Easy Baked Pork Chops Recipe - I Heart Naptime (2024)

These baked pork chops are tender, juicy and rubbed with simple pantry seasonings for the best oven baked pork chops! With only 18 minutes in the oven, they are a family favorite.

If you love pork recipes, try grilled pork chops, sheet pan pork chops, and this herb crusted pork tenderloin, too!

Easy Baked Pork Chops Recipe - I Heart Naptime (1)

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Table of Contents

  • Juicy Baked Pork Chops
  • Why This Recipe Works
  • Recipe Ingredients
  • Variations
  • How to Bake Pork Chops
  • How Long to Bake Pork Chops
  • Expert Tips
  • Recipe FAQs
  • Pork Chops Serving Suggestions
  • Storage Tips
  • More Pork Recipes to Try
  • Baked Pork Chops Recipe Printable Recipe

Juicy Baked Pork Chops

This baked pork chop recipe is by far one of the easiest dinner recipes that work just as well for a quick weeknight meal as it does for Sunday dinner. Unlike a smothered pork chop, all you need is to coat them in a dry rub and into the oven they go.

The results are juicy tender pieces of flavorful oven baked pork chops that pair well with all kinds of side dishes! Complete your meal with creamy mashed potatoes and steamed green beans.

Easy Baked Pork Chops Recipe - I Heart Naptime (2)

Why This Recipe Works

  • Ready in 23 minutes. Or in other words, in the time it takes you to watch a quick show or make some side dishes!
  • Tender and juicy. No need to worry about dry or overcooked chops, these juicy baked pork chops are beautifully caramelized on the outside and juicy on the inside.
  • Bone-in or boneless pork chops. These can be made boneless or with bone, depending on what you have.

Recipe Ingredients

Easy Baked Pork Chops Recipe - I Heart Naptime (3)

Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.

  • Pork loin chops: I use boneless pork loin chops that are about 1 1/2” thick. Trim them of the excess fat and pat dry with paper towels so that they get a nice crust on the outside.
  • Olive oil, divided: This will help brown the chops in the oven and distribute the dry rub evenly over the meat.
  • Seasoning: Brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper are combined to provide a sweet, smoky, and savory flavor combination.

Variations

If you’d prefer something a little different than the sweet and smoky seasoning, I have a great homemade dry rub for pork made with Italian seasoning that I sometimes will use instead. It’s a bit more similar in seasoning to my baked chicken thighs recipe.

Add some onion powder along with the garlic powder for an extra layer of flavor.

Roast some veggies in the same dish. Broccoli, cauliflower, green beans, brussels sprouts, onions, or even roast potatoes or sweet potatoes are great options.

How to Bake Pork Chops

Easy Baked Pork Chops Recipe - I Heart Naptime (4)
  • Season the chops. Rub both sides of the meat with oil followed by the spice rub mixture. Make sure to coat all pieces evenly.
  • Arrange them in the dish. Place all of the pork in a 9 x 13 baking dish and drizzle the remaining oil overtop.
  • Bake uncovered. You want to keep them uncovered to get a nice crust. Since we’re using high heat the outside will brown quicker than the inside. If you were to cover them, you’d trap the heat and create moisture. Bake for 18 minutes or until the Instant Read thermometer reads an internal temperature of 145℉.
  • Rest and serve. Allow the meat to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This will help to settle and redistribute the juices before serving so they don’t run out and leave you with dry meat.

How Long to Bake Pork Chops

This will always depend on how thick your chops are and what temperature you’re baking them. The rule of thumb is 7 minutes for every 1/2″ thickness for boneless pork chops or 8 minutes for 1/2″ thickness for bone-in chops.

Keep an eye on them and for accuracy use a digital meat thermometer to properly gauge the internal temperature of the pork chops.

