Quick & Juicy Baked Pork Chops Recipe Everyone Will Love

Juicy baked pork chops bring comfort and excitement to your dinner table, promising a meal that’s both nostalgic and mouthwatering.

Seasoned with a blend of aromatic herbs, these chops deliver incredible flavor in every tender bite.

Home cooks appreciate how simple ingredients can create something extraordinary.

Salt, pepper, and a touch of garlic powder work magic on fresh meat.

Each chop transforms into a golden-brown masterpiece with minimal effort and maximum taste.

Crispy edges and succulent centers guarantee a satisfying experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

You’ll want to make this recipe part of your weekly rotation.

What Makes Best Baked Pork Chops a Standout

• Boost Flavor Instantly: Discover a mouthwatering seasoning blend that transforms ordinary pork chops into a restaurant-worthy meal with minimal effort.
• Foolproof Cooking Method: Baking ensures perfectly cooked, juicy pork chops every single time, making it ideal for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Quick Family Dinner Solution: Prepare a delicious main course in under an hour, guaranteed to satisfy hungry family members with minimal kitchen stress.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows simple ingredient swaps or additional spices, making it perfect for personalized meal preparation and culinary creativity.

Ingredients for Best Baked Pork Chops

• Pork Chops: A tender and flavorful cut of meat that serves as the star of this delicious baked dish.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Smoked Paprika, Dried Thyme, Dried Oregano, Salt, Black Pepper: A perfect combination of spices that adds depth and complexity to the pork chops, creating a mouthwatering flavor profile.

• Olive Oil: Helps to keep the pork chops moist and allows the seasoning to adhere better.
• Parchment Paper: Provides a non-stick surface for easy baking and cleanup.
• Fresh Parsley: A fresh garnish that adds a pop of color and a light, herbal touch to the finished dish.

How to Make the Best Baked Pork Chops

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 400°F (200°C). This hot environment will help create a deliciously crispy exterior on your pork chops.

Step 2: Create Flavor Magic

• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Smoked paprika
• Dried thyme
• Dried oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk these spices together until they’re perfectly blended.

Step 3: Prep the Meat

Gently pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. This crucial step ensures a gorgeous golden crust. Massage each chop with olive oil to lock in moisture and help the seasonings stick like best friends.

Step 4: Spice Things Up

Shower both sides of the pork chops with your homemade spice blend. Don’t be shy – coat those chops generously for maximum flavor explosion!

Step 5: Set the Stage

Arrange the seasoned pork chops on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in a baking dish. Give them some breathing room so they cook evenly and get that perfect golden-brown finish.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the internal temperature hits 145°F (63°C). You’re looking for a beautiful golden-brown exterior that’ll make mouths water.

Step 7: Let Them Rest

Once out of the oven, let the pork chops chill for 5 minutes. This magical resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is supremely tender and juicy.

Step 8: Dress and Impress

Sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and extra freshness. Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or your favorite side dish. Get ready for a flavor journey that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

Tips for Juicy and Flavorful Baked Pork Chops

• Select Fresh Cuts: Choose thick, bone-in pork chops around 1-inch thick for maximum juiciness and flavor retention.
• Dry Thoroughly: Use paper towels to completely remove moisture from pork chops, ensuring a crispy exterior and better seasoning adherence.
• Manage Cooking Temperature: Keep oven temperature consistent at 400°F and use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking, which can make pork tough and dry.
• Control Seasoning Intensity: Adjust spice blend quantities based on personal preference, but maintain balance between salt, herbs, and paprika for optimal taste.
• Resting is Crucial: Allow pork chops to rest 5-7 minutes after baking, which helps redistribute internal juices and keeps meat tender and succulent.

