Easy Lemon Pork Chops
Juicy breaded pork chops paired with a tangy lemon parsley sauce create a flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bread pork chops, shaking off excess crumbs.
- Place in a heated frying pan with oil and fry until golden brown.
- In a measuring cup, blend chicken broth, lemon juice, parsley, and pepper.
- When chops are done, scrape the pan and add the blended mixture.
- Slice lemons and place over each chop.
- Garnish with parsley.
- Cover pan and cook on low heat until sauce thickens and turns brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crispier crust, consider using panko bread crumbs instead of regular bread crumbs. If you're out of chicken broth, vegetable broth or even water can work in a pinch. To add some heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes when blending the sauce. This recipe is versatile, so you can serve the pork chops with a side of creamy mashed potatoes or a fresh salad.
Serving Suggestions
These lemon pork chops pair beautifully with a side of roasted vegetables or a light couscous salad. For a refreshing contrast, serve with a cucumber and tomato salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. Garnish the dish with additional parsley for color and flavor. This dish complements American recipes well, making it a great main course for family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pork chops in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of chicken broth to prevent them from drying out. Cover the pan to allow the sauce to rehydrate the meat. You can also microwave them for about 1-2 minutes, but be careful not to overcook.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Lemon Pork Chops contains roughly 366 calories, with 5g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (98% of the Daily Value), iron (78% of the Daily Value), and potassium (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boneless pork chops instead of center-cut?
Yes, boneless pork chops can be used in this recipe. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as boneless chops tend to cook faster. Ensure they reach an internal temperature of 145°F for safe consumption.
What can I substitute for parsley?
If you don't have parsley, fresh thyme or basil can be excellent substitutes. They will impart a different flavor profile, but both will still work well with the lemon and chicken broth in the sauce.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just warm it up in a pan before pouring it over the cooked pork chops. This will save you time on busy nights!
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).