These easy oven-baked pork chops are juicy and packed with flavor! Just season them up, pop them in the oven, and let the magic happen without all the fuss.
The best part? They turn out perfectly tender every time! I love serving these with mashed potatoes, and they make your kitchen smell amazing. Yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops stay juicier during cooking than boneless ones. If you only have boneless, that’s fine! Just reduce cooking time slightly as they cook faster.
Olive Oil: This adds richness. You can swap it for melted butter or avocado oil, which also work well. Just note that butter can burn easier.
Garlic Powder: This gives great flavor, but fresh minced garlic can be used instead. Just use about 2-3 cloves for an extra garlic punch!
Dried Herbs: Dried thyme or rosemary adds nice flavor. If you don’t have these, Italian seasoning or even herbs like oregano can substitute nicely.
Lemon Wedges: Adding lemon really brightens the dish! If you don’t have fresh lemon, a splash of vinegar or lemon juice can also do the trick.
How Do I Achieve a Perfectly Crispy Crust?
Getting a crispy crust on your pork chops can elevate the dish. Here’s how:
- **Dry the meat:** Before seasoning, pat the pork chops dry. This removes moisture and helps them brown better.
- **Use high heat:** Baking at 400°F (200°C) ensures that the outside cooks quickly while the inside stays juicy.
- **Broil at the end:** For a crispy finish, turn on the broiler for the last few minutes. Just keep an eye on them so they don’t burn!
- **Rest before serving:** Letting the chops rest helps the juices redistribute, making them tender.
Enjoying those crispy edges with tender meat inside is pure delight! Happy cooking!
How to Make Easy Oven Baked Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 bone-in pork chops, about 1 inch thick
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley leaves, for garnish
- Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for preparation and approximately 20-25 minutes to bake. After that, allow the pork chops to rest for 5 minutes before serving. In total, you can expect about 35 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your pork chops cook evenly and get that delicious, crispy crust. While that heats up, line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for an easy cleanup later on.
2. Prepare the Pork Chops:
Take each pork chop and pat it dry with paper towels. This step is important because it helps achieve a nice crust when baking by removing excess moisture.
3. Mix the Seasoning:
In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, dried thyme or rosemary (if you’re using it), salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir until it’s well mixed.
4. Season the Pork Chops:
Rub the olive oil all over both sides of the pork chops. Next, take your seasoning mix and evenly sprinkle it over both sides of each chop, pressing lightly to help it stick. This creates an amazing flavor!
5. Arrange on Baking Sheet:
Place the seasoned pork chops on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are spaced out evenly. This helps them cook uniformly.
6. Bake:
Put the baking sheet in the preheated oven and let the pork chops bake until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). This will take about 20-25 minutes, but check them to be sure!
7. Broil for Extra Crispiness:
If you want a beautifully browned and crispy crust (just like in the photo!), turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning!
8. Rest Before Serving:
Once they are cooked to perfection, remove the pork chops from the oven and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This step allows the juices to redistribute and keeps them juicy when you cut into them.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish your delicious pork chops with fresh parsley leaves for a pop of color. If you like, serve them with lemon wedges on the side for some zesty brightness!
Enjoy your perfectly baked, flavorful pork chops! They make for a wonderful meal any night of the week!
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use boneless pork chops, but keep in mind that they may cook faster, so check their internal temperature a few minutes earlier than the suggested time.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have All the Spices?
Not a problem! If you’re missing any specific spices, you can use a general seasoning mix or Italian seasoning as a substitute. Just adjust the quantities to your taste!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the pork chops and season them a day in advance. Just cover and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. This allows the flavors to meld even more!
How Do I Store Leftover Pork Chops?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in the oven or microwave, adding a bit of moisture such as broth to prevent them from drying out.