This Baked Pork Chops recipe is the best, quick and easy dinner recipe to make when you are craving extra juicy and super tender pork chops. Seasoned with a flavorful spice rub, made with simple pantry ingredients, these oven-baked pork chops are ready (and perfect) in 30 minutes!
“This recipe is a keeper! It was so easy and delicious-I highly recommend it! If you don’t feel like cooking after a long day at work, try this pork recipe-your family will be delighted!” – K Sharp
Best Baked Pork Chops Recipe
Highlights: What You Really Need to Know
- Tried and Foolproof: In my experience as a Chef and based on the popularity of this recipe and the hundreds of Five-Stars reviews, I can confidently say that cooking pork chops in the oven, and following the step-by-step instructions in this fail-proof easy baked pork chop recipe, produces the best results. It’ll give you golden brown, tender and flavorful pork every time.
- The Right Ingredients Make All the Difference: Choosing thick pork chops of at least 1-inch thick (preferably pork loin chops), whether they are thick boneless pork chops or bone-in pork chops, guarantees a great meal with minimal effort.
- The Important Details: I will share all my tips and tricks so you can bake pork chops the right way. That’s what separates this deliciously popular recipe from the ones promising good results.
- The correct oven temperature for cooking pork chops, a high temperature preheated oven (375ºF is my go-to oven temp for cooking the best pork chops).
- The right cooking time, cook time is shorter than you may think.
- How to tell when the pork is done by checking the internal temp of the thickest part of the meat with a meat thermometer.
Why You’ll Love This Pork Chop Recipe
- Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: Boneless pork chops and bone-in chops are sold everywhere and often found on sale. The spice rub in this recipe is made with pantry staples that are easy to find at any grocery store.
- Healthy: Cuts of meat like pork chops, pork loin and pork tenderloin are a great source of lean meat just like chicken breasts. This easy recipe is low in calories and gluten-free.
- Quick One-Pan Dinner Recipe: Nothing makes this momma happier than less dirty dishes and meals that come together in 30 minutes!
- Budget Friendly: Pork is relatively cheaper than other proteins. Whether you buy bone-in or boneless pork chops, thick or thin pork chops chances are, they are on sale and are much cheaper than steak.
Baked Pork Chops Ingredients
Be sure to check the printable recipe card below for the complete list of ingredients and their exact quantities.
- 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 up in the oven. For this recipe, I use boneless pork chops but bone-in pork chops are also an excellent option. Simply bake them a bit longer.
- Oil: This recipe uses very little olive oil. I use extra virgin olive oil but any neutral tasting oil such as vegetable oil, avocado oil, grapeseed and melted coconut oil can be used as well.
- Seasonings: We use a simple seasoning mix made with garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper and brown sugar.
Common Additions or Substitutions
- Use bone-in pork chops that are thick (at least 1-inch thick). Adjust cooking time
- The brown sugar in the seasoning mix adds flavor and helps in getting beautiful golden brown chops; however, you can skip it or replace it with cane sugar, if preferred.
- For an extra boost of flavor, add chili powder and ground cumin to the spice mix.
- Use your favorite spice rub to make this recipe.
How To Make Pork Chops In Oven
For the full recipe and detailed instructions on how to make the most delicious and juiciest pork chops in the oven, check the recipe card below.
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a sheet pan with aluminum foil for easy clean up.
- Mix the dry rub ingredients in a small bowl.
- Pat dry each pork chop with paper towels. Place the chops on the baking sheet and brush or drizzle them with olive oil. Season chops with the dry rub on both sides.
- Bake for about 20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 140ºF, when you check the thickest part of the chop with a meat thermometer. The pork’s internal temperature will rise while the pork rests due to carry over cooking (read more about this at the bottom of the post).
- Remove from the oven and let the pork rest for 5 to 10 minutes.
The Chef’s Secret to Tender and Juicy Pork Chops
I get so many questions about cooking boneless pork chops in the oven, mostly from people who grew up eating dry pork and are hesitant to even try baked pork recipes.
In my experience working as a Chef for many years, when baking pork chops, a few simple rules guarantee great results every time. Here are my most important tips for cooking succulent, juicy and tender pork chops.
Buy the Right Type of Pork Chop
For oven baking, the thickness of the chops matter, and thick chops are a must! Choose pork chops that are at least 1-inch thick. Thin chops tend to always dry up when baked. You can use both bone-in or boneless pork chops 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 runs. The meat will stay juicy if you don’t over cook it. It’s as simple as that.
The secret to not overcooking pork chops is to check the meat’s internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer. Cooking times should be a guideline only.
To avoid a dry pork chop, check for doneness a few times during the last part of baking time (I usually start checking after 18 minutes of cooking). Insert the meat thermometer probe in 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
Allowing meat to rest before cutting into it or serving it is a must! Remove from the oven and let the meat rest for 5 to 10 minutes. During this time called “carryover cooking”, the meat temperature rises and will reach a safe 145 degrees Fahrenheit (63° C) which puts the meat at a nice juicy medium temperature which is also the USDA’s safe temperature guideline for consuming pork chops.
Easy Baked Pork Chops FAQ
Is it Better to Bake Pork Chops at 350 or 400 Degrees F?
Ideally, I bake pork chops in a preheated 375ºF oven. The high-heat temp of the oven sears the meat on the outside while keeping it incredibly tender and moist inside.
What Temperature Should I Bake My Pork Chops At?
I’ve been baking pork chops at 375ºF with great success for years. Based on the number of comments we receive on social media, and the five-stars reviews on this recipe, our readers are having great success too!
