Hey y’all! If you’re hunting for a foolproof weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests, these Baked Pork Chops are an absolute must-try. Juicy, flavorful, and super easy to prep, this recipe brings that mouthwatering, golden-baked goodness to your table every time. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting your kitchen adventures, you’ll love how these chops satisfy cravings and fit a range of occasions. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Baked Pork Chops Recipe
- Effortless Prep: Minimal ingredients and simple steps mean dinner is on the table fast.
- Incredibly Juicy: Baking locks in moisture for tender, succulent pork chops every time.
- Versatile Flavors: Easily customize the seasoning to suit your palate.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for both busy weeknights and special family get-togethers.
- Great for Meal Prep: These chops store and reheat beautifully for leftovers.
Ingredients for Baked Pork Chops
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick, ~6 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, for caramelization)
Baked Pork Chops Directions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.
Step 2: Season the Pork Chops
In a small bowl, mix together the salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, thyme, and brown sugar. Drizzle olive oil over both sides of the pork chops, then sprinkle the seasoning blend evenly on all sides, rubbing gently to coat.
Step 3: Bake the Pork Chops
Arrange the seasoned chops in a single layer on the baking sheet, ensuring space between each piece. Bake for 16-18 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) when checked with a meat thermometer. Optional: Broil on high for the last 2 minutes for extra browning.
Step 4: Rest and Serve
Remove the baked pork chops from the oven, tent loosely with foil, and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. This ensures maximum juiciness!
Notes for Making Perfect Baked Pork Chops
- Use pork chops of even thickness to prevent overcooking thinner pieces.
- Letting chops rest before serving helps redistribute juices for extra tenderness.
- Learn more about pork chop cuts and their nutrition at Pork.org.
Baked Pork Chops Variations
- Herb-Crusted: Swap the paprika and sugar for Italian seasoning and fresh minced rosemary.
- Spicy Cajun: Replace the paprika with 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning, and add a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat.
- Honey Mustard: Whisk 2 tablespoons honey and 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard into the olive oil before rubbing onto chops.
Required Equipment for Baked Pork Chops
- Baking sheet or casserole dish
- Parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup
- Mixing bowls
- Meat thermometer
How to Store Baked Pork Chops
- Cool completely, then place in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- To freeze, wrap tightly and store up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat in the oven at 325°F (165°C) for best results.
What to Serve with Baked Pork Chops
- Creamy mashed potatoes or roasted sweet potatoes
- Steamed green beans, broccoli, or sautéed asparagus
- Classic coleslaw or a crisp garden salad
- Warm, crusty bread rolls
Baked Pork Chops Pro Tips
- Always rest your pork chops, even after baking, to maximize tenderness and flavor (The Kitchn: Pork Chops Guide).
- If you prefer boneless chops, reduce baking time by 2-3 minutes to avoid drying out.
- Brushing with a bit of butter before serving adds richness and an appetizing sheen.
Baked Pork Chops FAQ
- Can I use boneless pork chops for this recipe?
- Absolutely! Just bake 2-3 minutes less, as boneless chops cook a bit faster.
- How do I know when the pork chops are done?
- They’re ready when a meat thermometer registers 145°F (63°C) inserted into the thickest part.
- Do I need to sear the pork chops before baking?
- No, but you can for extra color and flavor. This recipe delivers juicy, flavorful chops straight from the oven!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 28 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
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1Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with a little olive oil.
-
2Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Rub both sides with olive oil.
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3In a small bowl, mix together salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, dried thyme, and onion powder.
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4Sprinkle the seasoning blend evenly over both sides of the pork chops.
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5Place pork chops in the prepared baking dish. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
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6Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO
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Approximate Information for One Serving
Serving Size:
1 serving
Calories:
320cal
Protein:
35 gg
Fat:
18 gg
Saturated Fat:
0g
Trans Fat:
0g
Cholesterol:
0mg
Sodium:
0mg
Potassium:
0mg
Total Carbs:
2 gg
Fiber:
0g
Sugar:
0g
Net Carbs:
0g
Vitamin A:
0
Vitamin C:
0mg
Calcium:
0mg
Iron:
0mg
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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