Baked Pork Chops

Baked pork chops are a timeless, no-fuss dinner option that delivers juicy, tender meat with minimal prep. With a flavorful blend of herbs and spices, this dish comes together quickly and easily in the oven, making it a weeknight favorite that the whole family will love. No need for marinating or fancy tools—just a simple, savory, and satisfying main course.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare: Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish.
• Flavor-packed: A simple seasoning mix creates bold, savory flavor.
• Perfectly juicy: Oven baking keeps the pork moist and tender without the need for breading or frying.
• Minimal cleanup: All cooked in the oven with no greasy pans or stovetop mess.
• Versatile: Great with veggies, grains, or salad—whatever you’ve got on hand.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless pork chops (1 to 1½ inches thick)
• Olive oil
• Brown sugar
• Paprika (smoked or sweet)
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Dried thyme
• Salt
• Black pepper

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Pat pork chops dry with paper towels to help the seasoning stick and ensure good browning.
3. Mix seasoning: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Coat the pork chops: Rub each chop with olive oil, then coat thoroughly on all sides with the seasoning mixture.
5. Bake: Arrange pork chops on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
6. Rest: Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep time: 5 minutes
• Cook time: 15–20 minutes
• Total time: 20–25 minutes

Variations

• Bone-in pork chops: These can be used instead, but may need 2–3 more minutes of cook time.
• Spicy version: Add cayenne pepper or red chili flakes to the seasoning mix.
• Herbed upgrade: Swap thyme for rosemary, sage, or Italian seasoning.
• Garlic butter finish: Top each chop with a small pat of garlic herb butter right after baking.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store cooled pork chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat gently in a 350°F oven or in a covered skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of broth or water to prevent drying.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked pork chops for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

How do I keep baked pork chops from drying out?

Don’t overbake them—use a meat thermometer and pull them from the oven at 145°F, then rest for 5 minutes.

Can I use bone-in pork chops?

Yes, bone-in pork chops work great and offer extra flavor. Add a few minutes to the cooking time if they’re thick.

What temperature should pork chops be baked at?

425°F is ideal to lock in moisture while achieving a lightly crisp edge.

How thick should pork chops be?

Look for chops that are 1 to 1½ inches thick for the juiciest results.

Can I marinate pork chops for extra flavor?

Yes, but this dry rub is flavorful enough that marinating isn’t necessary unless desired.

Do I need to sear the pork chops before baking?

No searing needed—this recipe keeps it simple by baking only.

What can I serve with baked pork chops?

Try mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, green beans, rice, or a crisp salad.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! Season the chops up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, all ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free.

Can I make this in an air fryer?

Absolutely—cook at 400°F for about 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Conclusion

Baked pork chops are the kind of dinner you can always count on—simple, satisfying, and full of flavor. With just a handful of pantry spices and no special equipment, this dish proves that great food doesn’t need to be complicated. Whether you’re feeding a family or just want an easy meal with leftovers, this recipe hits the spot every time.

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