These oven-baked pork chops are juicy, tasty, and super easy to make! With a sprinkle of your favorite seasonings, they come out perfectly cooked every time.
I love how effortless this recipe is. Just season, bake, and you’re ready for a delicious dinner! Serve them with some veggies for a complete meal—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in chops are my favorite because they stay juicy and have great flavor. If you only have boneless chops, that’s fine too. Just cook them for a slightly shorter time to avoid drying them out.
Olive Oil: Essential for keeping the pork chops moist and helping the spices stick. You can substitute with vegetable oil or melted butter if that’s what you have on hand.
Spices: Paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder give a nice flavor kick. For a twist, use smoked paprika instead. Dried thyme and oregano can be swapped with Italian seasoning or Herbes de Provence for a different herb combination.
Cayenne Pepper: If you prefer less heat, skip this, or use a pinch of black pepper instead. An alternative is chili powder for a different flavor profile without too much spice.
What’s the Best Way to Keep Pork Chops Juicy?
To ensure your pork chops stay juicy and tender, drying them off and rubbing them with oil is key. This allows them to brown nicely when searing. Here’s how:
- Pat the pork chops dry before seasoning; moisture can lead to steaming instead of browning.
- When searing, make sure your skillet is hot enough; this helps lock in the juices.
- Let the pork chops rest after baking. This allows the juices to redistribute, making each bite deliciously juicy.
How to Make Oven-Baked Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in pork chops, about 1 inch thick
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper for a little heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation and about 20 minutes of cooking time. In total, you’ll spend about 35 minutes from start to finish, including resting time. Perfect for a quick and delicious dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is a great temperature for cooking the pork chops evenly and ensuring they stay juicy.
2. Prepare Your Spice Mix:
In a small bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if you want a bit of heat). Stir it all together until well mixed. This will be the flavorful coat for your pork chops!
3. Get the Pork Chops Ready:
Using paper towels, pat the pork chops dry. This step is important because it helps them brown nicely. Next, rub olive oil all over each chop to keep them juicy and help the spices stick.
4. Season the Chops:
Take your spice mix and sprinkle it evenly onto both sides of the pork chops. Press gently to make sure the spices stick well. You want that delicious flavor in every bite!
5. Sear the Pork Chops:
Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the pork chops and sear them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they get a nice golden brown crust. This step is key for flavor!
6. Bake the Pork Chops:
After searing, carefully transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake the pork chops for 8-12 minutes, depending on how thick they are. You want them to reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for perfect doneness.
7. Rest and Serve:
Once they’re done cooking, take the pork chops out of the oven and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This resting time helps the juices redistribute so your pork stays nice and moist. Serve warm with your favorite sides, like roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.
Enjoy your juicy, flavorful oven-baked pork chops!
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead of Bone-In?
Yes, you can! Boneless pork chops will work just fine. Just be aware that they may cook a bit faster, so check for doneness a few minutes earlier.
What Should I Do if My Pork Chops Are Cooking Too Fast?
If you notice they’re cooking too quickly, you can lower the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) to ensure they cook through without drying out. Always check the internal temperature for doneness!
Can I Marinate the Pork Chops Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Marinating the pork chops for a few hours or overnight can enhance the flavor. Just adjust the amount of salt in your spice mix if your marinade contains salt to avoid over-seasoning.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to keep them moist.