Oven-baked pork chops are the ultimate comfort food, offering a tender, juicy texture with a perfect balance of smoky, savory flavors. The seasoning blend gives the pork chops a deliciously crispy crust, while keeping the meat moist and succulent.
These easy-to-make pork chops are ideal for a quick family dinner or meal prep for the week. They pair wonderfully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a light salad. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just yourself, this dish is sure to become a favorite.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in pork chops
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels and rub both sides with olive oil.
- In a small bowl, mix the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Rub the seasoning mix evenly over the pork chops.
- Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the pork chops and sear for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown.
- If desired, pour the chicken broth into the skillet for added flavor and moisture.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Remove the skillet from the oven and let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 290 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Oven-Baked Pork Chops: A Simple and Delicious Recipe for the Whole Family
Looking for a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal for dinner? These Oven-Baked Pork Chops are your answer! The key to making perfect pork chops is in the seasoning and cooking method. By baking the pork chops in the oven, you’re able to retain all their natural juiciness while achieving a crispy, golden crust on the outside.
Why Oven-Baked Pork Chops Are a Great Choice
Oven-baked pork chops are a simple yet indulgent meal that requires minimal preparation and effort. This recipe uses a blend of garlic, onion, smoked paprika, and thyme to give the pork chops a rich, smoky flavor, while a quick sear in a hot skillet locks in the juices and creates that mouthwatering crust. Baking them in the oven ensures the meat cooks evenly and stays moist, making every bite tender and full of flavor.
What makes this recipe even better is how versatile it is. You can pair these oven-baked pork chops with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or even a grain like quinoa for a balanced and delicious meal. Plus, this recipe can be easily doubled or halved depending on the number of servings you need.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this recipe, you’ll need bone-in pork chops, which tend to be more flavorful and juicy compared to boneless chops. The seasoning mix combines garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and thyme, with a little salt and pepper to taste. You’ll also need olive oil for searing and optional chicken broth to enhance the flavor during baking. Here’s a quick look at the ingredients:
- Bone-in pork chops – These give the pork chops more flavor and juiciness.
- Olive oil – For searing the pork chops and keeping them moist.
- Seasoning mix – Garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and thyme.
- Chicken broth – This is optional but can add extra moisture and flavor during baking.
How to Perfectly Bake Pork Chops
The key to achieving juicy, tender pork chops is in the cooking process. Start by searing the pork chops on the stove to get a nice golden-brown crust. This step helps lock in the juices, keeping the pork chops tender while they finish cooking in the oven.
Once you’ve seared the pork chops, transfer the skillet to the oven to bake. The oven ensures that the pork chops cook evenly and thoroughly, reaching the perfect internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). For an extra juicy result, you can add a splash of chicken broth to the skillet before baking, which helps keep the pork moist.
Tips for Success
- Searing is essential: Don’t skip the searing step! It adds texture and flavor to the pork chops. Just make sure the skillet is hot enough before you add the meat.
- Rest your pork chops: After baking, let the pork chops rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the pork chops even juicier.
- Use a meat thermometer: To ensure your pork chops are cooked perfectly, use a meat thermometer. The recommended internal temperature for pork is 145°F (63°C), followed by a 3-minute rest time.
- Customize the seasonings: Feel free to tweak the seasoning mix to your taste. You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat, or use fresh herbs like rosemary or oregano.
Serving Suggestions
- With Roasted Vegetables: Serve your oven-baked pork chops with roasted vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes for a hearty and balanced meal.
- On a Bed of Greens: For a lighter option, serve the pork chops on top of a fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette.
- With Creamy Mashed Potatoes: A classic choice, mashed potatoes add a creamy and comforting element to your meal.
- With Rice or Quinoa: Pair the pork chops with a side of quinoa, rice, or even couscous to add some extra texture and heartiness to the meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: This recipe is perfect for busy nights. With just 10 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking time, you’ll have a flavorful and satisfying meal on the table in under 30 minutes.
- Family-Friendly: Pork chops are a hit with both kids and adults, making them ideal for family dinners or meal prepping for the week.
- Customizable: Whether you like your pork chops extra smoky, spicy, or herby, this recipe is versatile enough to suit any taste.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of these oven-baked pork chops is packed with protein and flavor, making them an excellent choice for a balanced dinner. At only 290 kcal per serving, they are a great option for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious yet light meal.
Perfectly Oven-Baked Pork Chops: Simple, Savory, and So Satisfying
There’s something about oven-baked pork chops that make them feel like a comforting, home-cooked meal, without all the hassle. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, a family, or a gathering, these juicy, tender pork chops are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity—just a few pantry staples, a bit of seasoning, and the oven does the rest. The result is a succulent, flavorful pork chop with a crisp crust on the outside and perfectly cooked meat on the inside.
