Sink your teeth into the juiciest, most flavorful Baked Pork Chops you've ever tasted! With a crispy, golden crust and the most tender, succulent pork inside, this effortless recipe proves that weeknight dinners can be downright craveable.
The magic happens in the oven with a simple spice rub, turning everyday pork chops into a dinner your family will beg for again and again. There's no marinating, no fussy brining-just big, bold flavor you can pull off in half an hour.
These easy oven-baked pork chops are practically foolproof, making them a must-try for busy nights or when you want a crowd-pleasing main with minimal effort. Serve with your favorite sides for a meal that feels special, without any of the stress.
Inspired by classic homestyle cooking and refined with my family's own touches, this is a recipe I make again and again-and I know you'll love it just as much.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Unbelievably Juicy: Never worry about dry pork chops again-these come out moist and melt-in-your-mouth tender every time.
- Quick and Easy: Simple ingredients and just one pan means dinner is ready in under 40 minutes with hardly any cleanup.
- Flavor-Packed: A bold, savory spice rub delivers tons of taste without extra sauces or complicated marinades.
- Versatile: Works perfectly with bone-in or boneless chops, plus it's easy to adjust the seasoning to suit your cravings.
Key Ingredients for Baked Pork Chops
See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.Pork Chops
The star of the show! Use thick-cut, bone-in pork chops for the juiciest results, as the bone helps retain moisture. Boneless chops work if you prefer, but keep a close eye on the bake time to prevent overcooking. Look for chops that are about 1-inch thick for the best texture.
Olive Oil
A light coating of olive oil not only helps the seasonings stick but also encourages a beautifully golden, crisp crust as the chops bake. Feel free to use another neutral oil like avocado or canola if preferred, but olive oil offers a subtle richness.
Smoked Paprika
This vibrant spice brings a gentle smokiness that takes the flavor up a notch. Regular paprika or sweet paprika works in a pinch, but smoked paprika adds a wonderfully deep, savory taste you'll love.
Garlic Powder
Garlic powder gives a bold punch of garlicky flavor without the risk of burning, which can happen with fresh garlic in high-heat baking. You can swap in onion powder if you're a fan of that flavor, or add a touch of both for variety.
Brown Sugar
A little brown sugar balances the savory notes and helps caramelize the pork chops, giving you irresistible color and just a hint of sweetness. If you prefer to keep it sugar-free, you can omit it, but it truly makes a difference.
Instructions for Baked Pork Chops
See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.Prep the Pork Chops
Pat your pork chops dry with paper towels. This step is essential-it helps the seasonings stick and ensures a crisp crust. If your chops are very thick, let them rest at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes for even cooking.
Make the Spice Rub
In a small bowl, mix together smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper. Drizzle the olive oil over both sides of the pork chops and rub to coat.
Season the Pork Chops
Sprinkle and pat the spice mixture all over each chop, ensuring every surface is evenly coated. Don't forget the sides!
Bake
Place the pork chops in a single layer in a greased baking dish or on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). For extra color, broil the chops for the last 2-3 minutes if desired.
Rest and Serve
Remove the chops from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. This lets the juices redistribute, keeping your pork perfectly juicy.
Recipe Variations
Make It Spicy
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the spice rub for a deliciously spicy kick. You can also drizzle with hot honey before serving if you love sweet heat.
Gluten-Free Adaptation
This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always double-check your spices and brown sugar packaging to be sure. Serve with gluten-free sides like roasted veggies or a simple green salad.
Herb Lovers' Pork Chops
Swap out the dried thyme for Italian seasoning, dried rosemary, or even herbes de Provence for an aromatic, herbaceous twist. Fresh herbs sprinkled on after baking add a lovely flavor pop.
Lower Sugar Option
If you're cutting back on sugar, you can reduce or omit the brown sugar. The pork will still bake up beautifully golden, just less caramelized and sweet.
Lemon-Garlic Pork Chops
Add 1 teaspoon lemon zest to the spice mix and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chops just before serving for bright, zesty flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your baked pork chops with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, garlic green beans, or roasted carrots for a hearty meal. For a fresh finish, sprinkle with chopped parsley or a few sprigs of thyme. Add a crisp garden salad and a slice of warm, crusty bread to round out the dinner-pure comfort food!
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover pork chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place chops on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and warm in a 325°F (160°C) oven for 10-12 minutes, or until heated through. Microwaving works for quick reheating but may dry the meat slightly. For longer storage, freeze wrapped pork chops for up to 2 months-thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating as above.
Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Pork Chops (FAQ)
Q: How do I keep baked pork chops from drying out?A: Use thick-cut, bone-in chops and don't overbake! Resting the meat for at least 5 minutes also helps the juices stay put.
Q: What internal temperature should pork chops be baked to?A: Bake pork chops until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Use a meat thermometer for best results.
Q: Can I use boneless pork chops?A: Yes! Adjust the baking time since boneless chops may cook faster. Begin checking doneness at the 18-minute mark.
Q: Do I need to brine the pork chops first?A: You can, but it's not necessary for juicy results thanks to this recipe's spice rub and cook time. If you'd like extra tenderness, a quick brine never hurts.
All that's left to do is dig in and enjoy every juicy, flavorful bite of these easy Baked Pork Chops! If you try this recipe, I'd love to hear how it turned out-leave a comment and a rating below so others can enjoy your tips too. Happy cooking!
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
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1Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line a rimmed baking sheet with foil.
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2Pat pork chops dry with paper towels. Let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes if time allows.
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3In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper.
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4Rub olive oil over both sides of the pork chops. Coat each chop thoroughly with the seasoning mixture.
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5Place pork chops in the prepared baking dish in a single layer.
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6Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature hits 145°F (63°C). Optional: Broil for 2-3 minutes right at the end to get a gorgeous, caramelized top.
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7Let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
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.
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