Perfectly Baked Pork Chops (Tender, Juicy, and Flavorful!)

These Perfectly Baked Pork Chops are a weeknight dinner staple in my house! They're incredibly easy to make, require minimal ingredients, and always come out tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. Forget dry, boring pork chops - this recipe uses a simple yet delicious spice rub and a foolproof baking method to ensure perfectly cooked pork chops every time. It's a family-friendly meal that's perfect for busy weeknights or a simple weekend dinner.

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 moist and tender.
• Flavorful Spice Rub: The combination of brown sugar, smoked 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.

Ingredients for 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.

Pork Chops and Seasoning

• Pork chops (boneless or bone-in) (Meat)
• Brown sugar (Sweetener)
• Smoked paprika (Spice)
• Garlic powder (Spice)
• Onion powder (Spice)
• Chili powder (Spice Blend)
• Italian seasoning (Spice Blend)
• Salt (Seasoning)
• Pepper (Spice)
• Butter, cut into pats (Fat)

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

Variations

I love these 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 spice rub.
• Different Herbs: Use different herbs in the spice rub, such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano.
• 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 Different Cuts of Pork: Try using pork tenderloin or thick-cut pork chops (adjust cooking time accordingly).

How to Make Baked Pork Chops

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

Preheat Oven

1. First, I preheat my oven to 400°F (200°C) and move the rack to the middle position.

Prepare Spice Rub

1. In a small bowl, I mix together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Season Pork Chops

1. I add the pork chops to a 9x13 inch baking dish.
2. I coat them all over with the spice rub, making sure to press the spices into the meat.

Add Butter

1. I place the pats of butter on top of the seasoned pork chops.

Bake

1. I bake the pork chops, uncovered, for about 20-23 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Keep in mind that cooking times can vary depending on the thickness of the pork chops and your oven. Thin pork chops (less than ¾ inch) might be done around 18 minutes, while thicker chops (over 1 inch) may take longer than 25 minutes. Bone-in pork chops can also take a bit longer to cook than boneless.

Rest and Serve

1. I let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chop.
2. I serve them with the pan juices poured over top.

Tips and Tricks for the JUICIEST Baked Pork Chops

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

• 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 145°F (63°C).
• Let them Rest: Letting the pork chops rest after baking is crucial for allowing the juices to redistribute.
• Bone-In vs. Boneless: Bone-in pork chops tend to be more flavorful and juicy, but boneless chops cook faster.

How to Serve

These Baked Pork Chops are delicious served with:

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing with pork chops.
• Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted Brussels sprouts, asparagus, 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.

Make Ahead and Storage

You can prepare the spice rub ahead of time and store it in an airtight container. 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 Baked Pork Chops

• What if I don't have all the spices in the rub?
  • You can adjust the spice rub to your liking. Use what you have on hand, or try a pre-made seasoning blend, like a pork rub or a Cajun seasoning.
• Can I grill these pork chops instead of baking them?
  • Yes, you can grill them over medium-high heat for about 4-5 minutes per side.
• Can I use this recipe for other cuts of pork?
  • Yes you can

Enjoy these Perfectly Baked Pork Chops! They're a flavorful, easy, and satisfying meal that's perfect for any night of the week.

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