Baked Pork Chops

Baked Pork Chops

These Oven-Baked Pork Chops are made with simple pantry ingredients for a perfect weeknight dinner the whole family will love. For best results, purchase pork chops that are at least 1-1½ inches thick and allow your chops to rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking. Pork chops should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145ºF (please use a digital meat thermometer), and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving with side dishes like mashed potatoes.

Ingredients

  • olive oil
    2 tbsp
  • brown sugar
    1 tsp
  • paprika
    1 tsp
  • garlic powder
    1 tsp
  • onion powder
    1 tsp
  • salt
    1 tsp
  • black pepper
    ½ tsp
  • bone-in pork chops

    at least 1-1½ inches thick

    4
  • salted butter

    optional

    4 tbsp

Directions

  1. 1

    Approximately 20-30 minutes before baking, remove the pork chops from the refrigerator and allow them to rest at room temperature.

  2. 2

    Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish or rimmed baking sheet lined with foil with non-stick cooking spray (or coat lightly with olive oil).

  3. 3

    In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

  4. 4

    Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels, then sprinkle the dry rub evenly over both sides. Use your fingers to rub it in gently.

  5. 5

    Transfer the seasoned pork chops to the prepared baking dish or baking sheet and drizzle the tops of the chops with the remaining olive oil.

  6. 6

    Bake for 15-25 minutes. Cooking time will vary depending on whether you’re cooking bone-in or boneless chops and their thickness (I start checking around 10-12 minutes if my pork chops are on the thinner side). In the last 2-3 minutes, broil on high until crisp around the edges and golden on top.

  7. 7

    Remove from the oven as soon as the internal temperature registers 145ºF as measured by a digital meat thermometer. Rest for at least 3-5 minutes before serving with mashed potatoes and any other favorite side dishes.

Baked Pork Chops

Baked Pork Chops

5.0(35)360 cal

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About this Recipe

Looking for perfectly tender, flavorful baked pork chops without any fuss? This simple recipe delivers a delicious weeknight dinner that the whole family will love, using just a few pantry staples.

This recipe works wonders by focusing on two critical steps for incredibly juicy results: selecting thick chops (at least 1-1½ inches) and allowing them to rest at room temperature before they hit the oven. This thoughtful preparation ensures even cooking and prevents the common pitfall of dry, overcooked pork.

Prepare for fork-tender pork chops boasting a beautifully seasoned crust. The blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, salt, and pepper creates a savory-sweet depth that complements the natural richness of the pork. Every bite is satisfyingly moist and packed with flavor, thanks to careful cooking and a crucial resting period after baking.

While this recipe shines as written, it's wonderfully adaptable. For an extra rich finish, incorporate the optional salted butter during cooking. If you're looking to experiment with the spice profile, consider adding a pinch of cayenne for a subtle kick, or a dash of dried thyme for an herbaceous touch.

These oven-baked pork chops are a comforting main dish, ideal for family dinners or a casual gathering. Serve them alongside classic, creamy mashed potatoes to soak up all the delicious pan juices.

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