If you’re searching for a quick, easy, and absolutely delicious dinner idea, look no further than these Easy Oven Baked Pork Chops. With over 17 million page views and hundreds of five-star reviews, this recipe has become a fan favorite—and for good reason! It’s simple to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Keep reading to discover all the tips and tricks to make this dish a success every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fail-Proof: This recipe is straightforward and beginner-friendly, so you can’t go wrong!
- Quick and Easy: With only 5 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes in the oven, dinner is ready in just 30 minutes.
- Customizable: Whether you prefer boneless or bone-in pork chops, this recipe works for both.
- Juicy and Flavorful: The dry rub and olive oil ensure the pork chops are seasoned to perfection with a tender, juicy texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Dry Rub:
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning or dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
The Pork:
- 4 boneless pork chops (1-inch thick)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Prepare the Dry Rub
In a small bowl, mix together all the dry rub ingredients: brown sugar, garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, sea salt, and black pepper.
3. Season the Pork Chops
Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Drizzle olive oil over the pork chops and rub it in evenly. Then, generously coat both sides of the chops with the dry rub mixture.
4. Bake
Place the seasoned pork chops on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the pork reaches 140–145°F. (Use a meat thermometer for accuracy—more on this below!)
5. Rest
Remove the pork chops from the oven and tent them lightly with aluminum foil. Let them rest for 5 to 10 minutes. During this time, the internal temperature will rise by about 5–10°F due to carryover cooking.
6. Serve
Once rested, your pork chops are ready to serve! Pair them with your favorite side dishes for a complete meal.
Pro Tips for Perfect Pork Chops
- Choose Thick Cuts: For best results, opt for pork chops that are at least 1 inch thick. Thicker chops retain moisture better during cooking.
- Bone-In or Boneless?: Both work well! However, bone-in chops may take slightly longer to cook due to the bone.
- Don’t Overcook: To avoid dry pork chops, remove them from the oven when they reach an internal temperature of 135–140°F, then let them rest to finish cooking.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: A meat thermometer ensures your pork chops are cooked to perfection without overcooking. The USDA recommends cooking pork to an internal temperature of 145°F for medium-rare doneness.
- Make It a One-Pan Meal: Add vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or baby carrots to the baking sheet for an easy side dish that cooks alongside your pork chops.
Storing and Reheating
- Storing Leftovers: Store leftover pork chops in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 300°F until warmed through to maintain tenderness.
Make-Ahead Tip
You can season the pork chops a day in advance! Simply rub them with olive oil and the dry rub mixture, then store them in the refrigerator. Allow them to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking.
FAQs
Q: Can I use other seasonings?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the dry rub with your favorite spices, such as cumin, chili powder, or smoked paprika.
Q: Can I cook these pork chops in an air fryer?
Yes! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F and cook the pork chops for about 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Q: How do I know when my pork is done?
The safest way is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should read 145°F after resting.
Make It a Meal: Side Dish Ideas
Here are a few ideas to pair with your juicy baked pork chops:
- Mashed potatoes
- Roasted vegetables
- Rice pilaf
- Caesar salad
- Garlic bread
With this foolproof recipe in your arsenal, you’ll never have to worry about dry or bland pork chops again. These Easy Oven Baked Pork Chops are guaranteed to impress your family and friends—whether it’s a casual dinner or a special event. Enjoy!
Print
Easy Oven Baked Pork Chops
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
We spill all the secrets and tips that make this easy Baked Pork Chop recipe one of our most popular recipes ever! With 17 million page views and hundreds of Five-Stars reviews, we know this recipe works, it’s fail-proof and delicious.
Ingredients
Dry Rub:
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning or dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
The Pork:
- 4 boneless pork chops (1-inch thick)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy clean up.
In a small bowl, mix the dry rub ingredients.
Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Drizzle and rub the pork with olive oil and season them with the dry rub. Rub the seasoning all over the chops (both sides).
Place the pork chops onto the prepared baking sheet.
Bake in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 140 to 145°F. Please read notes about carryover cooking and decide at what exact temperature to remove the pork from the oven.
Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes, tented with aluminum foil. While the meat rests – the temperature will redistribute (carryover cooking) and the internal temperature will rise about 5 to 10 degrees. Serve.
Notes
Size Matters: Choosing thick pork chops of at least 1-inch thick (preferably pork loin chops), whether they are thick boneless pork chops or bone-in pork chops, guarantees a great meal with minimal effort.
Boneless or Bone-In: This recipe can be made with both. Bone-in chops will take a bit longer to cook.
Make it a Meal: Turn these oven baked pork chops into a one-pan meal by adding a few veggies to the baking pan.
USDA Guidelines: For best results, pork chops should be cooked to medium-rare or 145ºF which is the USDA’s safe temperature guideline for consuming pork.
When is the Pork Ready? To prevent overcooking the meat, remove the pork from the oven when the temperature reaches between 135º – 140ºF. Allow the pork to rest, lightly tented with foil for 5-10 minutes. During this “resting time” the temperature will rise 5 to 10 degrees.
Cooking Time: Exact cooking times will vary depending on the size, thickness and type of pork chops used. To guarantee great results, always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer.
Storing: Store leftover pork chops in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
Make-Ahead: You can season the pork a day in advance. Keep it in the fridge and allow it to come to temperature for 30 minutes before cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pork chop
- Calories: 260 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 380 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
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