Tasty Twists for Best Baked Pork Chops

• Herb-Crusted Chops: Replace smoked paprika with a blend of fresh rosemary, sage, and chopped parsley for an aromatic Mediterranean-style coating.
• Spicy Southwestern Variation: Swap dried herbs with chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper to create a bold, zesty flavor profile with southwestern flair.
• Gluten-Free Lean Option: Use almond flour instead of traditional seasonings to create a crispy, low-carb coating perfect for those avoiding gluten or following keto diets.
• Asian-Inspired Marinade: Substitute olive oil with sesame oil and add ginger, soy sauce, and honey for a tangy, umami-rich alternative that brings Asian cuisine flavors to your pork chops.

What Goes Great with Baked Pork Chops

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a bold Syrah or Zinfandel that complements the rich, smoky seasoning of the pork chops, enhancing their deep flavor profile and cutting through the meat's richness.
• Create Creamy Potato Harmony: Serve garlic mashed potatoes or roasted rosemary potatoes alongside the pork chops, providing a smooth, comforting texture that balances the meat's savory seasonings.
• Introduce Bright Vegetable Contrast: Add roasted asparagus or green beans with a light lemon zest to bring a fresh, tangy element that cuts through the pork's richness and adds nutritional balance to the meal.

Storage Tips for Best Baked Pork Chops

• Store leftover pork chops in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Wrap each chop individually in aluminum foil or plastic wrap before placing in the container to prevent drying out. Refrigerated pork chops stay fresh for 3-4 days.
• Place cooled pork chops in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Label with the date and contents. Frozen pork chops maintain quality for up to 3 months.
• Place pork chop on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on 50% power for 30-45 seconds, checking temperature to avoid overcooking. Let rest for 1 minute before serving.

FAQ About Best Baked Pork Chops

• How do I know when the pork chops are fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). This ensures the pork is safe to eat and remains juicy.

• Can I use bone-in or boneless pork chops for this recipe?

Both bone-in and boneless pork chops work great. Just adjust cooking time slightly for thicker cuts, ensuring they reach the proper internal temperature.

• What if I don't have all the individual spices for the seasoning blend?

You can use a pre-mixed dried herb blend or Italian seasoning as a quick substitute. The key is to add flavor and create a nice coating on the pork chops.

Baked Pork Chops Recipe

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4.6 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Baked Pork Chops bring classic comfort to dinner tables with juicy, perfectly seasoned meat that melts in your mouth. Simple ingredients and expert techniques ensure you’ll savor each tender, flavorful bite of this timeless home-style favorite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick/2.54 centimeters thick)

Seasoning Blend:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

Cooking and Garnish Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the culinary environment by heating the oven to a precise 400°F, creating an ideal cooking atmosphere for succulent pork chops.
2. Craft a flavor-packed seasoning blend by thoroughly mixing garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper in a small mixing vessel.
3. Meticulously dry the pork chops using paper towels, eliminating excess moisture to guarantee a perfectly crisp exterior.
4. Massage each chop with olive oil, ensuring complete coverage to enhance moisture retention and promote seasoning adherence.
5. Liberally coat both surfaces of the pork chops with the prepared spice mixture, creating a robust flavor profile that will penetrate the meat.
6. Strategically position the seasoned chops on a parchment-lined baking sheet, allowing sufficient space between pieces for uniform heat circulation.
7. Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven, roasting for 25-30 minutes until the internal temperature reaches a safe 145°F and develops a golden-brown crust.
8. Remove from oven and allow the meat to rest for 5 minutes, enabling internal juices to redistribute and ensuring maximum tenderness.
9. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve alongside complementary side dishes, transforming a simple meal into a memorable culinary experience.

Notes

• Moisture Matters: Pat pork chops completely dry before seasoning to guarantee a crispy, golden-brown exterior that seals in delicious juices.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature, ensuring perfectly cooked chops that remain juicy and never dry.
• Seasoning Secret: Apply olive oil before sprinkling spices to help seasonings adhere better and create a more intense flavor profile.
• Dietary Flexibility: Swap regular salt for low-sodium alternatives and use gluten-free spices to accommodate different dietary needs without compromising taste.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 3 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg