all pork chop recipes, be sure that the pork chops are all around the same size so they finish cooking at the same time. You can use boneless pork chops in this recipe, but decrease the cooking time by around five minutes.
Shake-and-Bake Pork Chops Recipe
Our shake-and-bake pork chops are the perfect weeknight dinner recipe that also makes enough for leftovers! This recipe comes together in about 30 minutes and makes eight servings.
Ingredients
- 1-1/2 cups dry bread crumbs
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1-1/2 teaspoons salt
- 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon celery salt
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 8 bone-in pork loin chops (1/2 inch thick)
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
Directions
Step 1: Mix seasonings
Preheat oven to 425°F. Mix bread crumbs, paprika, salt, garlic powder, celery salt, onion powder, dried parsley flakes and pepper in large, resealable plastic bag.
Step 2: Prepare pork chops
Pat dry each pork chop with a paper towel. Brush both sides of the pork chops with oil.
Step 3: Shake pork chops in seasonings
Add one pork chop to the bag. Close the bag, trapping some air in it, and shake vigorously for about 10 seconds. Place the pork chop on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat this step with each pork chop, shaking each chop one at a time.
Step 4: Bake pork chops
Bake for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, or until a thermometer reads 145°.
Editor’s Tip: If you cut into the pork and see a bit of pink, that’s OK! As long as the pork has reached 145° or above, it’s safe to eat.
Tips for Making Shake-and-Bake Pork Chops
What can you use instead of a Ziploc bag to shake the pork chops?
Instead of a Ziploc bag, try using a food storage container following the same method. Another alternative is simply mixing all of the breading ingredients in a shallow bowl, dipping the pork chops one at a time to coat both sides and shaking off the excess (but that method’s not as fun).
What other spices can you add to make these pork chops your own?
If you’re making this recipe over and over again but want to switch up the spices, we got you! We recommend making a Cajun-inspired shake-and-bake pork chop recipe by using your favorite Cajun seasoning blend in place of the herbs and spices in this recipe. You could also try barbecue flavors with brown sugar, chili powder, cumin, mustard powder and ground coriander. Or, go Italian-style with a few tablespoons of Italian seasoning and a big sprinkling of Parmesan.
Why are my shake-and-bake pork chops soggy?
Your shake-and-bake pork chops may be soggy due to excess moisture from the pork chops, especially if you thawed your pork chops. Before coating them in the oil and seasonings, blot your pork chops dry with paper towels.
Another culprit could be an accumulation of steam from underneath the pork chops as they bake on the tray. To avoid this, fit an oven-safe cooling rack on the parchment-lined baking sheet, place the seasoned pork chops on the rack and bake. This will provide proper air circulation all around the entirety of the pork chops.
What do you serve with shake-and-bake pork chops?
Applesauce has always been the perfect accompaniment for pork chops, and a side of classic creamed spinach gives this recipe a fiber boost. And, since you already have the oven on, you might as well make roasted potatoes with garlic butter or our best-ever mac and cheese.
How do you store shake-and-bake pork chops?
Store leftover shake-and-bake pork chops in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat shake-and-bake pork chops, bake in a 350° oven for 10 minutes, in an air fryer at 370° for 4-5 minutes or in the microwave for a few minutes.
