With just the right amount of seasoning, this breaded pork chops recipe is ready in 30 minutes and will be juicy and delicious. The pork chops are covered in a thin layer of mayonnaise, which keeps the meat very moist, and then they are breaded with a mixture of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
Growing up, I was not really a fan of the “other white meat”, aka, pork. Today, though, we’ve been changing things up, and I must say, I don’t mind at all!
When cooked well, pork chops are incredibly delicious and juicy. And this recipe, it’s ready in about 30 minutes, which is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!.
We’re often in a hurry to make dinner by the time the kids get home from school and do their homework. With after-school activities or playing with neighbors, it’s a real mess when it’s time for dinner.
This recipe is incredibly versatile, can be prepped ahead of time, and is truly a family favorite!
Breaded pork chops are a delicious and easy dinner option that is loved by many. The crispy, golden breading pairs perfectly with the tender, juicy pork inside. Making breaded pork chops is simple – you just need to coat the chops with breadcrumbs or another crunchy coating, then bake, air fry or pan fry until cooked through and crispy.
But what if you make extra breaded pork chops that you want to save for later? Can you freeze breaded pork chops? The answer is yes, you definitely can freeze breaded pork chops for future meals. Freezing is a great way to save time and avoid food waste.
In this complete guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about freezing and storing breaded pork chops, including how to thaw and reheat them to maintain that fabulous crispness you love. Let’s get started!
How to Freeze Breaded Pork Chops
Freezing breaded pork chops is easy to do. Here are step-by-step instructions:
-
Allow cooked breaded pork chops to cool completely, then wrap each chop individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This prevents them from sticking together in the freezer.
-
Place the wrapped chops in a resealable freezer bag or airtight freezer container Squeeze out excess air before sealing to prevent freezer burn
-
Label the bag or container with the contents and freeze date.
-
Freeze for up to 3 months. Place in the back of the freezer where the temperature stays most constant.
Tips for Freezing
-
Chops should be completely cooled before freezing never frozen while still hot or warm.
-
Use high quality freezer bags or containers to prevent freezer burn.
-
Double wrap or seal to prevent freezer burn and drying out.
-
Lay chops flat in a single layer when freezing for easier stacking and thawing later.
-
Don’t overcrowd chops in the freezer or they may stick together. Leave some space between them.
How Long Do Breaded Pork Chops Last In the Freezer?
Properly frozen breaded pork chops can last in the freezer for 3 to 6 months before quality starts to decline.
The breading may start losing its texture and become soggy over time. The pork also dries out if frozen too long.
For best quality and taste, try to eat frozen breaded chops within 3 months. Properly wrap chops to prevent freezer burn, which shortens freezer life.
How to Thaw Frozen Breaded Pork Chops
Thawing is an important step to preserve the texture and moisture of frozen breaded pork chops.
Here are some safe ways to thaw frozen breaded pork chops:
-
Fridge thawing: Place chops in the refrigerator in their original airtight wrapping. Allow 24 hours for thicker chops to thaw, or 8-12 hours for thinner chops.
-
Cold water thawing: Submerge chops still in their airtight wrapping in cold water, changing water every 30 minutes. About 30 minutes thawing time per 1/2 inch thickness.
-
Microwave thawing: Unwrap chops and place on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave at 30% power, checking often. Thaw just until soft enough to separate.
-
Air thaw: Unwrap and place chops on a baking sheet. Allow to sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours until thawed.
Once thawed, use chops immediately. Do not refreeze thawed pork chops.
How to Cook Frozen Breaded Pork Chops
You can cook frozen breaded pork chops without thawing first for a quick and easy meal. Adjust cook times as follows:
Oven baked: Bake frozen chops at 400°F for 15 minutes longer, until internal temperature reaches 145°F.
Air fried: Air fry frozen chops at 380°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until 145°F internal temperature.
Pan fried: Fry over medium heat for 1-2 minutes longer per side, until chops are cooked through.
Grilled: Grill frozen chops over medium heat for 3-4 minutes longer per side, until internal temp hits 145°F.
Allow a rest time of 3-5 minutes after cooking frozen chops before serving. Check internal temperature in thickest part. Frozen chops may cook unevenly so watch carefully.
How to Reheat Breaded Pork Chops
Leftover breaded pork chops deserve to be just as crispy and delicious as when first cooked. Here are some reheating methods:
-
Oven: Bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Use a wire rack lined sheet pan.
-
Air fryer: Air fry at 360°F for 5-10 minutes until hot. Flip halfway.
-
Skillet: Warm a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tsp oil then pork chops to reheat 2-3 minutes per side.
-
Toaster oven: Place chops on metal rack and reheat at 325°F for 8-10 minutes until hot.
Avoid microwaving as it makes the breading soggy. Eat reheated breaded pork chops within 3-4 days for best quality and safety.
How to Store Breaded Pork Chops
Proper storage is key for retaining the texture and flavor of leftover breaded pork chops:
-
Store in an airtight container or resealable plastic freezer bag.
-
Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
-
Freeze for up to 3 months.
