are seasoned with a simple and quick spice massage and baked to perfection. This easy baked pork chop recipe produces tender, juicy, and tasty pork chops every time!
The best baked pork chop recipe
Learn the easiest and best way to bake pork chops that always turn out to be absolutely perfect. Enjoy juicy and tender pork chops and learn all my best tips for cooking this healthy protein the right way (at the right internal temperature and the right cooking time!)
The thick, boneless pork chops are seasoned with a tasty dry massage made with simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry and then baked on a tray or baking dish to golden, juicy perfection.
Pork chops Recipe ingredients Pork
chops
: For
- juicy pork chops, it’s best to use chops that are at least 1 inch thick. Thinner pork chops tend to dry in the oven. For this recipe, I use boneless pork chops, but bone-in pork chops are also a great option.
- Olive oil: You can also use any mild oil such as vegetable or canola oil, avocado oil and coconut oil.
- Condiments: Brown sugar, garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt and black pepper. This baked pork chop recipe uses a very simple dry massage that is super tasty. However, pork is a versatile meat, so feel free to customize seasonings and spices to your liking.
How to Make Pork Chops in
the Oven
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a tray with aluminum foil for easy cleaning.
- Mix the dry ingredients in a small bowl.
- Dry each pork chop with paper towels. Place the chops on the baking sheet and brush or drizzle them with olive oil. Season the chops with the dry massage on both sides.
- Bake for about 20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 140ºF, when you check the thickest part of the cutlet with a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the pig will increase while the pig rests due to cooking (read more about this at the bottom of the post).
- Remove from the oven and let the pork stand for 5 to 10 minutes.
The Secret of
tender and juicy pork chops I get a lot of questions about cooking boneless pork chops in the oven, mainly from people who grew up eating dried pork and are hesitant to even try baked pork recipes. When baking pork chops
, some simple rules guarantee excellent results. Here are my most important tips for succulent, juicy and tender pork chops.
Buy the right kind
of pork chop
Baking in the oven, the thickness of chops matters, and thick chops are a must! Choose pork chops that are at least 1 inch thick. Thin chops tend to always dry out when baked. You can use pork chops with or without bone for this recipe with great success.
Cooking times vs internal temperature
Cooking times vary greatly depending on the type of pork chop, the thickness of the meat, and how hot your oven is. The meat will stay juicy if you don’t overcook it. It’s as simple as that.
The secret to not overcooking pork chops is to check the internal temperature of the meat with an instant-read thermometer. Cooking times should be just a guide.
To avoid a dry pork chop, check the cooking several times during the latter part of the cooking time (I usually start checking after 18 minutes of cooking). Insert the meat thermometer probe into the thickest part of the pork chop and remove the meat from the oven when the internal temperature reads 135-140 degrees F.
Rest
the meat before serving
Letting the meat rest before cutting or serving it is a must! Remove from the oven and let the meat stand for 5 to 10 minutes. During this time called “drag cooking,” the temperature of the meat rises and will reach a safe 145 degrees Fahrenheit (63°C), which puts the meat at a medium juicy and pleasant temperature, which is also the USDA’s safe temperature guide for consuming pork chops.
Baked pork chops Frequently Asked Questions
At what temperature should I bake my pork chops? For this easy pork chop recipe, bake the pork chops in a 375-degree Fahrenheit oven. Baking covered
or uncovered
pork chops?
For best results, I cook these easy-to-bake pork chops in the uncovered oven.
How long are pork chops baked at 375 degrees?
This pork chop recipe is cooked in the oven for about 20 minutes; However, the times will vary depending on the thickness of the meat. The best way to check cooking and ensure juicy and tender pork chops is by checking the internal temperature of pork with a meat thermometer.
At what temperature should pork chops be cooked
?
Pork should be cooked to medium rare or 145ºF, which is the USDA’s safe temperature guide for pork chops. I recommend that you remove the pork from the oven when the temperature reaches 135º – 140ºF and let the pork rest for 5-10 minutes. During this rest time, the temperature will increase from 5 to 10 degrees.
What kind of pork should I use
for baking?
As a rule, thick-cut pork chops are best for baking. You can use pork chops with or without bone to make this recipe. Make sure chops are at least 1 inch thick.
One of my favorite cuts to buy is the boneless loin chop cut in the center. Do not trim that layer of fat on the edge, it will protect the edges from dryness.
What kind of seasoning should I use for baked pork chops?
When seasoning pork, the sky is the limit! Pork chops are incredibly versatile. They have a mild flavor and can take different types of seasonings like this Cajun seasoning.
For this easy pork chop recipe, I seasoned the pork with a simple dry massage made with brown sugar, garlic powder, paprika and Italian seasoning.
Spices like cumin and chili powder are also wonderful condiments for pork chops. Check out these baked pork chops with Southwest Dried Rub. They are so tasty and easy to make!
What to serve with pork chops?
For a full meal, we love serving these tasty pork chops with a simple salad or one of these easy dishes that our readers love:
Sautéed
roasted potatoes
- Green beans
- Roasted
- Lentil salad
- Garlic and asparagus butter paste Advance
sweet potatoes
preparation
, storage and reheating
Advance preparation: Season pork chops and store them in a resealable bag or airtight container in the refrigerator overnight. When ready to cook, remove the meat from the fridge 30 minutes before baking to reach room temperature before placing it in the oven.
Storage: Store leftover pork chops in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
Reheat: You can reheat the pork in a preheated oven to 300ºF. Place the meat in a safe baking container and add a few tablespoons of broth (I use chicken broth), cover with aluminum foil and reheat until the pork is warm (about 10-12 minutes). Pork can also be microwaved to 60% power at small 30-second intervals until heated.
This post was first published in 2018. The content has been updated to give our readers better information. The recipe remains the same.
