Juicy Oven Baked Pork Chops (Perfectly Cooked Every Time!)

These Juicy Oven Baked Pork Chops are a weeknight dinner game-changer! Forget dry, tough pork chops - this recipe delivers perfectly cooked, tender, and flavorful pork chops every single time. I love how simple this recipe is, using a flavorful dry rub and a foolproof baking method. It's a quick, easy, and healthy meal that's perfect for busy weeknights or a simple weekend dinner. Get ready to enjoy pork chops that are bursting with flavor!

Why You'll Love These Baked Pork Chops

• Tender and Juicy: Baking the pork chops at the right temperature and letting them rest ensures they stay incredibly moist.
• Flavorful Dry Rub: The combination of brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, and other spices creates a delicious and savory crust.
• Easy to Make: This recipe uses simple ingredients and straightforward instructions.
• Versatile: Serve them with your favorite sides, like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad.
• Healthy: Baking the pork chops instead of frying them makes this a healthier option.

Ingredients for Juicy Oven Baked Pork Chops

Here's what you'll need to make these delicious pork chops. The full list with measurements is in the recipe card below.

Dry Rub

• Brown sugar (Sweetener)
• Garlic powder (Spice)
• Paprika (Spice)
• Italian seasoning or dried oregano (Herb/Spice Blend)
• Sea salt (Seasoning)
• Ground black pepper (Spice)

Pork

• Boneless pork chops (1-inch thick) (Meat)
• Olive oil (Oil)

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card below.)

Variations

I love these Juicy Oven Baked Pork Chops as is, but here are a few ideas for variations:

• Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the dry rub.
• Different Herbs: Use different herbs in the dry rub, such as rosemary, thyme, or sage.
• Add a Glaze: Brush the pork chops with a glaze during the last few minutes of baking, such as a honey-mustard glaze or a balsamic glaze.
• Use Bone-In Pork Chops: You can use bone-in pork chops, but they may take a bit longer to cook.

How to Make Juicy Oven Baked Pork Chops

Let me show you how easy it is to make these Perfectly Baked Pork Chops:

Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet

1. First, I preheat my oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190°C).
2. I line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Make the Dry Rub

1. In a small bowl, I mix together the dry rub ingredients: brown sugar, garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning (or dried oregano), sea salt, and ground black pepper.

Prepare the Pork Chops

1. I pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. This is crucial for getting a nice sear and helping the seasoning stick.
2. I drizzle and rub the pork chops with olive oil.
3. I season them generously with the dry rub, making sure to rub the seasoning all over the chops (both sides!).

Bake

1. I place the seasoned pork chops onto the prepared baking sheet.
2. I bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 140 to 145 degrees Fahrenheit (60-63°C). It's important to use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork is cooked to a safe temperature but not overcooked.

Rest and Serve

1. I remove the pork chops from the oven and let them rest for 5 to 10 minutes, tented with aluminum foil. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and juicy chop. The internal temperature will continue to rise about 5 to 10 degrees during the resting period (this is called "carryover cooking").
2. I serve immediately

Tips and Tricks for the JUICIEST Pork Chops

Here are my secrets for making these pork chops truly exceptional:

• Pat the Pork Chops Dry: Removing excess moisture from the pork chops helps the seasoning adhere better and promotes browning.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: The best way to ensure perfectly cooked pork chops is to use a meat thermometer.
• Don't Overcook: Overcooked pork chops will be dry and tough. Cook them to an internal temperature of 140-145°F (60-63°C) and let them rest.
• Let them Rest: Resting the pork chops after baking is crucial for allowing the juices to redistribute.
• 1-Inch Thick Chops: This recipe is designed for 1-inch thick pork chops. If your chops are thinner or thicker, you'll need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

How to Serve

These Juicy Oven Baked Pork Chops are delicious served with:

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing.
• Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted asparagus, Brussels sprouts, carrots, or your favorite vegetables.
• Rice or Quinoa: They're also delicious served over rice or quinoa.
• Salad: A simple green salad or a Caesar salad would complement the pork chops nicely.
• Applesauce: A side of applesauce is a traditional and delicious accompaniment.

Make Ahead and Storage

Leftover cooked pork chops can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven, microwave, or a skillet.

FAQs about Juicy Oven Baked Pork Chops

• Can I use bone-in pork chops?
  • Yes, you can use bone-in pork chops. They may take a bit longer to cook.
• Can I grill these pork chops instead of baking them?
  • Absolutely! These pork chops are delicious grilled. Grill them over medium-high heat for about 4-5 minutes per side.
• What if I don't have all the spices for the rub?
  • You can use premade ones.

Enjoy these flavorful and easy-to-make Juicy Oven Baked Pork Chops! They're a perfect weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.

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