Shake and bake pork chops are a classic American dinner. The crispy seasoned coating pairs perfectly with the juicy and tender pork chop. It’s easy to make a big batch of these for dinner or a weekend cookout. But what do you do with the leftovers? Can you reheat shake and bake pork chops without ruining that delicious crunchy coating?
Absolutely! With the right reheating methods, you can enjoy your leftover shake and bake pork chops as if they were freshly made. In this article, we will explore the best practices for reheating shake and bake pork chops to preserve texture and flavor.
For those unfamiliar, shake and bake pork chops are thin bone-in or boneless pork chops that have been coated in a seasoned breadcrumb mixture. The coating is a blend of crispy panko breadcrumbs spices and grated parmesan cheese.
To make shake and bake pork chops you dip the raw pork chops in milk or egg, then coat them generously in the shake and bake mixture. The coated chops are then baked in the oven until the coating is crisp and the pork is cooked through.
The resulting pork chops are crunchy, salty, and savory on the outside while remaining juicy and tender on the inside. It’s an easy weeknight dinner that also works well for larger gatherings.
Why Proper Reheating is Important
When reheating leftover shake and bake pork chops, the goal is to maintain the texture of the crispy coating while sufficiently heating the pork. If the chops are not reheated properly, you risk ending up with soft breadcrumbs or worse – dry, overcooked pork.
To avoid ruining your shake and bake leftovers, we’ll look at reheating methods that gently crisp the coating without overcooking the meat. Proper reheating takes some finesse, but the payoff is enjoying your crispy, juicy pork chops a second time around.
The Best Methods for Reheating Shake and Bake Pork Chops
Follow these methods when reheating your shake and bake pork chops:
Oven
The oven allows you to gently reheat the pork chops while crisping up the coating. Here’s how:
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Preheat oven to 400°F.
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Place chops on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper.
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Bake for 10-15 minutes until warmed through and coating is crispy.
The indirect heat from the oven warms the pork chops without drying them out. The high heat also crisps and browns the seasoned coating.
Skillet
For a quick stove-top method:
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Heat a drizzle of oil in a skillet over medium heat.
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Cook chops for 2-3 minutes per side until hot and coating is crisped.
Frying the chops in the skillet gives the coating a quick crunch. Be careful not to overcook the pork.
Air Fryer
An air fryer is ideal for reheating fried foods like shake and bake pork chops:
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Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
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Cook chops for 5-8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
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Continue cooking until coating is crispy.
The hot circulated air evenly reheats the chops while crisping up the exterior.
Microwave
While the microwave can steam the chops, it won’t re-crisp the coating. Only use this method if you’re short on time.
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Microwave chops on a microwave-safe plate for 1-2 minutes until hot.
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The coating may soften from microwave steaming.
Oven Toaster
An oven toaster or countertop convection oven combines quick heating with crisping capabilities:
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Preheat oven toaster to 400°F.
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Cook chops for 5-10 minutes based on thickness.
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Crisps coating evenly; watch closely to avoid burning.
Tips for Reheating Success
Follow these tips for the best results when reheating shake and bake pork chops:
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Allow refrigerated chops to sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before reheating.
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Place chops in a single layer on the baking sheet or skillet. Avoid overcrowding.
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Flip chops halfway during reheating to heat and crisp both sides.
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Check internal temperature using a meat thermometer to confirm they have reached 145°F.
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Let chops rest for 5 minutes after reheating before serving.
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Add a sprinkle of water or oil to revive the coating if needed.
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Don’t reheat more than once to avoid drying out the pork.
Serve and Enjoy Your Reheated Shake and Bake Pork Chops
Once you’ve revived your crispy, juicy shake and bake pork chops, you have a few options for serving:
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Serve with classic pairings like mashed potatoes, rice, or mac and cheese.
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Toss them into tacos, sandwiches, or on top of salad greens.
-Dip them in barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, or other dips.
- Make a pork chop sheet pan meal with veggies.
With the right reheating technique, your leftover shake and bake pork chops can be just as delicious the second time around. Now go forth and reheat those crispy chops to enjoy again!
Shake ‘n Bake Pork Chops
FAQ
Can you reheat Shake N Bake pork chops?
How do you reheat baked pork chops without drying them out?
How to keep shake and bake pork chops from getting soggy?
How do you reheat pork chops?
Heat your oven to 350°F. Remove the leftover chops from the fridge and place them in a glass baking dish (the size will depend on the number of pork chops you’re reheating, but the closer they are together, the better). Then add 1 tablespoon of liquid per pork chop and cover the whole dish tightly with foil and set the dish in the oven.
How to reheat leftover pork chops without drying them out?
Here’s the very best way to reheat leftover pork chops without drying them out. The very best way to reheat leftover pork chops is low and slow with a little extra moisture — you can use either broth or water with great results.
How do you cook pork chops in the oven?
• Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (176°C). • Step 2: Take the pork chops out of the fridge and let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. • Step 3: Place the pork chops in an oven-safe dish and cover the dish with foil. This will help to trap the heat and moisture. • Step 4: Put the dish in the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes.
Can You reheat pork chops in the microwave?
Here’s how to reheat pork chops in the microwave: • Step 1: Place the pork chops on a microwave-safe plate or a container, and cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or with a damp paper towel. This will help to trap moisture and prevent the pork chops from drying out, as stated by the USDA. • Step 3: Set the microwave to 50% power.