Juicy Baked Pork Chops Recipe

Tender & Succulent Juicy Baked Pork Chops Recipe for Dinner

Tender pork chops sizzle with irresistible flavor in this mouthwatering baked pork chops recipe that promises a delectable dinner.

Perfectly seasoned and cooked to golden perfection, these chops deliver a burst of savory goodness in every bite.

The secret lies in a simple yet powerful marinade that locks in moisture and intensifies the meat’s natural richness.

Salt, pepper, and a blend of herbs create a tantalizing crust that seals in the juices.

Each slice promises a succulent experience that transforms an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

The aroma will fill your kitchen, drawing everyone to the table with anticipation.

Prepare to impress with this foolproof recipe that turns ordinary pork chops into a culinary masterpiece.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 5

Baked Pork Chops Ingredient Rundown

For Seasonings and Spices:
  • Garlic Powder: Delivers intense, mellow garlic flavor without sharp raw garlic bite.
  • Onion Powder: Provides subtle, sweet onion essence without chopping fresh onions.
  • Paprika: Adds warm, slightly sweet color and mild peppery undertone to the meat.
  • Thyme: Introduces earthy, herbal notes that complement pork's rich flavor.
  • Salt: Enhances overall taste and helps tenderize the meat's surface.
  • Black Pepper: Brings subtle heat and sharp, aromatic complexity.
For Meat Base:
  • Pork Chops: Choose center-cut, bone-in chops for maximum tenderness and juiciness.
For Cooking Preparation:
  • Olive Oil: Creates a protective layer that helps seasonings adhere and promotes golden, crispy exterior.
  • Parsley (Optional Garnish): Adds fresh, bright color and light herbal finish to the dish.

Tools to Help You Bake Pork Chops Just Right

  • Baking Sheet/Baking Dish: Essential for roasting pork chops evenly and catching any drips.
  • Foil: Optional lining for easy cleanup and preventing sticking.
  • Paper Towels: Perfect for patting pork chops dry before seasoning.
  • Small Bowl: Ideal for mixing dry spices and creating seasoning blend.
  • Measuring Spoons: Crucial for accurate spice measurements.
  • Cooking Thermometer: Helps ensure pork reaches safe internal temperature.
  • Cutting Board: Useful for preparing ingredients and resting meat.
  • Chef's Knife: Needed for chopping optional parsley garnish.

Cooking Guide for Tender, Juicy Pork Chops

  • Prepare Oven Warmup

Crank the oven to a toasty 400F, creating the perfect cooking environment. Grab a baking sheet and line it with foil or give it a quick spray of cooking oil.

  • Season Magic

Mix a flavor explosion of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Give those pork chops a quick pat down with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

  • Coat and Cover

Massage the pork chops with a light layer of olive oil, then generously sprinkle the spice mixture over both sides, ensuring total flavor coverage.

  • Bake to Perfection

Slide the seasoned chops onto the prepared baking sheet and pop them into the hot oven. Let them sizzle and cook for 20-25 minutes until they reach a safe internal temperature of 145F.

  • Golden Finish

For an extra crispy top, switch to broil and let the chops get a gorgeous golden tan for 2-3 minutes (totally optional but totally delicious).

  • Rest and Serve

Pull the pork chops out and let them chill for 5 minutes. This helps lock in those mouthwatering juices. Sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top if you’re feeling fancy, and get ready to enjoy a restaurant-worthy meal at home.

Marinade or Spice Blend Variations to Try

  • Let pork chops sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before seasoning to ensure even cooking and prevent tough texture.
  • Replace traditional seasoning mix with almond flour or crushed pork rinds for a keto-friendly breading option that adds extra crunch.
  • Always use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature and avoid overcooking, which can make pork chops dry and tough.
  • Marinate pork chops in buttermilk or brine for 2-4 hours before cooking to enhance tenderness and infuse deeper flavor profiles.
  • For gluten-free diets, ensure all spices are certified gluten-free and use cornstarch instead of flour-based seasonings when needed.

Serve with Potatoes, Veggies, or Salad

  • Hearty Plate Companion: Pair these juicy pork chops with creamy mashed potatoes that soak up the delicious meat juices and add a smooth texture to your meal.
  • Veggie Power Boost: Roast some colorful seasonal vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or asparagus alongside the pork chops to create a balanced and nutritious dinner plate.
  • Wine and Dine Pairing: Complement the savory pork with a glass of medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or a crisp white wine such as Chardonnay to enhance the meal's overall flavor profile.
  • Fresh Herb Finale: Sprinkle extra fresh chopped parsley or chives over the pork chops just before serving to add a bright, fresh element and make the dish look more appealing and gourmet.

Keep Leftovers Juicy with These Storage Tips

  • Store leftover pork chops in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. Place in the coldest part of the refrigerator.
  • Cooked pork chops remain safe to eat for 3-4 days when refrigerated properly. Always check for any unusual odors or discoloration before reheating.
  • Warm refrigerated pork chops in the oven at 350F to prevent drying. Sprinkle a tablespoon of chicken broth or water over the meat to keep moisture levels high and restore original tenderness.
  • Wrap individual pork chops tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Frozen cooked pork chops maintain quality for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.
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Juicy Baked Pork Chops Recipe

Juicy Baked Pork Chops Recipe

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4.8 from 17 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x
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Description

Succulent Baked Pork Chops elevate home cooking with a perfect blend of herbs and spices. Juicy meat emerges from the oven, promising a delightful meal that satisfies your craving for comfort and flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 pork chops (bone-in or boneless, about 1 inch/2.54 cm thick)
  • 2 tbsps olive oil
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp dried thyme
  • Optional: fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 400F (200C), line baking sheet with foil or grease baking dish, and thoroughly dry pork chops with paper towels.
  2. Seasoning Blend: Create a robust spice mixture by combining garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.
  3. Coating Process: Massage olive oil across both sides of pork chops, then generously distribute the seasoning mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
  4. Baking Stage: Arrange seasoned pork chops on prepared baking surface and roast for 20-25 minutes, monitoring internal temperature until it reaches 145F (63C).
  5. Optional Finishing: For a crisp, golden exterior, activate broiler for 2-3 minutes during final cooking stage.
  6. Resting and Serving: Remove from oven, allow pork chops to rest for 5 minutes to retain juiciness, then garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

  • Select bone-in pork chops around 1-inch thick for juicier, more flavorful results and to prevent overcooking.
  • Ensure even coating by patting pork chops completely dry before applying oil and spice mixture to help seasonings adhere better.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature; 145F guarantees perfectly cooked, safe-to-eat pork without drying out the meat.
  • Always let pork chops rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite remains tender and moist.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 0 g
  • Sodium: 500 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 1 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 24 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg

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Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

Classical & Contemporary Cooking Techniques, Global Cuisine Appreciation, Nutrition & Menu Engineering, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Farm-to-Table Cuisine

Education

Southwestern Oregon Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts, Associate of Applied Science
  • Focus: Emphasis on mastering core culinary competencies, like safety and sanitation, hot, cold, and pastry techniques, while cultivating appreciation of global cuisines and developing operational skills in nutrition, menu design, costing, purchasing, and supervisory management.

Michael grew up in Oregon, where he learned early that food tastes better when it’s fresh, local, and made with care. 

After earning his degree from the Southwestern Oregon Community College, he focused his career on teaching others how to cook with the seasons, reduce food waste, and reconnect with what’s on their plate.

Michael keeps his cooking simple, sustainable, and full of flavor. His favorite part of the process? Watching people realize how easy and satisfying it can be to cook a single great meal from scratch.

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