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.
Easy Baked Pork Chops Recipe - I Heart Naptime (5)

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.

Easy Baked Pork Chops Recipe - I Heart Naptime (6)

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 I cover pork chops 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.

Is 30 minutes long enough to bake pork chops? ›

Bake them for 25-30 minutes for 1-inch thick bone-in pork chops. For boneless pork chops, reduce the baking time to 20-25 minutes.

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.

What is the secret to 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

How do you keep pork chops from drying out when you bake them? ›

If you're baking your pork chops, be sure to sear them first (not necessary for grilling)… just brown each side for a few minutes in a hot pan on the stove (I use cast iron, with a tablespoon of bacon grease) before baking them at 400 degrees F. This helps them hold in the juices and not dry out in the oven.

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

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.

Do pork chops get more tender the longer you cook them? ›

15 mins on a grill flipping both sides until the juice seeps out the surface of meat, then take off grill, rest for 1-2 minutes then enjoy ! No more so than any other meat. Tender cuts, like tenderloins and chops, don't need to be cooked for a long time. In fact too long will toughen them.

How long to cook pork chops in oven at 350 at 400? ›

Here is a nice chart for how long to cook pork chops with the bone-in:
Pork Chop Oven TempBone In Pork Chop Bake Time
½ in / 1 cm thickness1 in / 2½ cm thickness
350°F16-18 min25-30 min
375°F14-16 min23-25 min
400°F12-14 min20-22 min
1 more row
Feb 19, 2020

What is the baking time for pork chops? ›

How Long to Bake Pork Chops at 400 Degrees F. 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.

What temperature do you cook pork chops to make them tender? ›

Cooking Temperature of Pork

The safe internal pork cooking temperature for fresh cuts is 145° F. To check doneness properly, use a digital cooking thermometer. Fresh cut muscle meats such as pork chops, pork roasts, pork loin, and tenderloin should measure 145° F, ensuring the maximum amount of flavor.

How do you tell if a pork chop is done without a thermometer? ›

One way to determine your porks' doneness is by the color of the juices that come out of it when you poke a hole in it with a knife or fork. If the juices run clear or are very faintly pink, the pork is done cooking. If they're mostly or entirely pink or red, it's best to continue cooking.

How to best cook pork chops? ›

When you're frying thin pork chops over medium-high to high heat, 2 to 3 minutes per side is just right for browning and cooking them all the way through. For thicker chops, brown on both sides then check the internal temperature with a digital thermometer. It will take 5 to 6 minutes per side to completely cook them.

Is it better to cook pork chops at a higher or lower temperature? ›

For chops, we like to get our pan screaming hot...then take it down to medium. That first blast of heat helps get a good golden crust. But, if you keep it that high, the chop won't cook evenly through the middle. Medium heat helps keep the outer edges of the meat tender while the center reaches the perfect temperature.

What is the best way to cook pork chops to keep them tender? ›

First, we sear one side of the chops until browned, flip them, turn the heat to low, and cover the skillet with a lid. The second side will slowly turn golden brown, and since we added the lid, the heat from the pan will gently cook the middle. By gently cooking the chops this way, they stay juicy and become tender.

How long should you cook pork chops for in the oven? ›

How Long to Bake Pork Chops at 400 Degrees F. 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.

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