Chops & Roasts

Southern Style Fried Pork Chops

Name: Southern Style Fried Pork Chops
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 pork chops, 1-1.5 inches thick; 6 slices of bacon, diced; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup cornstarch; 2 eggs; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 2 tbsp butter

By Gabriel Holloway · June 19, 2026 · Chops & Roasts

Prep20 min

Cook20 min

Total40 min

Serves4

There's something special about a well-cooked pork chop, and when it's fried to perfection, it's a whole new level of deliciousness. Growing up in the South, I was lucky to have my grandmother's cooking to inspire me, and her fried pork chops were always a highlight of family gatherings. Today, I'm excited to share my own version of this classic recipe, with a few tweaks to make it even more mouthwatering.

Southern Style Fried Pork Chops are all about the combination of tender meat, crunchy exterior, and a depth of flavor that comes from using high-quality ingredients. It's a dish that's perfect for any occasion, whether you're cooking for a crowd or just a family dinner. The best part? It's surprisingly easy to make, as long as you follow a few key steps.

In this recipe, we'll be using thick-cut pork chops, which are essential for achieving that perfect balance of tender and juicy. We'll also be using a blend of spices and herbs to add depth and warmth to the dish, along with a crispy coating that adds texture and flavor. And of course, no Southern-style dish would be complete without a little bit of bacon, which we'll be using to add a smoky, savory element to the dish.

So if you're ready to indulge in some good old-fashioned comfort food, keep reading for my recipe for Southern Style Fried Pork Chops. It's a dish that's sure to become a new favorite, and one that you'll be making again and again for years to come.

Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is easy to follow and requires minimal special equipment. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the delicious flavors of the South in the comfort of your own home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal special equipment.
The dish is perfect for any occasion, whether you're cooking for a crowd or just a family dinner.
The combination of tender meat, crunchy exterior, and depth of flavor makes for a truly delicious meal.
The recipe is highly customizable, allowing you to add your own favorite spices and seasonings.
The dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
The recipe makes a great leftovers, and can be easily reheated for a quick meal.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to making great Southern Style Fried Pork Chops is to cook them low and slow, allowing the meat to tenderize and the flavors to meld together. This is especially important when working with thicker cuts of meat, as it ensures that the interior stays juicy and flavorful.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the use of a crispy coating, which adds texture and flavor to the dish. By using a combination of flour, cornstarch, and spices, we can create a coating that's both crunchy and flavorful, with a nice balance of seasonings.

Finally, the addition of bacon to the dish adds a smoky, savory element that complements the pork perfectly. By cooking the bacon until it's crispy, we can add a satisfying crunch to the dish, along with a depth of flavor that elevates the entire recipe.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this recipe, you'll need a few key ingredients, including thick-cut pork chops, bacon, and a blend of spices and herbs. You'll also need some basic pantry staples, such as flour, cornstarch, and eggs. Be sure to choose high-quality ingredients, as they will make a big difference in the final flavor and texture of the dish.

When shopping for pork chops, look for thick-cut chops with a good balance of fat and lean meat. This will help the chops stay juicy and flavorful during cooking. You can also ask your butcher to cut the chops to your specifications, if needed.

4 pork chops, 1-1.5 inches thickLook for thick-cut chops with a good balance of fat and lean meat. This will help the chops stay juicy and flavorful during cooking.
6 slices of bacon, dicedUse high-quality bacon for the best flavor. You can also use other types of bacon, such as smoked or peppered bacon, for added flavor.
1 cup all-purpose flourUse a high-quality all-purpose flour that is fresh and has not been sitting on the shelf for too long.
1 cup cornstarchCornstarch helps to create a crispy coating on the pork chops. You can also use other types of starch, such as tapioca or potato starch, if needed.
2 eggsUse fresh eggs for the best flavor and texture. You can also use egg substitutes, such as egg replacers or flax eggs, if needed.
1 cup buttermilkButtermilk helps to tenderize the pork chops and add flavor. You can also use other types of milk, such as regular milk or almond milk, if needed.
1 tsp paprikaPaprika adds a smoky, savory flavor to the dish. You can also use other types of paprika, such as sweet or smoked paprika, for added flavor.
1 tsp garlic powderGarlic powder adds a rich, savory flavor to the dish. You can also use other types of garlic, such as minced garlic or garlic salt, if needed.
1 tsp onion powderOnion powder adds a sweet, savory flavor to the dish. You can also use other types of onion, such as minced onion or onion salt, if needed.
1 tsp saltSalt enhances the flavor of the dish and helps to bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients.
1/2 tsp black pepperBlack pepper adds a sharp, savory flavor to the dish. You can also use other types of pepper, such as white pepper or cayenne pepper, if needed.
2 tbsp vegetable oilVegetable oil is used for frying the pork chops. You can also use other types of oil, such as peanut oil or avocado oil, if needed.
2 tbsp butterButter is used to add flavor and richness to the dish. You can also use other types of butter, such as salted or unsalted butter, if needed.

Ingredients for Southern Style Fried Pork Chops

Equipment You’ll Need

Large skillet or frying panInstant-read thermometerCutting boardMeat mallet or tenderizerWhiskSpice grinder or mortar and pestleColander or strainer

How to Make Southern Style Fried Pork Chops

1
Begin by preparing the pork chops. Rinse the chops under cold water, then pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
2
In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
3
Pour the buttermilk into a separate shallow dish. Dip each pork chop into the buttermilk, coating it completely, then roll it in the flour mixture to coat. Place the coated pork chop on a plate or tray and repeat with the remaining chops.
4
Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add 2-3 of the coated pork chops to the skillet. Do not overcrowd the skillet.
5
Fry the pork chops for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Repeat with the remaining pork chops.
6
While the pork chops are frying, cook the diced bacon in a separate skillet over medium heat. Cook the bacon until it is crispy, then remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
7
Once the pork chops are done frying, remove them from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
8
Add the cooked bacon to the skillet with the pork chops and stir to combine.
9
Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the butter to the skillet. Stir until the butter is melted and the pork chops are coated in the butter and bacon mixture.
10
Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork chops. They should be cooked to an internal temperature of at least 145°F.
11
Remove the pork chops from the skillet and place them on a serving platter. Let them rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
12
Serve the pork chops hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs or chives if desired.
13
To make the dish more substantial, serve the pork chops with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a green salad.