How Long Does Does it Takes to Bake Pork Chops in the Oven?
At 375ºF it takes about 20 minutes to cook pork chops that are juicy and tender. At 400ºF bake them for about 16-18 minutes. Keep in mind that other factors such as the thickness of the meat and how hot your oven runs (proper calibration), will determine how long it takes to bake pork chops to your desired doneness.
Should I Cover Pork Chops when Baking?
For best results, bake pork chops on a baking sheet or baking pan uncovered. You should only tent the pork with a piece of foil if the top of the meat is getting too browned too quickly.
How Long Do You Bake Pork Chops at 375 degrees?
This pork chop recipe cooks in the oven for about 20 minutes; however, times will vary depending on the thickness of the meat. The best way to check for doneness and to guarantee juicy and tender pork chops is by checking the internal temperature of the thickest part of the meat with a meat thermometer.
What Temperature Should Pork Chops Be Cooked To?
Pork should be cooked to medium-rare or 145ºF which is the USDA’s safe temperature guideline for pork chops. I recommend you remove the pork from the oven when the temperature reaches 135º – 140ºF and allow the pork to rest for 5-10 minutes. During this resting time, the temperature will rise 5 to 10 degrees. Perfect every single time!
What Kind of Pork Should I Use For Baking?
As a general rule, thick-cut pork chops are best for baking. You can use bone-in or boneless pork chops to make this recipe. Make sure the chops are at least 1-inch thick.
One of my favorite cuts to buy is center cut boneless loin chop. Don’t trim that fat layer at the edge, it will protect the edges from drying out.
What kind of seasoning should I use for Oven Baked Pork Chops?
Pork is an incredibly versatile, mild tasting meat. Use your favorite spice rub or the one provided in the recipe card below. Cajun Seasoning adds lots of flavor and it’s one my whole family loves.
What to Serve with Baked Pork Chops?
Making Ahead, Storing, and Reheating
Making Ahead: Season the pork chops and store them in a resealable bag or in an airtight container in the refrigerator overnight. When ready to cook, remove the meat from the fridge and allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking (this takes the chill out).
Storing: Store leftover pork chops in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
Reheating: You can reheat the pork in a preheated 300ºF oven. Place the meat in an oven safe container and add a few tablespoons of broth (I use chicken broth), cover with aluminum foil and reheat until the pork is warm through (about 10-12 minutes). The pork can also be warmed up in the microwave at 60% power in small 30-seconds intervals until warm through.
Did You Know?
Pork chops are a cut from the loin that runs from the shoulder to the butt of the pig. However, the term “pork butt”, the cut mostly used to make pulled pork or carnitas, comes from the pig’s shoulder!
Baked Pork Chops Recipe Tips For Success
- No Marinating Required: Season the meat and let it sit on the counter for 15 to 30 minutes while you put together the rest of the meal. Marinating is optional and can be done overnight.
- Size Really Matters: Choose thick-cut pork chops for baking (1-inch minimum, 1.5-inch ideal). A thick chop stays juicy when cooked in the oven.
- Boneless or Bone-In: This recipe can be made with both. Bone-in chops will take a bit longer to cook.
- Make it a Meal: Turn these oven baked pork chops into a one-pan meal by adding a few veggies to the baking pan. Small potatoes cut in half, asparagus, bell peppers, broccoli and green beans work well.
- Paleo, Whole 30 and Keto: If you are following a Paleo diet, make Paleo Pork Chops by swapping the sugar with coconut sugar. For Whole 30 and Keto diets, remove the brown sugar from the spice mix and add 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder instead. You can also rub the chops with olive oil and a thin layer of mustard for a quick flavor boost!
- Dietary Highlights: This recipe is low in carbs, gluten-free and a great source of lean protein.
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Easy Oven Baked Pork Chops
Ingredients
Dry Rub
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning or dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
The Pork
- 4 boneless pork chops (1-inch thick)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy clean up.
- In a small bowl, mix the dry rub ingredients.
- Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Drizzle and rub the pork with olive oil and season them with the dry rub. Rub the seasoning all over the chops (both sides)
- Place the pork chops onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 140 to 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Please read notes about carryover cooking and decide at what exact temperature to remove the pork from the oven.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes, tented with aluminum foil. While the meat rests – the temperature will redistribute (carryover cooking) and the internal temperature will rise about 5 to 10 degrees. Serve.
Equipment
Recipe Notes
- Size Matters: Choosing thick pork chops of at least 1-inch thick (preferably pork loin chops), whether they are thick boneless pork chops or bone-in pork chops, guarantees a great meal with minimal effort.
- Boneless or Bone-In: This recipe can be made with both. Bone-in chops will take a bit longer to cook.
- Make it a Meal: Turn these oven baked pork chops into a one-pan meal by adding a few veggies to the baking pan.
- USDA Guidelines:For best results, pork chops should be cooked to medium-rare or 145ºF which is the USDA’s safe temperature guideline for consuming pork.
- When is the Pork Ready? To prevent overcooking the meat, remove the pork from the oven when the temperature reaches between 135º – 140ºF. Allow the pork to rest, lightly tented with foil for 5-10 minutes. During this “resting time” the temperature will rise 5 to 10 degrees.
- Cooking Time: Exact cooking times will vary depending on the size, thickness and type of pork chops used. To guarantee great results, always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer.
- Storing: Store leftover pork chops in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
- Make-Ahead: You can season the pork a day in advance. Keep it in the fridge and allow to come to temperature for 30 minutes before cooking.
Nutrition
This post was first published in 2018. Content has been updated to give our readers better information. The recipe remains the same.
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