-
Keep air exposure to a minimum.
-
Avoid storing for over 3-4 days as quality declines quickly.
Reheat and enjoy leftovers soon for the best taste and crispiest breading.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you bread pork chops then freeze them?
Yes, you can bread pork chops then freeze them with no issues. Just make sure they are completely cooled first before freezing. Well wrapped breaded chops last 2-3 months in the freezer.
How long does it take to freeze breaded pork chops?
On a lined sheet pan in a single layer, small thin pork chops will freeze in just 1-2 hours. For thicker breaded chops, allow 3-4 hours to freeze solid. Then you can transfer to freezer bags.
Can you freeze cooked breaded pork chops?
Cooked breaded pork chops freeze very well for up to 3 months. Allow to cool fully before freezing. Wrap chops tightly in foil or plastic wrap first to prevent freezer burn.
Can I freeze raw breaded pork chops?
It is safe to freeze raw breaded pork chops. Wrap well and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw before cooking through to a safe internal temperature. Cooking time may be slightly longer.
Can you bread pork chops after freezing?
It is best to bread pork chops before freezing to maximize the crispness of the coating after cooking. Thawed chops tend to release moisture, making the breading soggy.
Inspiring Breaded Pork Chop Recipes
Here are some mouthwatering breaded pork chop recipes to try freezing for easy weeknight meals:
Easy Oven Breaded Pork Chops
Coated in flavorful Italian breadcrumbs, these simple oven baked chops are foolproof.
Ranch Breaded Pork Chops
Crunchy and full of flavor, these chops get coated in a savory ranch seasoned breadcrumb mixture.
Crispy Parmesan Breaded Pork Chops
Golden and extra crispy, the Parmesan cheese gives these chops a tasty crunch.
Breaded Pork Chops with Apple Chutney
Sweet apple chutney perfectly balances the crispy panko breaded chops.
Breaded Pork Chops with Mushroom Gravy
Smothered in a rich, creamy mushroom gravy, these breaded chops are comfort food at its finest.
Enjoy Delicious Breaded Pork Chops Anytime!
Freezing is clearly a great way to enjoy breaded pork chops on your schedule. With proper freezing, thawing and reheating methods, you can maintain that crispy breading and juicy pork texture. Use individual wrappings, limit air exposure and freeze for up to 3 months for best quality and taste.
So go ahead and cook up a batch of your favorite breaded pork chops to freeze. You’ll be glad to have these tasty, crispy chops ready in your freezer anytime a pork dinner craving strikes!
Making breaded pork chops ahead of time
As with most breaded meats, these pork chops taste best when made fresh. It’s possible for reheated pork to taste dry, and if you bread the chops ahead of time, the mixture will get soggy.
However, you can certainly prep ahead if you’d like:
- For pork, you can trim your pork chops ahead of time and then store them in the fridge in an airtight container until you’re ready to use them (within 2 days).
- Breadcrumb mixture—you can mix the breadcrumb mixture (without the cheese) and keep it at room temperature until you’re ready to use it.
- While this is a small step, getting the pan ready will save a few minutes. Line your baking sheet or pan and set it aside.
Leftover pork should be refrigerated in an airtight container and enjoyed within 3-4 days.
Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
For longer storage, breaded pork chops can be frozen!
Following the directions, bread the pork chops. Then, put them on a baking sheet lined with wax paper or parchment paper and freeze for one to two hours, until they are hard.
Transfer flash-frozen chops to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months.
To cook, put frozen chops on a baking sheet and bake as directed, but allow an extra 10 to 15 minutes because the meat is frozen.
Crispy Breaded Pork Chops Recipe
- ▢ 4 boneless pork chops about 1″ thick
- ▢ salt and pepper to taste
- ▢ 1 1/2 cups plain breadcrumbs
- ▢ 1 tsp kosher salt
- ▢ 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ▢ 1/2 tsp black pepper
- ▢ 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- ▢ 1/4 tsp onion powder
- ▢ 1/4 tsp celery seed
- ▢ 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ▢ 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- Warm the oven up to 425°F and put aluminum foil or parchment paper around the edges of a baking sheet with a lip. Set aside.
- Place pork chops on paper towels to dry them well. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
- Breadcrumbs, salt, paprika, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, celery seed, and Parmesan cheese should all be mixed together in a shallow bowl. Stir to combine well.
- In a small bowl, spread mayonnaise on one side of the pork chop. Then, place the chop, mayo side down, in the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to coat well.
- On the other side of the pork chop, spread a thin layer of mayonnaise and then sprinkle with the breadcrumb mixture. Gently press the mixture to stick.
- Place the pork chop on the baking sheet that has been prepared. Do steps 1 and 2 again with the other pork chops.
- Put all the chops on the baking sheet and spray them with cooking spray. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the pork reaches 145°F on the inside.
- Allow the pork chops to rest for a few minutes. Then, serve them with lemon wedges and some fresh, minced parsley on top.
Click the heart in the bottom right corner to save this recipe to your own recipe box.
- You can easily double this recipe if you need to make more than four pork chops.