Hey y’all! If you’re craving something juicy, flavorful, and super easy to whip up, The Best Baked Pork Chops recipe is about to become your new go-to. These Pork Chops are tender, packed with savory seasoning, and perfect for family dinners, casual get-togethers, or any night you want big flavor without a lot of fuss. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This
- Packed with flavor thanks to a bold, savory spice blend.
- Ready in under 30 minutes — perfect for busy weeknights!
- Juicy, tender meat with a golden, caramelized crust.
- Minimal clean-up with a one-pan baking method.
- Pairs beautifully with a variety of sides for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar
Directions
Prep the Pork Chops
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels for better browning.
- Brush both sides of the pork chops with olive oil.
Season the Chops
- In a small bowl, mix together salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, and brown sugar.
- Evenly rub the seasoning mix over both sides of each pork chop.
Bake to Perfection
- Place pork chops on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- For a golden finish, broil on high for 2-3 extra minutes.
Rest & Serve
- Let pork chops rest for at least 5 minutes before serving so juices redistribute.
Notes
- Choose pork chops that are at least 1-inch thick for juicier results.
- Letting the meat rest before slicing keeps it tender and moist.
- Baking time may vary depending on thickness, so use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
Variations
- Parmesan Crusted: Add 1/4 cup grated parmesan to the seasoning for a cheesy crust.
- Honey Garlic: Brush with a mix of 2 tablespoons honey and 1 tablespoon minced garlic before baking.
- Spicy Kick: Add 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
Required Equipment
- Baking sheet or oven-safe dish
- Mixing bowl
- Basting brush
- Meat thermometer
- Parchment paper or cooking spray (optional)
Storage Instructions
- Store leftover pork chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until warmed through.
- Cooked pork chops can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations
- Serve with creamy mashed potatoes and roasted green beans for a classic dinner.
- Pair with a crisp apple slaw and wild rice for a lighter option.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme for a vibrant, herby finish.
Pro Tips
- Don’t skip the rest time—it locks in moisture for the juiciest pork chops.
- For extra caramelization, broil for the last 2-3 minutes of the bake time.
- Always check doneness with a meat thermometer for perfect results every time.
FAQ
Can I use bone-in pork chops?
Absolutely! Just add 3-5 minutes to the bake time, as bone-in chops take a bit longer to cook through.
How do I keep baked pork chops from drying out?
Use thick-cut chops, avoid overcooking, and always let them rest before serving.
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can season the pork chops and refrigerate them up to 24 hours in advance; bake fresh for best texture and flavor.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 28 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 boneless pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
-
1Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
-
2Pat pork chops dry with paper towels and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
-
3In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, dried thyme, and onion powder.
-
4Brush both sides of the pork chops with the seasoned olive oil mixture.
-
5Bake pork chops in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, or until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
-
6Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
Did you make this recipe?
Please consider Pinning it!!
