These delicious Oven Baked Pork Chops are seasoned with a simple and quick spice rub and baked to perfection. This easy baked pork chop recipe produces tender, juicy and flavorful pork chops every time!
The Best Baked Pork Chops Recipe
Learn the easiest and best way to bake pork chops that always turn out 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 correct cooking time!)
Thick boneless pork chops are seasoned with a flavorful dry rub made with simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry and then, oven baked on a sheet pan or baking dish to golden brown, juicy perfection.
Why You’ll Love This Pork Recipe
- Juicy and Tasty: Juicy, tender and delicious pork chops guaranteed! The chops make their own little sauce to spoon over the meat!
- Quick and Easy: This oven pork chop recipe is one to have in your cooking repertoire. This is a tasty dinner meal that is ready in about 30 minutes from start to finish. An easy recipe and a great meal for busy weeknights or for weekends when you really don’t feel like cooking a complicated meal.
- Healthy: Just like pork loin or pork tenderloin, pork chops are a great source of lean protein. This is one of my favorite recipes to make when I want to eat lean meat with lots of extra flavor!
- Budget Friendly: Pork in general, whether you buy bone-in or boneless pork chops, thin or thick pork chops, center cut or not, is much more affordable than other proteins.
- One Pan: Using a sheet pan lined with aluminum foil or a baking dish makes clean up a breeze.
Pork Chops Recipe Ingredients
Be sure to check the printable recipe card below for the complete ingredient’s list and their exact quantities.
- Pork Chops: For juicy pork chops, it’s best to use thick chops that are at least 1-inch thick. For this recipe, i am using boneless pork chops but bone-in pork chops are also an excellent option.
- Olive Oil: Canola oil, avocado oil and coconut oil can be used as well.
- Seasonings: Brown sugar, garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper. This oven baked pork chop recipe uses a very simple dry rub that is super flavorful. However, pork is a versatile meat so feel free to customize the seasonings and spices to your taste.
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, 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 140º F, 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 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.
When baking pork chops, a few simple rules guarantees great results. Here are my most important tips for succulent, juicy and tender pork chops.
Buy the Right Type of Pork Chop
For oven baking, 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 i also the USDA’s safe temperature guideline for consuming pork chops.
Baked Pork Chops FAQ
What Temperature Should I Bake My Pork Chops At?
For this easy pork chop recipe, I bake the pork chops in a 375 degree oven.
Do You Bake Pork Chops Covered Or Uncovered?
For best results, I cook these easy baked pork chops in the oven uncovered.
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 pork’s internal temperature 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.
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?
When seasoning pork, the sky is the limit! Pork chops are incredibly versatile. They have a mild flavor and can take to different kinds of seasoning like this Cajun Seasoning.
For this easy pork chop recipe, I seasoned the pork with a simple dry rub made with brown sugar, garlic powder, paprika and Italian seasoning.
Spices like cumin and chili powder are also wonderful seasonings for pork chops. Take a look at these Baked Pork Chops with Southwest Dried Rub. They are so flavorful and easy to make!
What To Serve With Pork Chops?
Fora complete meal, we love serving these tasty pork chops with a simple salad or aHere are some side dishes our readers love:
- Roasted Fingerling Potatoes
- Sauteed Green Beans
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes
- Lentil Salad
- Grilled Asparagus
- Garlic Butter Pasta
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 30 minutes before baking so it comes to room temperature before it’s placed in the oven.
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
- Season the pork chops and let them sit on the counter for 15 to 30 minutes while you make the rest of the meal.
- Choose thick pork chops for baking (1-inch minimum). A thick chop stays juicy when cooked in the oven.
- Turn these oven baked pork chops into a sheet pan meal by adding a few veggies to the baking pan.
- 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. You can also rub the chops with olive oil and a thin layer of mustard for extra flavor!
- This recipe is gluten-free.
Follow me on social media for more recipe ideas & inspiration! Pinterest Facebook Instagram My Newsletter
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. 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.
Video
Chef’s Tips
- Choose thick pork chops for baking (1-inch minimum). A thick chop stays juicy when cooked in the oven. This recipe can be made with boneless or bone-in pork chops.
- For best results, pork chops should be cooked to medium-rare or 145ºF which is the USDA’s safe temperature guideline for consuming pork. 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.
- Exact cooking times vary depending on the thickness of the pork chop. To guarantee juicy pork, always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer.
Nutrition
This post was first published in 2018. Content has been updated to give our readers better information. The recipe remains the same.
Kimberly Hayes says
I really liked the recipe and it was good. The only problem was when my boyfriend after cooking rolls at 400° put them back in the oven & some of them dried out is there any way to get them juicy again?
Kathy says
Hi Kimberly! unfortunately there is no way to go back after one dries up meat however, a good gravy or au jus will help immensely.
Shana says
Delicious!
Great recipe. So juicy and tender.
Kathy says
Thank you!
Mandy Bartram says
I loved this recipe so much! I only had 3 pork chops but it was very tasty and definitely will be making again!
Kathy says
Thank you Mandy! Happy to hear you liked it.
Lori says
Can you use bbq sauce
Kathy says
Hi Lori, even though I haven’t try it, I think you should add the BBQ sauce the last few minutes of baking. If you want to get the BBQ extra caramelized, use the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes.
Cristina M. says
OMG, this made a crazy yummy rub that turned out some seriously juicy and tender pork chops that were cooked to perfection when removed at 140 degrees and left to sit till they reached the perfect 145 temp! Thank you sooo much for sharing!!
Kathy says
Thanks Cristina. So happy to hear that.
Gisselle says
The rub is crazy good and even though my pork chops were a bit on the thin side, they turned out perfect. Gonna buy me some thick ones on the weekend and make them again.
Devin says
Best pork chops we ever had. Juicy and the seasoning was on point.
Patti Miller says
Can these be done in an air fryer?
Kathy says
Hi Patty, I have not tested this recipe on an air fryer but since an air frier is just a convention oven, I’m sure it can be done.
Sandy Szarka says
We enjoyed this recipe so much that it’s our new go to recipe! It’s quick, delicious, and no more dry baked chops! Love it! Thanks so much!
Kathy says
Thank you sandy! So glad to hear that.
MJ says
My pork chops came out tasting very flavorful – perfect amount of sweetness with a bit of a kick. My toddler ate them up which is a very good sign. Since the chops I used were on the smaller and thinner side, I cooked them for about 20 minutes. They weren’t extremely tough but they didn’t come out as tender as I would have liked. I think next time I’m going to marinate them beforehand or maybe even sear them before putting them in the oven. Overall great recipe, the spices are spot on.
Kathy says
Hi MJ! Seasoning ahead is always a good idea.I am glad you enjoyed the flavors! This recipe is best made with thick pork chops. Thinner chops will not withstand the oven heat, even if you cook them for lest time. Pork is very lean so the meat surface dries up and gets tough pretty quickly.
Nikki Bailey says
Could I use vegetable oil instead of olive oil? Vegetable oil is all I have right now? Thank you
Kathy says
Absolutely!
Nicole says
Super easy and tasty. This will be our go-to pork chop recipe.
Kathy says
Thank you! That’s good to hear!
Jo says
What is the portion size for 1 serving?
Kathy says
1 pork chop per person.