Description
These Baked Pork Chops are juicy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. A simple spice rub and a pat of butter create a delicious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 pork chops (boneless or bone-in, about 3/4 inch to 1 inch thick)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into 4 pats
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Position a rack in the middle of the oven.
- Prepare Spice Rub: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Season Pork Chops: Place the pork chops in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the pork chops, coating them completely.
- Add Butter: Place one pat of butter on top of each pork chop.
- Bake: Bake the pork chops, uncovered, for 20-23 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare, or your desired level of doneness. Note: Thin pork chops (less than 3/4 inch) may be done sooner (around 18 minutes), while thicker chops (over 1 inch) may take longer. Bone-in pork chops may also take slightly longer to cook than boneless chops. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
- Rest: Let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chops.
- Serve: Serve the pork chops with the pan juices poured over the top.
Notes
- Pork Chop Thickness: The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your pork chops. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure they are cooked to a safe internal temperature.
- Bone-In vs. Boneless: Bone-in pork chops tend to be more flavorful and less likely to dry out, but boneless chops cook more quickly.
- Spice Rub: You can adjust the amount of spices to your preference.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve these baked pork chops with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, rice, or a salad.