Why Oven-Baked Pork Chops Are a Must-Try
If you’ve been struggling with dry, overcooked pork chops, this oven-baked method will change everything. The technique of searing the chops first ensures they stay moist, while the oven helps them cook evenly, avoiding the common mistake of unevenly cooked meat. The recipe calls for a perfectly balanced seasoning mix, making the pork chops not only delicious but also aromatic with a blend of smoked paprika, garlic, and thyme. This simple seasoning combination elevates the flavor of the pork, while keeping it light and fresh.
Another reason to love these pork chops? They’re incredibly easy to prepare, with minimal hands-on time. Once you’ve prepped the meat and seasoning, the pork chops mostly do the work on their own in the oven. This makes them an excellent choice for a busy weeknight dinner when you need to get food on the table fast without compromising on flavor.
The Secret to Juicy Oven-Baked Pork Chops
The secret to perfectly juicy pork chops lies in a few simple steps. The first is the searing process—this is where the magic happens! By browning the chops in a hot skillet with olive oil, you’re locking in the juices and creating a savory crust that enhances the flavor. This step is essential for getting that perfect golden-brown color on the outside while keeping the meat inside tender and juicy.
Once you’ve seared the pork chops, transfer the skillet directly to the oven. Let them bake at a high temperature to finish cooking. The high heat from the oven helps cook the pork chops evenly, while the searing keeps them moist. Additionally, if you add a bit of chicken broth to the pan before baking, it will infuse the pork chops with more moisture, making them even juicier and more flavorful.
Choosing the Right Pork Chops
The best type of pork chops for this recipe are bone-in pork chops, which have more flavor and moisture than boneless cuts. Bone-in chops tend to be thicker, ensuring a more even cook and a juicy result. If you can’t find bone-in pork chops, bone-out pork chops will also work well, but keep an eye on the cooking time since boneless pork chops tend to cook faster.
When selecting your pork chops, look for those that are well-marbled with fat, as this helps keep the meat tender and juicy during the cooking process. Also, try to avoid buying pork chops that are overly thin, as they can dry out quickly in the oven.
Adding Depth to the Flavor
While the seasoning for these pork chops is simple, it’s incredibly flavorful. Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients:
- Smoked paprika adds a rich, slightly smoky flavor that enhances the pork.
- Garlic powder provides a savory base.
- Onion powder adds a subtle sweetness and depth.
- Dried thyme gives a herby note that complements the savory flavors of the pork.
For an extra punch, consider adding a dash of cayenne pepper for a little heat, or a squeeze of lemon juice to balance the richness with acidity. These small tweaks can be tailored to your preferences and will take the dish to the next level!
Storage & Leftovers
If you have leftovers, oven-baked pork chops store well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply place them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. To reheat, you can pop them back in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or heat them up on the stovetop in a skillet, adding a bit of chicken broth to keep them juicy.
You can also repurpose leftover pork chops into pork sandwiches, pork tacos, or chop them up and add them to salads or pasta dishes for a quick and easy meal the next day.
Serve with Delicious Sides
These pork chops are versatile when it comes to side dishes. Here are some ideas that will perfectly complement the savory flavors of the pork:
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of garlic make for a comforting and classic side.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes bring a naturally sweet and savory balance to the dish.
- Crispy French Fries or Potato Wedges: If you’re craving something a little more indulgent, serve your pork chops with crispy fries or wedges.
- Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus with a squeeze of lemon is a fresh and vibrant side dish.
- Crisp Salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette offers a light, refreshing contrast to the richness of the pork.
What Makes This Recipe a Winner?
This Oven-Baked Pork Chops recipe is one of those dishes that is both effortless and impressive. The combination of minimal prep, simple seasoning, and a foolproof cooking method makes it a meal you can rely on for busy weeknights or when you have guests over. Not to mention, it’s a family-friendly meal that even picky eaters will love. So whether you’re cooking for one or the whole family, these pork chops will quickly become a go-to dinner option.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Oven-Baked Pork Chops are a simple yet delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With minimal prep and basic ingredients, you can create juicy, flavorful pork chops with a crispy exterior and tender interior. The searing step ensures moisture is locked in, while the oven does the rest.
This recipe is versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides, from creamy mashed potatoes to fresh salads. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or hosting a special dinner, these pork chops are sure to impress.
Try them tonight for a quick, satisfying, and flavorful meal your family will love!