Crispy Country Fried Pork Chops Recipe: Rustic Comfort on a Plate

Crispy, golden-brown country fried pork chops bring comfort straight to your dinner table.

Southern cooking shines through this classic recipe that transforms simple ingredients into pure magic.

Juicy pork chops get coated in a perfectly seasoned breading that crackles with each delightful bite.

The secret lies in the blend of spices and technique that ensures a crunchy exterior and tender meat inside.

Generations of home cooks have passed down this beloved dish that speaks to hearty, satisfying meals.

These pork chops promise a delectable journey through traditional Southern flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Prepare to savor every crispy, flavor-packed moment of this irresistible meal.

Ingredients for Down-Home Country Fried Pork Chops

Main Ingredients:

• Pork Chops: Tender cuts of pork that serve as the primary protein for this classic Southern-style dish.

• Flour: Creates a base layer for the crispy exterior of the pork chops.
• Saltine Crackers: Adds extra crunch and texture to the coating.
• Eggs, Milk: Help the coating adhere to the pork chops and create a golden-brown crust.
• Hot Sauce: Provides a subtle kick of heat and flavor to the coating.

• Seasoned Salt, Black Pepper: Enhance the overall flavor of the pork chops.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Add depth and aromatic notes to the seasoning.

• Shortening: Provides the perfect medium for frying and creating a crispy, golden exterior.

• Flour: Serves as a thickening agent for the country-style gravy.
• Milk: Creates a creamy and smooth texture for the gravy.
• Salt, Pepper: Season and balance the flavor of the gravy.

Gear to Fry Pork Chops Like a Southern Pro

• Large skillet: Essential for frying pork chops evenly and creating golden-brown crust.
• Shallow bowls (3): Perfect for preparing dredging stations with flour, egg mixture, and cracker coating.
• Whisk: Crucial for blending egg mixture and creating smooth gravy.
• Sheet tray: Helps organize coated pork chops before frying.
• Paper towel-lined plate: Absorbs excess grease after cooking.
• Meat thermometer: Ensures pork chops reach safe internal temperature of 160F.
• Tongs: Helps safely handle and flip pork chops in hot oil.
• Measuring cups: Accurate for measuring flour, milk, and cooking oil.

How to Fry Juicy, Crispy Pork Chops Every Time

Step 1: Spice Up the Pork

Generously rub pork chops with seasoned salt and black pepper, ensuring both sides are well-coated.

Let the chops rest while preparing the coating.

Step 2: Create Crispy Coating Stations

• First bowl: Plain flour
• Second bowl
• Crushed saltine crackers
• Remaining flour
• Seasoned salt
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Black pepper
• Third bowl: Whisk together
• Eggs
• Milk
• Hot sauce

Step 3: Craft the Perfect Crunch

• First, coat in plain flour and shake off excess
• Next, dunk in egg mixture, letting drips fall away
• Finally, press into cracker mixture, ensuring full coverage

Step 4: Sizzle to Golden Perfection

• Aim for about 1/4 inch oil depth
• Wait until oil reaches 350°F
• Carefully place chops in pan
• Cook 4-5 minutes per side
• Achieve golden brown exterior
• Ensure internal temperature hits 160°F
• Drain on paper towel-lined plate

Step 5: Whip Up Creamy Gravy

• Reserve 1/4 cup cooking oil
• Return oil to pan
• Whisk in flour until smooth
• Gradually pour in milk
• Continuously stir to prevent lumps
• Season with salt and pepper
• Adjust taste as needed

Step 6: Plate and Savor

Drizzle warm gravy over crispy pork chops and serve immediately.

Pro Tips for Perfect Country Pork Chops

• Pound pork chops to an even thickness before seasoning to ensure uniform cooking and maximum tenderness.
• Use a thermometer to maintain consistent 350F oil heat, preventing greasy or undercooked meat and achieving perfect golden-brown crust.
• Let fried pork chops rest on paper towels to absorb extra oil, keeping the coating crispy and reducing unnecessary fat.
• Layer seasonings through flour, egg wash, and cracker coating for deep, complex flavor profiles that penetrate the entire chop.
• Allow cooked pork chops to sit for 3-5 minutes before cutting, helping juices redistribute and ensuring maximum moisture retention.

