The perfect blend of juicy pork, flavorful spices, and fuss-free baking bring together this delicious Oven Baked Pork Chops recipe. Baked to perfection in less than 20 minutes, this is a great choice for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
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The full recipe with ingredients/instructions is available on the recipe card at the bottom of the post. Important tips/tricks are also included in the blog post.
These Oven Baked Pork Chops are just the beginning! If you're as much of a pork lover as I am, you'll adore our other tasty pork dishes. After mastering these chops, try our IP Pulled Pork for a tender, fall-apart treat, or give our Smothered Pork Chops a whirl for a quick weeknight dinner. Each pork recipe promises a delightful experience, making sure there's never a dull dinner at your table.
Because every great main dish deserves an equally fantastic side. These pork chops go wonderfully with our Honey Roasted Carrots and Garlic Mashed Potatoes. These sides complement the chops perfectly, adding just the right balance of flavors and textures.
If you're in the mood for something lighter, our Cranberry Pecan Apple Salad Recipe is a refreshing choice that pairs beautifully with the savory richness of the pork.
Ingredients for oven baked pork chops
- Pork Chops – Choose boneless for even cooking and easy eating. A thickness of 1 inch is ideal for achieving a juicy interior without overcooking.
- Olive Oil – Used for coating the pork chops; it helps the seasonings stick and contributes to a crispy exterior. A good quality olive oil adds subtle flavor and aids in browning.
- Homemade Pork Chop Seasonings:
- Paprika – Adds a sweet and mild pepper flavor, enhancing the overall taste without overpowering.
- Kosher Salt – Essential for seasoning; kosher salt's coarser grains distribute more evenly than fine table salt.
- Garlic Powder – Provides a robust, earthy flavor, complementing the pork's natural taste.
- Onion Powder – Adds a hint of sweetness and depth, pairing well with garlic.
- Black Pepper – Gives a slight heat and sharpness, balancing the other seasonings.
- Chili Powder – Offers a touch of spiciness and complexity, enhancing the pork's savory notes.
- Dried Thyme – Its subtle, earthy flavor works well with pork, adding a hint of herbal aroma.
- Dried Oregano – Brings a slightly bitter, pungent flavor, giving a Mediterranean touch to the dish.
- Cayenne Pepper – A small amount adds a spicy kick, elevating the overall flavor profile.
Tools needed for this recipe
- Deep baking dish
- Meat thermometer
How To Make Oven Baked Pork Chops
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a small bowl, mix the paprika, kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, chili powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper. Set aside.
Arrange the pork chops in a 13x9 baking dish in a single layer. Drizzle the olive oil over the pork chops and rub it in. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork chops, ensuring they are well-coated on both sides.
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven, and bake the pork chops for about 18-22 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
Once done, remove the pork chops from the oven and rest for about 5 minutes before serving, allowing the temperature to rise to 145°F (63°C).
Spice Blend Variations
- Herb Mix: Combine dried basil, parsley, and rosemary with a hint of garlic powder for a fragrant, herbaceous flavor profile.
- Smoky BBQ: Mix smoked paprika with a touch of brown sugar, garlic powder, and onion powder for a sweet and smoky barbecue taste.
- Mediterranean: Blend together oregano, thyme, garlic powder, and a pinch of ground coriander for a Mediterranean-inspired zest.
- Tex-Mex Style: Create a lively Tex-Mex blend using cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and a dash of cayenne pepper for some heat.
- Sweet and Spicy: For a sweet yet spicy kick, mix cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and a small amount of cayenne pepper.
- Lemon Pepper: Combine lemon zest, cracked black pepper, garlic powder, and dried dill for a fresh and tangy flavor.
Storage and Reheating Recommendations
Storing in the Fridge:
- Allow the cooked pork chops to cool to room temperature before storing. This prevents moisture build-up. Place the pork chops in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, aluminum foil, or both. When properly stored, oven baked pork chops can last in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing:
- Ensure the pork chops are completely cooled before freezing. This step is crucial to prevent ice crystals, which can affect texture. Individually wrap each pork chop in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag or airtight container. This helps to prevent freezer burn. Pork chops can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheating:
- If frozen, thaw your pork chops in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pork chops in a baking dish and add a splash of water or broth to keep them moist. Cover with foil and reheat for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. The added moisture and gentle heating in the oven help to keep the pork chops tender.
- Microwave: For a quicker method, you can use the microwave. Cover the pork chops and reheat on a medium setting, checking frequently to ensure they don't become dry.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Choosing the Right Cut: Opt for boneless pork chops that are about 1 inch thick. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your pork chops. Thicker chops may require a longer baking time, while thinner chops may cook quicker.
- Room Temperature Meat: Take your pork chops out of the fridge about 15-20 minutes before cooking. Starting with meat that’s closer to room temperature promotes more even cooking.
- Patting Dry: Always pat your pork chops dry with paper towels before seasoning. Drizzling olive oil over the pork chops before baking helps to keep them moist and adds a nice flavor. However, you can use other types of oil or even a light spray of cooking oil if preferred. This helps the spices adhere better and promotes a nice crust.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you’re searing your pork chops before baking (optional step for extra flavor), make sure not to overcrowd the pan. This allows each pork chop to get a good sear rather than steam.
- Using an Oven-Safe Thermometer: To ensure perfect doneness, use an oven-safe meat thermometer. Pork chops are done when they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Remember, they'll continue to cook a bit after being removed from the oven.
- Resting Time is Key: Allow the pork chops to rest for 5 minutes to help redistribute the juices within the meat, keeping it moist and tender.
FAQ's
Yes, you can use bone-in pork chops, but keep in mind that they may require a slightly longer cooking time. The bone can affect how evenly the pork chop cooks, so it's especially important to use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
Overcooking is the most common reason for dry pork chops. Next time, try cooking them for a shorter duration and use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking. Also, remember to let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes after baking; this helps retain their juiciness.
Looking for more oven-baked recipes? Try these out:
- Oven Baked Beef Ribs
- Oven Baked Cod
- Oven Baked Turkey Tenderloin
- Oven Baked Rice (How to Cook Rice in the Oven)
If you have tried this recipe or any other recipe on my blog, please rate it and let me know how it turned out in the comments below!
Oven Baked Pork Chops
Ingredients
- 6 pork chops boneless, 1 inch thick, patted dry
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, mix the paprika, kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, chili powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper. Set aside.
- Arrange the pork chops in a 13x9 baking dish in a single layer. Drizzle the olive oil over the pork chops and rub it in. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork chops, ensuring they are well-coated on both sides.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven, and bake the pork chops for about 18-22 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
- Once done, remove the pork chops from the oven and rest for about 5 minutes before serving, allowing the temperature to rise to 145°F (63°C).
Notes
- The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your pork chops. Thicker chops may require a longer baking time, while thinner chops may cook quicker.
- Drizzling olive oil over the pork chops before baking helps to keep them moist and adds a nice flavor. However, you can use other types of oil or even a light spray of cooking oil if preferred.
- Allow the pork chops to rest for 5 minutes to help redistribute the juices within the meat, keeping it moist and tender.
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