Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly golden, crispy pork chop with a crunchy exterior and juicy, tender meat inside – this Cracker Barrel-inspired recipe is about to transform your home cooking game! These country fried pork chops are not just a meal; they're a nostalgic journey through Southern comfort food that will transport you straight to a cozy restaurant booth with the first delectable bite. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a restaurant-quality dish that's surprisingly easy to make right in your own kitchen.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 pork chops
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Place pork chops in a shallow dish and pour buttermilk over them. Allow to marinate for 15-20 minutes at room temperature, which helps tenderize the meat and adds flavor.
- In a separate wide, shallow bowl, mix all-purpose flour, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk thoroughly to ensure even seasoning throughout the flour mixture.
- Remove pork chops from buttermilk, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Dredge each chop completely in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure a thick, even coating adheres to the meat.
- Heat vegetable or canola oil in a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed frying pan over medium-high heat. Oil should be about 1/4 inch deep and reach approximately 350°F.
- Carefully place floured pork chops into the hot oil. Fry for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 145°F when checked with a meat thermometer.
- Remove chops from oil and place on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Let rest for 3-5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
- Serve hot with traditional sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, or country gravy for an authentic Cracker Barrel-style meal.
Tips
- Temperature is key: Make sure your oil is consistently around 350°F for the perfect golden-brown crust. Use a meat thermometer to check both oil and pork chop temperatures.
- Don't rush the marinating: Letting the pork chops sit in buttermilk for 15-20 minutes helps tenderize the meat and adds incredible flavor.
- Pat the pork chops dry before dredging to ensure the flour coating sticks perfectly and creates a crisp exterior.
- Use a cast-iron skillet if possible – it provides even heat distribution and creates an incredible crust.
- Let the pork chops rest after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness and flavor.
- For extra crispiness, you can double-dip the pork chops: dredge in flour, dip back in buttermilk, then coat in flour again for an extra thick, crunchy coating.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 120mg
