Hey y'all! If you're craving a hearty, comforting meal that brings Southern flavor to your kitchen, these Country Fried Pork Chops are just what you need. With their irresistible crispy coating and tender, juicy pork inside, this recipe is a family favorite that's easy enough for weeknights but impressive for guests. Ready to discover your new go-to dinner? Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Country Fried Pork Chops Recipe
- Crispy golden crust with juicy, tender pork in every bite.
- Quick and easy dinner—on the table in just about 35 minutes.
- Perfect for both family meals and special occasions.
- Budget-friendly ingredients you probably have in your pantry.
- Great make-ahead potential with easy reheating instructions.
Ingredients for Authentic Country Fried Pork Chops
- 4 boneless pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 cup breadcrumbs or crushed saltine crackers
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Vegetable oil, for frying (about 1.5 cups)
- Optional: fresh parsley, for garnish
Step-by-Step Directions: How to Make Country Fried Pork Chops
1. Prepare the Pork Chops
Pat the pork chops dry with a paper towel. Use a meat mallet to pound each chop to an even ¾-inch thickness for even cooking.
2. Set Up Your Dredging Station
In one shallow dish, mix flour, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. In a second bowl, whisk eggs with buttermilk until smooth. In a third dish, pour the breadcrumbs or crushed crackers.
3. Dredge the Country Fried Pork Chops
Dredge each pork chop in the seasoned flour, dip in the egg-buttermilk mixture, then coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs or crackers. Pat gently to help the breading adhere.
4. Fry the Country Fried Pork Chops
Heat vegetable oil (about ½ inch deep) in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Carefully add pork chops and fry for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown, crispy, and internal temperature hits 145°F (63°C).
5. Drain and Rest
Transfer fried pork chops onto a plate lined with paper towels. Let them rest for 3-5 minutes to retain juiciness.
Notes for Perfect Country Fried Pork Chops
- For extra tenderness, marinate the pork chops in buttermilk for 2 hours before breading.
- Keep an eye on oil temperature with an instant-read thermometer (see why here).
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet—fry in batches for the crispiest chops.
Country Fried Pork Chops Variations
- Spicy Southern: Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for a kick.
- Country Gravy: Serve with classic peppered white gravy for true Southern comfort.
- Oven-Baked: Skip frying and bake breaded chops on a wire rack at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes.
Required Equipment for Country Fried Pork Chops
- Large cast iron or heavy-bottomed skillet
- Shallow dishes or pie plates
- Meat mallet
- Paper towels
- Tongs or a slotted spatula
- Kitchen thermometer
How to Store Country Fried Pork Chops
Let your pork chops cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat: bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-12 minutes for the best crispiness. Freeze for up to 2 months—thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Serving Suggestions for Country Fried Pork Chops
Pair your crispy pork chops with creamy mashed potatoes, coleslaw, cornbread, or sautéed green beans for a true Southern feast. Don’t forget a drizzle of country gravy or a side of apple sauce!
Pro Tips for the Best Country Fried Pork Chops
- Use room-temperature pork chops for even cooking (learn more here).
- Let breaded chops rest for 10 minutes before frying to help the coating set.
- Use peanut or canola oil for higher smoke point and superior crispiness (see oil comparison).
Country Fried Pork Chops FAQ
- Can I use bone-in pork chops for this recipe?
- Absolutely! Just add 1-2 extra minutes per side when frying to cook thoroughly.
- What's the best way to keep the breading from falling off?
- Make sure chops are dry before breading, and let the breaded pork rest before frying for best results.
- Can I make country fried pork chops gluten-free?
- Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs with your favorite gluten-free versions.
Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 20 minutes | Total time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about ½ inch thick)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ cup vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
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1Pat pork chops dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
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2In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs and milk. In another bowl, mix flour, garlic powder, and paprika.
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3Dip each pork chop first into the flour mixture, then into the egg mixture, and again into the flour mixture, pressing to adhere.
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4Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until hot but not smoking.
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5Place pork chops in the skillet and fry for 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
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6Transfer pork chops to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve hot.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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