Expert Tips

  • Thickness. Make sure your chops are at least 1-inch thick to withstand high heat and avoid dry, overcooked pork.
  • Bring meat to room temperature. This helps them to cook evenly and brown quickly.
  • Let the chops rest. The internal temperature of the meat will continue to rise as the baked pork chops rest. To prevent overcooking, make sure to take them out no earlier than when they reach 145℉ but no later than 150℉. Otherwise, they will overcook.
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Recipe FAQs

Do you bake pork chops covered or uncovered?

Uncovered is the way to get the direct high heat onto the outside to give them great caramelization. Since we don’t sear them in a skillet first, we need that extra dry heat. Covering with foil would trap too much of the moisture.

Are pork chops in oven healthy?

They are certainly a great way to pack in protein. Pork loin chops are lean meat that provides vitamins and minerals, and when trimmed of excess fat, it’s even better!

How long to cook my pork chops if they are under 1 inch?

This is where it can be very easy to overcook your baked pork chops. As best as you can, avoid anything less than 1″, however, if that’s what you’re using, make sure to check at the 10-minute mark.

Pork Chops Serving Suggestions

The options for side dishes are virtually endless! Here are just some suggestions for easy sides for a comforting meal:

  • Roasted potatoes
  • Pineapple fried rice
  • Roasted carrots
  • Roasted asparagus
  • Roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon

Storage Tips

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. To reheat I recommend using the oven to heat through. If you have just a piece or two the microwave is the way to go, just be careful not to dry them out by heating them too much.

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A few more juicy pork recipes to try include this BBQ pork sandwich, pork enchiladas or pulled pork quesadillas!

More Pork Recipes to Try

Browse all
  • Slow Cooker Pork Tacos
  • Roasted Pork Tenderloin
  • EASY BBQ Pulled Pork
  • Instant Pot Kalua Pork

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Easy Baked Pork Chops Recipe - I Heart Naptime (11)

Baked Pork Chops Recipe

5 from 7 votes

↑ Click stars to rate now!

Author: Jamielyn Nye

Tender, juicy, and seasoned with a sweet and savory spice rub, this easy baked pork chops recipe will save your dinner rut time and again! Made with simple ingredients, this dish is ready to serve in 25 minutes with all your favorite sides!

Prep Time: 5 minutes mins

Cook Time: 18 minutes mins

Total Time: 23 minutes mins

Servings: 4

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Ingredients

  • 2 Tablespoons dark brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ Tablespoon Kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
  • 2 Tablespoons olive oil , divided
  • 4 boneless, pork loin chops (about 1 1/2-inch thick), trimmed and patted dry

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 400℉.

  • In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

  • Drizzle 1 Tablespoon olive oil over both sides of the pork chops. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork chops and place them in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Drizzle the remaining 1 Tablespoon olive oil over the top.

  • Bake uncovered 18 minutes, depending on thickness, or until center reaches an internal temperature of 145℉.

  • Remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Baking times: Depending on the thickness of the pork chops, the baking time may vary. Start with 7 minutes per 1/2-inch thickness and go from there, keeping an eye on the internal temperature.

Bone-in: If using bone-in pork chops, add an extra minute for each 1/2-inch.

Nutrition

Calories: 298kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 90mg | Sodium: 939mg | Potassium: 535mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 254IU | Vitamin C: 0.01mg | Calcium: 19mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!

Easy Baked Pork Chops Recipe - I Heart Naptime (2024)

FAQs

Should pork chops be covered when baking? ›

We ask you to cover the pork with foil or parchment during baking. By gently cooking the chops this way, they remain juicy and become tender.

Is it better to bake pork chops at 350 or 400? ›

Is It Better to Bake Pork Chops at 350 or 400? The best temperature for baking pork chops depends on how thick they are, how you've prepared them and your personal preferences. Baking pork chops at 350 degrees F will result in more gently cooked and tender pork chops, but it will take more time.

