Name: Amazing Country Fried Pork Chops Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American Southern
Ingredients: 4 pieces Pork Chops; 1 cup Flour; 1 teaspoon Salt; 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper; 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder; 2 cups Oil (for frying); 1 cup Milk; 1/4 cup Flour (from dredging)

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Country fried pork chops have a special place in my heart, and I’m so excited to share this classic recipe with you. There’s something incredibly comforting about that crispy, golden-brown exterior giving way to a tender, juicy pork chop, all smothered in a rich, creamy gravy. I remember my grandmother making these every Sunday; the sizzle in the pan and the aroma of garlic and pepper filled our whole house. This country fried pork chops recipe is a true taste of Southern comfort food that’s surprisingly simple to whip up, even on a busy weeknight. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with these hearty, homemade delights. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Country Fried Pork Chops

You’re going to adore this country fried pork chops recipe. It’s the perfect balance of crispy and tender, with a gravy that will have you licking your plate!

Incredibly crispy, golden-brown exterior
Juicy and tender pork inside
Rich and creamy homemade gravy
Easy country fried pork chops that are perfect for weeknights
Authentic Southern country fried pork chops flavor
Satisfies even the heartiest appetites
Simple enough for beginners, impressive enough for guests
A truly comforting and hearty meal

Ingredients for Country Fried Pork Chops

Gathering these simple ingredients is the first step to making the best country fried pork chops. Don’t worry if you don’t have everything; substitutions often work wonderfully for this versatile dish.

4 bone-in or boneless pork chops – about 3/4-inch thick for even cooking
1 cup all-purpose flour – this forms the base of our crispy coating
1 teaspoon salt – essential for bringing out the pork’s flavor
1/2 teaspoon black pepper – adds a little kick
1 teaspoon garlic powder – for that classic savory taste
2 cups vegetable oil or canola oil – enough for shallow frying to get that perfect crust
1 cup milk – used for both dredging and making a luscious gravy
1/4 cup flour (from the dredging mix) – reserved for thickening our gravy

Amazing Country Fried Pork Chops Recipe - Country Fried Pork Chops - additional detail

How to Make Country Fried Pork Chops

Making these classic country fried pork chops is easier than you think! The key is getting that perfect crispy coating and a tender, juicy interior. Follow these simple steps for a truly authentic taste of the South.

Step 1: Get your dredging station ready! In a shallow dish, whisk together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder. This seasoned flour mix is the foundation for our delicious crust.
Step 2: Take each pork chop and dredge it thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture. Make sure to coat all sides well, then gently shake off any excess flour. This ensures a nice, even crust.
Step 3: Now, let’s get frying! Pour 2 cups of vegetable oil into a large skillet over medium heat. Let the oil heat up until it’s shimmering – you can test it by dropping a tiny bit of flour in; it should sizzle immediately. This is crucial for achieving crispy country fried pork chops.
Step 4: Carefully place your floured pork chops into the hot oil. Don’t overcrowd the pan; fry them in batches if necessary. You’ll want to fry them for about 5-7 minutes per side. Listen for that satisfying sizzle!
Step 5: Keep a close eye on them until they’re a beautiful golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) on a meat thermometer. This ensures they are cooked through but still wonderfully juicy.
Step 6: Once perfectly cooked, remove the chops from the skillet and place them on a wire rack or a plate lined with paper towels to rest for a few minutes. This lets the juices redistribute.
Step 7: While the chops rest, let’s make that irresistible gravy. Carefully pour out about 2 tablespoons of the hot oil drippings from the skillet, leaving the rest. Whisk in 1/4 cup of flour (reserved from your dredging mix) into the drippings and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly.
Step 8: Gradually whisk in 1 cup of milk. Keep whisking until the gravy is smooth and has thickened nicely, coating the back of a spoon. Season with a little extra salt and pepper to taste. This creamy gravy is the perfect finishing touch for your homemade country fried pork chops.
Step 9: Serve your hot, crispy country fried pork chops immediately, generously spooning the warm, creamy gravy over the top. Enjoy this truly comforting meal!

Amazing Country Fried Pork Chops Recipe - Country Fried Pork Chops - additional detail

Pro Tips for the Best Country Fried Pork Chops

Achieving that perfect crispy crust and tender interior for your country fried pork chops is all about a few key techniques. These tips will help ensure your homemade version is restaurant-worthy every single time.

