Baked Pork Chops Recipe

These Baked Pork Chops are everything you want in a weeknight dinner—juicy, tender, packed with savory flavor, and incredibly easy to throw together. No complicated steps, no fancy ingredients, just real, satisfying comfort food baked to perfection in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re feeding the family or just need something reliable and delicious, this dish checks all the boxes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Prep: Minimal chopping, one baking dish, and you’re all set. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like a kitchen pro without breaking a sweat.
• Flavorful and Juicy: These pork chops are seasoned just right and baked until golden on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth tender on the inside.
• Crowd Pleaser: This dish is universally loved—simple, hearty, and satisfying for all kinds of eaters.
• Versatile: You can pair it with any side—veggies, potatoes, rice, or even a crisp salad.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you need to make these incredible baked pork chops—and some notes to make them extra tasty:

• Pork chops: Bone-in or boneless both work—just choose chops that are about 1 inch thick to avoid overcooking.
• Olive oil: Helps seal in moisture and gives the seasoning something to stick to.
• Garlic powder: Adds that earthy depth without overpowering the meat.
• Paprika: Brings a smoky sweetness and beautiful color to the crust.
• Dried thyme: Gives a slightly minty, herby aroma that pairs wonderfully with pork.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential for bringing out the natural flavors—don’t skimp here.
• Brown sugar (optional): A tiny bit creates a gorgeous caramelized edge on the pork chops.

Variations

Here are a few fun twists if you want to shake things up:

• Herb Crusted: Mix in rosemary, sage, or oregano with your seasoning blend.
• Honey Mustard Glaze: Brush on a mix of honey, mustard, and a touch of soy sauce during the last 5 minutes of baking.
• Spicy Style: Add cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the seasoning for a fiery kick.
• Breaded Option: Coat in seasoned breadcrumbs for a crispy, oven-fried style pork chop.

How to Make Baked Pork Chops

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment for easier cleanup.

Step 2: Season the Pork Chops

Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Drizzle both sides with olive oil, then rub in your seasoning blend—garlic powder, paprika, thyme, salt, pepper, and brown sugar if using.

Step 3: Arrange on the Pan

Lay the pork chops on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they’re not overlapping so they cook evenly.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 18–20 minutes, depending on thickness. Flip halfway through if you want both sides evenly browned. They’re done when the internal temp reaches 145°F (63°C).

Step 5: Let Them Rest

Remove from the oven and let the chops rest for 5 minutes. This step is key—it keeps them juicy.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Avoid Thin Chops: Go for thick-cut pork chops so they don’t dry out in the oven.
• Resting Time Matters: Letting them sit before slicing helps all those lovely juices settle back into the meat.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: No guessing—this ensures they’re perfectly cooked every time.
• Season Generously: Don’t hold back on seasoning. Pork needs bold flavor to really shine.

How to Serve

These baked pork chops pair beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are some of the best ways to round out your meal:

Classic Pairings:

Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or creamy mac and cheese.

Light and Fresh:

Serve with a crisp green salad or steamed green beans for a lighter touch.

Sauce It Up:

Add a dollop of apple sauce or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a sweet-savory contrast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let leftovers cool completely before storing in an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Wrap pork chops individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll last up to 3 months.

Reheating

Reheat in the oven at 325°F until warmed through, or use the microwave for a quicker option—just add a splash of broth or water to keep them moist.

FAQs

Can I use boneless pork chops instead of bone-in?
Absolutely! Boneless pork chops work just as well—just keep an eye on cooking time as they may bake a little faster.

What if my pork chops are thinner than 1 inch?
Reduce the baking time to 12–15 minutes, and start checking early to avoid drying them out. A meat thermometer is your best friend here.

Do I need to marinate the pork chops?
Not at all. The seasoning blend gives you plenty of flavor. But if you have extra time, a quick 30-minute marinade with olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs can add an extra layer of depth.

Can I cook these in a cast iron skillet instead?
Yes, you can! Sear them on the stove for 2–3 minutes per side, then transfer to a 400°F oven to finish cooking for about 10 minutes.

Final Thoughts

These Baked Pork Chops are the kind of dinner you’ll find yourself making again and again. They’re fast, flavorful, and flexible—everything you want after a long day. Whether you keep it classic or play around with the seasonings, this recipe delivers big-time flavor with barely any effort. Go ahead, preheat that oven and give them a try tonight!

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