Expert Tips

Make sure to not overcrowd the skillet when frying the pork chops, as this can cause the oil temperature to drop and the chops to stick together.
If you want to make the dish more crispy, you can try dredging the pork chops in a little bit of cornstarch or flour before frying them.
To add more flavor to the dish, you can try marinating the pork chops in a mixture of buttermilk and hot sauce before frying them.
If you don't have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes before using it.
To make the dish more substantial, you can try serving the pork chops with a side of roasted vegetables or a green salad.
If you want to make the dish more spicy, you can try adding a few dashes of hot sauce to the flour mixture before frying the pork chops.
To add more crunch to the dish, you can try topping the pork chops with a little bit of chopped bacon or chopped nuts before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not patting the pork chops dry with paper towels before frying them, which can cause the oil to splatter and the chops to stick together.
Overcrowding the skillet with too many pork chops at once, which can cause the oil temperature to drop and the chops to stick together.
Not cooking the pork chops to a high enough internal temperature, which can cause food poisoning.
Not letting the pork chops rest for a few minutes before serving, which can cause the juices to run out and the chops to become dry.
Not using a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork chops, which can cause the chops to be undercooked or overcooked.
Not stirring the flour mixture well before coating the pork chops, which can cause the coating to be uneven and the chops to stick together.

Variations and Substitutions

Try using different types of pork chops, such as boneless or bone-in chops, for a different texture and flavor.
Add some diced onions or bell peppers to the skillet with the bacon for added flavor.
Use different types of flour, such as whole wheat or gluten-free flour, for a different texture and flavor.
Add some grated cheese, such as cheddar or parmesan, to the flour mixture for an extra burst of flavor.
Try using different types of oil, such as peanut or avocado oil, for a different flavor and texture.
Add some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, to the flour mixture for an extra burst of flavor.
Try using different types of bacon, such as smoked or peppered bacon, for a different flavor and texture.

What to Serve With Southern Style Fried Pork Chops

Serve the Southern Style Fried Pork Chops hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs or chives if desired. You can also serve the dish with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a green salad.

Some other ideas for serving the dish include:

Serving the pork chops with a side of roasted sweet potatoes and steamed broccoli for a healthy and balanced meal.

Serving the pork chops with a side of creamy coleslaw and crispy fried okra for a Southern-style feast.

Serving the pork chops with a side of warm biscuits and gravy for a comforting breakfast or brunch.

Serve with mashed potatoes and steamed broccoliServe with creamy coleslaw and crispy fried okraServe with warm biscuits and gravyServe with roasted sweet potatoes and steamed green beans

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

To store the Southern Style Fried Pork Chops, let them cool to room temperature, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can store the pork chops in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 2 months.

To reheat the pork chops, simply place them in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through. You can also reheat the pork chops in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook them.

Some tips for storing and reheating the pork chops include:

Letting the pork chops cool to room temperature before storing them, which can help prevent bacterial growth and keep the pork chops fresh.

Wrapping the pork chops tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, which can help keep them moist and prevent them from drying out.

Storing the pork chops in the refrigerator at a temperature of 40°F or below, which can help prevent bacterial growth and keep the pork chops fresh.

Freezing the pork chops at 0°F or below, which can help preserve the texture and flavor of the pork chops.

Reheating the pork chops to an internal temperature of at least 165°F, which can help ensure food safety and prevent foodborne illness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of pork chops should I use for this recipe?

You can use either boneless or bone-in pork chops for this recipe, depending on your personal preference. Boneless pork chops will be more tender and easier to cook, while bone-in pork chops will have more flavor and texture.

Can I use different types of flour for this recipe?

Yes, you can use different types of flour for this recipe, such as whole wheat or gluten-free flour. However, keep in mind that using a different type of flour may affect the texture and flavor of the pork chops.

How do I know when the pork chops are done?

You can check the internal temperature of the pork chops using an instant-read thermometer. The internal temperature should be at least 145°F for medium-rare, 160°F for medium, and 170°F for well-done.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. Simply prepare the pork chops and store them in the refrigerator or freezer until you are ready to cook them. You can also cook the pork chops ahead of time and reheat them when you are ready to serve.

What are some variations I can make to this recipe?

Some variations you can make to this recipe include using different types of pork chops, adding different spices or herbs to the flour mixture, or serving the pork chops with different sides. You can also try using different types of oil or adding some grated cheese to the flour mixture for extra flavor.

Can I freeze the pork chops?

Yes, you can freeze the pork chops. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store them in the freezer at 0°F or below. You can store the pork chops in the freezer for up to 2 months.

How do I reheat the pork chops?

You can reheat the pork chops in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through. You can also reheat the pork chops in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook them.

What are some tips for storing and reheating the pork chops?

Some tips for storing and reheating the pork chops include letting them cool to room temperature before storing them, wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and storing them in the refrigerator at a temperature of 40°F or below. You should also reheat the pork chops to an internal temperature of at least 165°F to ensure food safety and prevent foodborne illness.

The Full Recipe

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