Ensure your pork chops are at room temperature before dredging and frying. This helps them cook more evenly.
Don’t overcrowd the skillet when frying. This lowers the oil temperature, leading to soggy chops instead of crispy ones.
For an extra crispy coating, you can double-dredge the pork chops. Flour, then egg wash (if using), then flour again.
Always let your fried pork chops rest for at least 5 minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender bite.

What’s the secret to perfect Country Fried Pork Chops?

The secret to perfect pan fried pork chops country style lies in a few things: a properly seasoned flour dredge, hot oil for frying, and not overcrowding the pan. This ensures that signature crispy texture and juicy interior.

Can I make Country Fried Pork Chops ahead of time?

You can prepare the pork chops by dredging them up to an hour before frying. However, for the best texture, I recommend frying them just before serving. The coating tends to lose its crispness if left sitting too long.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Country Fried Pork Chops?

A common mistake is frying at too low a temperature, which makes the chops greasy. Also, be sure not to overcook them; they should reach an internal temperature of 145°F. Lastly, resist the urge to move them too much while frying!

Best Ways to Serve Country Fried Pork Chops

These classic country fried pork chops are a hearty main dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of Southern sides. For a truly authentic experience, serve them hot with a generous ladle of that creamy gravy right over the top. They are absolutely divine alongside fluffy mashed potatoes, which are perfect for soaking up any extra gravy. Another fantastic pairing for these pan fried pork chops country style is a side of tender, slow-cooked collard greens or a crisp, fresh coleslaw. Don’t forget some buttery corn on the cob or a slice of warm cornbread to round out this comforting meal.

Nutrition Facts for Country Fried Pork Chops

This country fried pork chops recipe offers a hearty and satisfying meal. Each serving provides a good balance of protein and carbohydrates, perfect for a filling dinner. Keep in mind these are estimates for one serving of the country fried pork chops.

Calories: 350 kcal
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 6 g
Protein: 25 g
Carbohydrates: 30 g
Fiber: 2 g
Sugar: 1 g
Sodium: 730 mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used for your pan fried pork chops country style.

How to Store and Reheat Country Fried Pork Chops

Properly storing and reheating your delicious country fried pork chops ensures you can enjoy their crispy goodness later. Once your homemade country fried pork chops have cooled completely, place them in an airtight container. You can store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, these old fashioned country fried pork chops freeze beautifully! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to reheat, the best way to revive that signature crispiness is in the oven. Place the chops on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and the coating is crisp again. Microwaving is an option but will likely result in a softer coating.

Frequently Asked Questions About Country Fried Pork Chops

What is country fried pork chops?

Country fried pork chops are a classic Southern dish featuring pork chops that are breaded and pan-fried until golden and crispy, then typically served with a creamy gravy. It’s a hearty and comforting meal, often considered a staple in Southern cuisine. This preparation ensures a delicious contrast between the crunchy coating and the tender, juicy meat.

Can I use boneless pork chops for this recipe?

Yes, you absolutely can! While bone-in chops often have a bit more flavor, boneless pork chops work wonderfully for this country fried pork chops recipe. Just be sure they are about the same thickness (around 3/4 inch) for even cooking. Boneless chops can sometimes cook a bit faster, so keep an eye on them!

What’s the best oil for frying country fried pork chops?

For achieving that signature crispy texture in your pan fried pork chops country style, a neutral oil with a high smoke point is best. Vegetable oil or canola oil are excellent choices because they’re readily available and won’t impart any unwanted flavors. You need enough oil for shallow frying, usually about 1/2 inch deep in your skillet.

How do I get really crispy country fried pork chops?

To get extra crispy country fried pork chops, make sure your frying oil is hot enough before you add the chops – it should shimmer. Don’t overcrowd the pan, as this lowers the oil temperature and can lead to soggy results. Letting the dredged chops sit for a few minutes before frying can also help the coating adhere better and become crispier.

Variations of Country Fried Pork Chops You Can Try

While this classic country fried pork chops recipe is amazing as is, there are so many fun ways to switch it up! For a lighter take, consider baking these breaded pork chops recipe country style instead of pan-frying. Simply place them on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) until golden and cooked through, though you won’t get quite the same crispiness. If you’re looking for a different flavor profile, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to your flour dredge for a little smoky heat. For a truly authentic Southern country fried pork chops experience, you could even try a “chicken fried pork chops recipe” variation by using a batter similar to fried chicken.