What is the secret to making tender pork chops? ›

How to Make Tender Pork Chops
  1. Opt for Thick-Cut Bone-In Pork Chops. Thin-cut pork chops won't sear properly in the time it takes to cook them through. ...
  2. Skip the Brine, but Season Liberally. ...
  3. Let the Pork Chops Rest. ...
  4. Sear Pork Chops Over Medium-High Heat. ...
  5. Baste the Pork Chops. ...
  6. Let the Pork Chops Rest, Again. ...
  7. Serve.
Feb 14, 2018

What is the best way to cook pork chops without them drying out? ›

For juicy, flavorful pork chops, try brining the chops before grilling or broiling — two high-heat cooking methods that can quickly dry out lean pork chops. Brines are essentially salty, sugary water solutions; they'll keep the meat moist, while adding flavor.

Should you flip pork chops in the oven? ›

Start by preheating your oven to 425 degrees. Using a sheet pan fitted with a rack, you'll be able to bake your pork chops without having to flip them during the baking process. If desired, coat the chops with seasoned bread crumbs or panko crumbs.

What should I season pork chops with? ›

Pork Chop Seasoning Recipe
  1. 3 tablespoons paprika.
  2. 2 tablespoons kosher salt.
  3. 3 teaspoons pepper.
  4. 2 teaspoons brown sugar.
  5. 2 teaspoons garlic powder.
  6. 2 teaspoons onion powder.
  7. 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper.
  8. 1/2 teaspoon sage (optional)
Jul 31, 2023

How many minutes do you cook pork chops at 400? ›

At 400 degrees F you can count on 7 to 8 minutes for each 1/2 inch of thickness your pork chops are. So, 3/4-inch-thick chops will take 10 to 12 minutes, 1-inch-thick cooks in 15 to 16 minutes, and so on.

Why are my oven baked pork chops tough? ›

Overcooked Pork Chops Are Tough

Because pork chops are such a lean cut, they are relatively quick-cooking and prone to overcooking.

Are pork chops better in the oven or on the stove? ›

Cooking pork chops in the oven can yield to a tender and juicy meat. Brine bone-in pork chops then sear them first before finishing them off in the oven.

How long does it take to cook a pork chop in the oven at 350 degrees? ›

Bake pork chops that are about 1¼-inch thick at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 14 to 17 minutes or until an instant-read thermometer registers 145 degrees Fahrenheit.

How to make pork extremely tender? ›

If you're not confident in your cooking skills, there is one foolproof way to guarantee your pork ends up on the tender side, even if you cook it too long: Soak it in a brine or a marinade. According to Hazel, these kinds of preparations always produce the most tender outcomes.

Why do you rinse pork chops before cooking? ›

We call this cross-contamination. While washing meat and poultry to remove dirt, slime, fat or blood may have been appropriate decades ago when many slaughtered and prepared their own food, the modern food safety system doesn't require it.

How do you not overcook pork chops in the oven? ›

Cook them low and slow. Most times, when we cook pork, we cook it at high temps. Pork, and pork chops in particular, cook up pretty fast. However, pork only needs an internal temperature of 145 degrees.

How do you make pork chops tender and not tough? ›

The essence of moist, tender pork chops

Let them come to room temperature before cooking. Pan-fry them, or brown them in the pan before baking them in the oven. Most importantly of all, don't overcook them. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature doesn't go past 145°F/63°C.

How do you keep pork chops moist while cooking? ›

Fat is key to keeping pork chops moist

Basting them with fat, such as butter. Add in aromatics while basting for more flavor — similar to how you might cook a steak — and then you have the added bonus of browned butter and crispy garlic and/or herbs to serve with the meat.

How do you keep baked pork chops from getting tough? ›

Tips For Cooking Perfectly Tender Pork Chops in the Oven
  1. Use bone-in cuts as they are fattier, juicier and more tender.
  2. Brine the pork chops to guarantee a juicy and well-seasoned piece of meat.
  3. Start pan-searing the pork chops and finish them off in the oven.

How long does it take to cook a pork chop in the oven at 350? ›

How Long to Bake Pork Chops. Bake pork chops that are about 1¼-inch thick at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 14 to 17 minutes or until an instant-read thermometer registers 145 degrees Fahrenheit. If you're concerned about the bake time varying because the chops are boneless or bone-in, stop worrying.

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