Say goodbye to dry, tough pork forever with this simple and delicious baked pork chops recipe. We’re sharing the secret to perfectly juicy, tender, and flavorful pork chops that come out perfect every single time. This recipe is your new weeknight dinner hero—it’s incredibly easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers a meal the whole family will love. Forget complicated steps; this is straightforward cooking at its best.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or new to the kitchen, this method is foolproof. We focus on a simple, yet powerful, seasoning blend and the perfect cooking technique to lock in moisture. Get ready to add this to your regular dinner rotation!
Why You’ll Love This Baked Pork Chops Recipe
- Incredibly Juicy: Our technique ensures your pork chops stay moist and tender.
- Packed with Flavor: A simple rub made from pantry staples creates a savory crust that’s irresistible.
- Quick and Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep and about 20 minutes in the oven, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatile: It pairs beautifully with almost any side dish, from roasted vegetables to a creamy loaded baked potato soup.
The Secret to Perfectly Juicy Pork Chops
The difference between a dry pork chop and a perfectly tender one comes down to a few key details. Master these, and you’ll be a pork chop expert.
Choose the Right Cut
For the best results, opt for thicker, bone-in pork chops, about 1 to 1.5 inches thick. The bone helps insulate the meat, slowing down the cooking process and keeping the pork juicier. Thicker chops are also more forgiving and less likely to overcook. If you only have boneless chops, that’s okay! Just be sure to watch them closely as they will cook faster.
The Importance of a Good Seasoning Rub
A flavorful rub does more than just add taste—it helps create a delicious crust that seals in the juices. Our blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a touch of brown sugar creates the perfect savory and slightly sweet crust that complements the pork perfectly.
Don’t Overbake! Use a Meat Thermometer
This is the most important tip of all. The single biggest mistake people make is overcooking their pork. The safest and most reliable way to check for doneness is with a digital meat thermometer. Pork is perfectly cooked and safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Pull the chops from the oven at this temperature, then let them rest. The temperature will continue to rise a few degrees as they rest.
Key Ingredients for Perfect Baked Pork Chops
This recipe relies on a handful of pantry staples to create incredible flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Pork Chops: Four 1-inch thick, bone-in pork chops work best.
- Olive Oil: To help the seasonings adhere and to get a nice color on the chops.
- Brown Sugar: A little bit of sugar helps with caramelization and balances the savory spices.
- Paprika: Adds beautiful color and a mild, sweet flavor.
- Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: The savory backbone of our seasoning blend.
- Salt & Black Pepper: To enhance all the other flavors.
How to Make Baked Pork Chops Step-by-Step
Ready to cook? This simple process delivers amazing results.
- Preheat and Prepare: First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat your pork chops dry with a paper towel. This is a crucial step for getting a good sear and a nice crust.
- Season Generously: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Rub the pork chops all over with olive oil, then press the seasoning mixture evenly onto all sides of the chops.
- Sear for Flavor (Optional but Recommended): For the best flavor and texture, heat a tablespoon of oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork chops for 2-3 minutes per side, until a golden-brown crust forms.
- Bake to Perfection: Transfer the skillet directly to the preheated oven (or move the chops to a baking sheet if your skillet isn’t oven-safe). Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Rest the Meat: Finally, remove the pork chops from the oven and transfer them to a plate. Tent them loosely with foil and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, guaranteeing a tender, juicy bite.
Expert Tips for the Best Results
- Bring Pork to Room Temperature: Let the pork chops sit on the counter for about 20-30 minutes before cooking. This helps them cook more evenly.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Give the pork chops plenty of space in the skillet or on the baking sheet. This ensures they bake instead of steam.
- Adjust Time for Thickness: Thinner chops will require less baking time, while thicker chops may need more. Always rely on a meat thermometer for accuracy.
What to Serve with Your Pork Chops
These baked pork chops are incredibly versatile. For a classic comfort meal, serve them with mashed potatoes and green beans. They also pair wonderfully with roasted asparagus, a fresh Honeycrisp apple salad, or even a hearty ground beef casserole for a larger feast. For a different flavor profile, a side of Mexican street corn is always a crowd-pleaser.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Store leftover pork chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a baking dish with a splash of chicken broth, cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through. This method helps prevent them from drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions
The key to juicy pork chops is to not overcook them. Use a meat thermometer to pull them from the oven right at 145°F. Also, choosing thicker, bone-in chops and letting them rest for 5-10 minutes after baking are crucial steps to lock in moisture.
At 400°F (200°C), 1-inch thick pork chops typically take 15-20 minutes to bake. However, the best way to ensure they are cooked perfectly is to use a meat thermometer. The pork chops are done when they reach an internal temperature of 145°F.
While it’s an optional step, we highly recommend searing pork chops in a hot skillet for 2-3 minutes per side before baking. This process creates a flavorful, caramelized crust through the Maillard reaction, which adds significant depth of flavor to the final dish.
For this recipe, we recommend baking the pork chops uncovered. This helps create a delicious, savory crust on the outside. Covering them can cause them to steam, which prevents that desirable texture from forming.
The USDA recommends cooking pork chops to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chop without touching the bone. Remember to let the pork rest for 5-10 minutes after removing it from the oven.
The Only Baked Pork Chop Recipe You’ll Ever Need
Baked Pork Chops (Juicy, Tender, and Easy!)
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat pork chops dry with a paper towel. This helps create a better crust.
- In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the pork chops with olive oil. Rub the seasoning mixture evenly and generously over all sides of the pork chops.
- Heat a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until a golden-brown crust forms. This step is optional but highly recommended for flavor.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chop registers 145°F (63°C).
- Remove the pork chops from the skillet and place them on a cutting board or plate. Tent loosely with foil and let them rest for 5-10 minutes. This is crucial for juicy pork chops.
Notes
Tip 2: Don't skip the resting step! It allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, keeping it moist and tender.
Tip 3: Adjust baking time based on the thickness of your pork chops. Always use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
This simple, reliable recipe for baked pork chops is designed to deliver perfectly juicy and flavorful results every single time. It’s a game-changer for weeknight dinners. Give it a try and let us know what you think in the comments below! Don’t forget to save this recipe to your favorite board on Pinterest!
