Craving a delicious and easy dinner that’s sure to impress? Look no further than baked pork chops! This recipe delivers incredibly juicy, tender, and flavorful pork chops straight from your oven, using simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Forget dry, disappointing pork – with our guide, you’ll master the art of baking pork chops to perfection.
Pork chops are a fantastic weeknight meal option because they are quick to prepare and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, baking pork chops is a foolproof method for a satisfying main course. This recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen, joining other family favorites like Instant Pot Pork Chops, Grilled Pork Chops, and Pan Seared Pork Chops.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through each step to ensure your baked pork chops are moist, flavorful, and never dry. We’ll cover everything from prepping your pork to achieving the ideal internal temperature, so you can serve up mouthwatering pork chops that everyone will love. Let’s dive in and discover how to bake the best pork chops you’ve ever tasted!
What You’ll Need to Bake Delicious Pork Chops
Before we get started, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients and equipment. This simple recipe relies on a handful of pantry staples to create maximum flavor.
Ingredients:
- Pork Chops: 4 boneless pork chops, at least 1-inch thick for optimal juiciness. You can also use bone-in pork chops, but cooking times may vary slightly.
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon of olive oil to help the seasoning adhere and promote browning.
- Brown Sugar: 1 ½ tablespoons of brown sugar to add a touch of sweetness and aid in caramelization.
- Paprika: 2 teaspoons of paprika, sweet or smoked, for color and smoky flavor.
- Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon of onion powder for savory depth.
- Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon of dried thyme for an earthy, aromatic note.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon of salt to enhance all the flavors.
- Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon of black pepper for a touch of spice.
Equipment:
- Baking Sheet: A rimmed baking sheet to prevent juices from spilling. Parchment paper is optional but recommended for easy cleanup.
- Small Bowl: For mixing the spice rub.
- Paper Towels: To pat the pork chops dry.
- Instant-Read Thermometer: Essential for ensuring your pork chops are cooked to a safe and juicy internal temperature.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Bake Pork Chops Perfectly
Now that you have everything ready, let’s get to the fun part – baking those pork chops! Follow these simple steps for guaranteed success:
1. Prep the Pork Chops
Start by taking your pork chops out of the refrigerator and patting them thoroughly dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture is crucial for achieving a beautiful sear and allowing the seasoning to adhere properly. Once dried, place the pork chops on your prepared baking sheet.
Next, drizzle the olive oil evenly over both sides of the pork chops. Use your hands to rub the oil into the meat, ensuring every surface is lightly coated. This will help keep the pork chops moist during baking and create a flavorful crust.
2. Make and Apply the Flavorful Seasoning
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, paprika, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly distributed, creating your homemade pork chop seasoning rub.
Generously rub the spice mixture all over both sides of the oiled pork chops. Make sure to press the seasoning into the meat so it sticks well. The brown sugar in the rub will caramelize beautifully in the oven, creating a delicious and slightly sweet crust that complements the savory pork.
3. Baking Time and Temperature for Juicy Results
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature is key to baking juicy pork chops because it cooks them quickly, searing the outside and locking in the flavorful juices.
Place the seasoned pork chops in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes for 1-inch thick boneless pork chops. The exact baking time will depend on the thickness of your pork chops and whether they are boneless or bone-in.
To ensure your pork chops are cooked to perfection, use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of a pork chop, avoiding the bone if you are using bone-in chops.
The USDA recommends cooking pork chops to an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C), followed by a resting period. For optimal juiciness and tenderness, aim for an internal temperature between 145°F and 150°F (63°C – 66°C).
4. Resting is Crucial for Moist Pork Chops
Once your pork chops reach the desired internal temperature, remove them from the oven and let them rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before serving. This resting period is essential because it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in incredibly moist and tender pork chops. You can loosely tent them with foil if desired, but it’s not necessary.
After resting, your baked pork chops are ready to be served and enjoyed! You’ll be amazed at how juicy and flavorful they are.
Pro Tips for the Juiciest Baked Pork Chops
Want to take your baked pork chops to the next level? Here are a few extra tips to guarantee juicy and delicious results every time:
- Don’t Overcook: Overcooking is the number one enemy of juicy pork chops. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure they are cooked to the correct internal temperature and avoid drying them out.
- Thick-Cut is Best: Opt for pork chops that are at least 1-inch thick. Thinner chops tend to cook faster and dry out more easily.
- Consider Bone-In: Bone-in pork chops tend to be even more juicy and flavorful than boneless because the bone helps to retain moisture during cooking.
- High Heat is Your Friend: Baking at a high temperature (425°F/220°C) sears the outside of the pork chops quickly, creating a flavorful crust and locking in the juices.
- Rest, Rest, Rest: We can’t stress this enough – resting your pork chops after baking is crucial for achieving maximum juiciness. Don’t skip this step!
Recipe Variations to Spice Things Up
While this simple baked pork chop recipe is incredibly delicious as is, there are many ways to customize it to your liking. Here are a few tasty variations to try:
- Use a Pork Rub: For an even quicker seasoning option, substitute a pre-made pork rub for the individual spices in this recipe. Use about 3 tablespoons of pork rub for 4 pork chops.
- Garlic Herb Butter: Before baking, spread a mixture of softened butter, minced garlic, and fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme over the pork chops for extra richness and flavor.
- Honey Glaze: In the last few minutes of baking, brush the pork chops with a honey-soy glaze for a sweet and savory twist.
- Lemon Pepper: Omit the paprika and brown sugar and season with lemon pepper seasoning for a bright and zesty flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions for Baked Pork Chops
Baked pork chops are incredibly versatile and pair well with a wide variety of side dishes. Here are a few delicious serving suggestions to complete your meal:
- Classic Sides: Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables (like potatoes, carrots, or broccoli), and a fresh salad are always winning choices.
- One-Pan Meal: Roast vegetables directly on the baking sheet with the pork chops for an easy one-pan dinner. Hearty vegetables like potatoes and carrots can be added to the pan about 10 minutes before the pork chops, while quicker-cooking vegetables like broccoli or green beans can be added closer to the end.
- Grain Bowls: Slice the baked pork chops and serve them over quinoa, rice, or couscous with roasted vegetables and a flavorful sauce.
No matter how you choose to serve them, these baked pork chops are sure to be a hit. Get ready to enjoy a simple yet satisfying meal that’s perfect for any night of the week!
Baked Pork Chops Recipe
Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Author: Kristine Rosenblatt
This easy baked pork chops recipe makes the best oven baked pork chops! A simple spice rub gives the pork chops so much flavor.
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Ingredients:
- 4 boneless pork chops, at least 1-inch thick*
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1½ tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons paprika, sweet or smoked
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
- Pat pork chops dry with paper towels. Rub pork chops with olive oil and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, paprika, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to mix well.
- Rub the spice mixture over all sides of the pork chops, pressing gently to adhere.
- Bake pork chops in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes for 1-inch thick boneless pork chops, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) on an instant-read thermometer. (Thinner pork chops will cook faster, bone-in pork chops will take longer. See notes.) Be careful not to overcook.
- Let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
Notes:
- If your pork chops are thinner than 1 inch, start checking for doneness after 10-12 minutes.
- Bone-in pork chops will require a few extra minutes of cooking time compared to boneless chops.
Enjoy your perfectly baked pork chops!
