Name: Oven Baked Bone-In Pork Chops
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1–1.25 inches thick); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper

Sink your teeth into the juiciest, most flavorful pork chops you've ever tasted! These oven baked bone-in pork chops deliver succulent, tender meat coated in a mouth-watering blend of savory spices and a kiss of caramelized crust. You won't believe how easy it is to make restaurant-quality pork chops right at home with just a handful of kitchen staples.

What makes this recipe a must-try? It's foolproof-no more dry, tough pork chops! The bone-in cut keeps every bite moist, while a simple rub transforms them into a crave-worthy main you'll reach for again and again.

This is the perfect dish for a cozy family dinner or a quick weeknight meal, yet impressive enough for guests. Inspired by my grandma's Sunday specialties, these pork chops will win a permanent spot in your dinner rotation!

Juicy, golden brown oven baked bone-in pork chops fresh from the oven

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Always juicy and tender-never dry or overcooked
Ready in under an hour with minimal prep
Simple pantry-friendly seasonings for big flavor
Versatile for holidays, weeknights, or meal prep

Key Ingredients for Oven Baked Bone-In Pork Chops

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Bone-In Pork Chops

Bone-in chops are the star of this recipe. The bone insulates the meat, helping it stay moist and infusing more flavor as it bakes. Aim for chops that are 1 to 1 ¼ inches thick for best results-thinner chops might dry out. If needed, you can swap in boneless chops, but shorten the cooking time slightly and know they'll be leaner.

Olive Oil

A drizzle of olive oil coats the pork chops, helping the seasoning stick and encouraging beautiful browning in the oven. If you don't have olive oil, melted butter or vegetable oil will also do the trick, each bringing subtle differences in flavor.

Paprika

Paprika adds a gentle warmth and gorgeous color to the spice rub. You can use regular paprika for a mild taste or smoked paprika for a touch of smokiness. If you're out, try chili powder for a bit more heat.

Garlic Powder

Garlic powder infuses the meat with savory, aromatic depth-an absolute classic in pork seasoning blends. Fresh minced garlic can be used in a pinch, but will create a slightly chunkier rub.

Brown Sugar

A pinch of brown sugar gives these chops their irresistible caramelized crust and balances the spices. Light or dark brown sugar both work fine. Want to go sugar-free? Swap in a splash of maple syrup or leave it out for a less sweet twist.

Oven Baked Bone-In Pork Chops cooking process

Instructions for Oven Baked Bone-In Pork Chops

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Preheat the Oven

Start by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C). Give it plenty of time to heat up-this ensures the pork chops cook evenly and get a golden crust.

Prepare the Pork Chops

Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels to help the seasoning cling and promote browning. Lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment for easy cleanup.

Make the Seasoning Rub

In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour the olive oil over both sides of the pork chops, then sprinkle the seasoning mix generously, pressing it in to coat every inch.

Bake to Perfection

Pop the seasoned pork chops in the preheated oven. Bake for 24-28 minutes, depending on thickness, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). If you love a crispier crust, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching closely so they don't burn.

Rest and Serve

Take the pan out and loosely tent the chops with foil. Let them rest for 5 minutes-this helps the juices redistribute so every bite is succulent. Serve hot, spooning any pan juices over the top.

Recipe Variations

Add a Kick of Heat

Love a bit of spice? Stir ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a little crushed red pepper flakes into the spice rub. This adds a gentle, warming heat that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the brown sugar.

Gluten-Free Option

Great news-this recipe is entirely gluten-free as written! Just double-check your spices and seasonings to make sure there are no hidden additives.

Herb Swap

Feel free to swap dried thyme for rosemary, oregano, or Italian seasoning to vary the flavor profile. Each herb gives the pork a unique twist-rosemary for a woodsy touch, oregano for a more Mediterranean flair.

Honey Mustard Glaze

For a sweet and tangy upgrade, mix 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard with 1 tablespoon of honey and brush it over the pork chops during the last 5 minutes of baking.

Boneless Pork Chops

You can absolutely use boneless pork chops if that's what you have. Just reduce the bake time by 5-8 minutes and check early, as boneless cuts cook quicker and can dry out if overdone.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these juicy oven baked bone-in pork chops with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted green beans, or classic baked mac and cheese for a truly comforting meal. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon to brighten up the flavors. Add a crisp side salad or some sautéed apples for a sweet-savory touch!

Storage and Reheating

Leftover pork chops keep beautifully. Cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a baking dish with a splash of broth or water, cover with foil, and warm in a 325°F oven until heated through (10-15 minutes). You can also microwave individual portions gently. For longer storage, freeze cooked pork chops (wrapped well) for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions About Oven Baked Bone-In Pork Chops (FAQ)

Q: How do I keep oven baked pork chops from drying out?

A: Use bone-in chops at least 1 inch thick, avoid overbaking, and always let them rest after cooking to keep the juices inside.

Q: Can I marinate the pork chops ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! While the rub packs in flavor fast, you can marinate the chops for up to 12 hours in the fridge for even more depth.

Q: Do I need to flip the pork chops halfway through baking?

A: It's optional, but for more even browning, you can flip them once at the halfway mark.

Q: Can I use frozen pork chops?

A: Yes, but be sure to fully thaw them first for best texture and even cooking.

Sink your fork into these irresistible oven baked bone-in pork chops and taste just how juicy and flavorful dinner can be! I hope this easy recipe becomes a staple at your table. If you give it a try, please leave a comment or star rating below-I'd love to hear how it turned out for you!

★★★★★ 4.70 from 198 ratings