Pork Chop Twists—Add Some Southern Flair

• Gluten-Free Country Pork Chops: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or cornmeal for a gluten-free coating that maintains crispy texture and adds nutty flavor.
• Herb-Crusted Pork Variation: Substitute saltine crackers with herbed breadcrumbs or crushed panko mixed with dried rosemary, thyme, and parsley for an aromatic upgrade.
• Keto-Friendly Version: Use crushed pork rinds instead of crackers, replace milk with heavy cream, and swap regular flour with coconut or almond flour to create a low-carb alternative.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Mix cayenne pepper and chili powder into the coating, add smoked paprika to the seasoning, and serve with a chipotle-based gravy for a bolder flavor profile.

Serving Country Pork Chops with Classic Sides

• Southern Comfort Plate: Pair these crispy pork chops with creamy mashed potatoes and fresh green beans for a classic down-home meal that screams comfort food.
• Gravy Lover's Dream: Drizzle the homemade gravy generously over the pork chops and enjoy with fluffy buttermilk biscuits to soak up every delicious drop.
• Bright Side Companion: Add a tangy coleslaw or quick pickled vegetables on the side to cut through the richness of the fried pork chops and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Weekend Brunch Twist: Serve these pork chops alongside sunny-side-up eggs and toast for a hearty weekend breakfast that will keep everyone satisfied until dinner.

How to Keep Fried Pork Chops Tasty for Later

• Store country fried pork chops in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain coating crispiness.
• Wrap individual pork chops tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bag. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label container with date to track freshness.
• Preheat oven to 375°F. Place pork chops on baking sheet, cover loosely with foil to prevent burning. Warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove foil during last 3 minutes to restore crispiness.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients for the perfect country fried pork chop coating?

The key ingredients are crushed saltine crackers, flour, seasoned salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. This combination creates a crispy, flavorful crust that gives the pork chops their signature crunch and taste.

• Why do I need to dip the pork chops in multiple bowls before frying?

The three-step dipping process ensures a thick, crispy coating. First, flour helps the egg wash stick. The egg wash acts as a glue for the final cracker and seasoning mixture, creating a robust and well-adhered breading that won’t fall off during frying.

• How can I tell if my pork chops are cooked properly?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The pork chops are done when they reach 160 degrees.

Country Fried Pork Chops: Crispy Comfort on a Plate

• Enjoy a perfectly golden, crunchy coating that transforms ordinary pork chops into a delightful, restaurant-worthy dish.
• Create an authentic Southern-style recipe that brings warmth and nostalgia to your dinner table with minimal cooking skills required.
• Whip up a hearty meal in under an hour that will impress family and friends with its rich, comforting flavors and impressive presentation.
• Adaptable to various side dishes and perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or casual weekend meals that everyone will love.

Country Fried Pork Chops Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling country fried pork chops blend Southern comfort with crispy golden breading. Juicy meat beneath a crunchy exterior makes this dish a hearty classic that satisfies hungry diners seeking authentic home-style cooking.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 6 boneless pork chops (1/2 inch thick)

Coating Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 25 saltine crackers, finely crushed
• 3/4 teaspoon seasoned salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Wet Ingredients and Seasoning:

• 2 large eggs
• 1/3 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce
• 3/4 teaspoon seasoned salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Shortening, for frying

Gravy Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup reserved oil
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Meticulously season pork chops with seasoned salt and pepper on both surfaces, allowing them to rest at room temperature.
2. Create three distinct preparation stations: first bowl with plain flour, second bowl combining crushed saltine crackers, remaining flour, seasoned salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper, third bowl featuring whisked eggs, milk, and hot sauce.
3. Individually transform each pork chop by first dusting with plain flour, shaking off excess, then immersing in egg mixture, allowing dripping, and finally coating thoroughly with cracker mixture, pressing firmly to ensure complete coverage.
4. Heat shortening in large skillet to 350F, creating approximately 1/4 inch oil depth. Carefully introduce pork chops, avoiding overcrowding, and fry 4-5 minutes per side until achieving golden-brown exterior and internal temperature reaches 160F. Transfer cooked chops to paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
5. Utilize remaining cooking oil to craft rich gravy: reserve 1/4 cup oil, return to pan over medium-low heat, incorporate flour while whisking until smooth. Gradually stream milk, continuously whisking to prevent lumps. Season with salt and pepper, adjusting taste as needed.
6. Plate crispy pork chops and generously drizzle with freshly prepared gravy, ready to serve immediately.

Notes

• Customize Coating: Swap saltine crackers with panko breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes for extra crunch and different texture variations.
• Temperature Control: Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness without overcooking, preventing dry and tough pork chops.
• Oil Management: Maintain consistent oil temperature around 350F for crispy, golden-brown exterior without absorbing excess grease.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary restrictions while preserving recipe’s authentic flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg