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    Home » Recipes » Course » Main Dishes » Tender Baked Pork Chops

    Tender Baked Pork Chops

    October 22, 2021 by Valerie Brunmeier

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

    A fork presses into a stack of pork chops with overlay text.

    This easy method creates Tender Baked Pork Chops with a slightly sweet and smoky rub. This lean cut is an excellent choice for a family-friendly meal.

    A fork pressing down on to a stack of pork chops.

    I love coming up with ways to turn lean cuts of meat, like these boneless pork loin chops, into a flavorful meal that appeals to all ages. The method for these Tender Baked Pork Chops is quick and easy and requires no brining or advance prep. Just mix up the flavorful seasoning and you are ready to get to work.

    Searing the seasoned pork chops quickly on the stove creates a nice crust on the exterior and reduces the amount of time needed to finish in the oven. Since overcooking is the most common issue when cooking lean pork, this is crucial. An added bonus to this method is that you can cook 6 pork chops all at once. Perfect for feeding a family.

    An over the top shot of cooked pork chops on a baking sheet.

    Pork is an often underestimated form of protein, in my opinion. Many cuts are exceptionally lean putting them in the same league as chicken breast. If you make the right choices, you can include pork chops in a low calorie, low fat diet. A person can only eat so much chicken!

    Ingredient Notes

    Pork loin chops, dried seasonings, and olive oil with overlay text.
    • Pork loin chops – I recommend using thick pork loin chops for the best result. I love using boneless chops but this method works with bone-in chops too. See more information below on the different types of pork chops.
    • Olive oil

    Smoky Pork Chop Seasoning Mix – This blend of dried seasonings combined with a little brown sugar creates a smoky, slightly sweet flavor with a touch of heat. You can easily control the spice level by adjusting the amount of cayenne pepper or eliminating it altogether.

    • Smoked paprika
    • Granulated garlic
    • Onion powder
    • Brown sugar
    • Cumin
    • Kosher salt
    • Freshly ground black pepper
    • Cayenne pepper
    Pork chops on a platter next to broccoli and potatoes.

    The Best Pork Chops for Baking

    For oven baked pork chops, I recommend using 1- to 1 ½-inch thick boneless or bone-in pork loin chops. It can be easy to overcook lean pork but it’s easier to control the outcome with a thicker cut. Thick cut pork chops labelled as “center cut” or “top loin” are a better choice for this method than thin rib or sirloin chops. Although a little more expensive, they freeze really well are typically available at stores like Costco for a very good price.

    Boneless vs. Bone-In Pork Chops

    Bone-in pork chops typically cook more quickly than boneless, however, it is the thickness of the chops that will determine the cooking time. Since many times bone-in chops can be thinner, they may end up needing less than in the oven than a thick boneless chop. The most important element to ensuring a good result is cooking them to the correct internal temperature. An instant read thermometer is a must to ensure a good result.

    Metal tongs lifting a cooked boneless pork loin chop.

    How To Bake Pork Chops in the Oven

    Remove the pork chops from the refrigerator and allow them to rest at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes before beginning. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F and coat a large rimmed baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray or a drizzle of olive oil.

    Pork chops patted dry with a paper towel and topped with oil and seasoning.
    • Combine the Smoky Pork Chop Seasoning Mix in a small bowl and set aside. Pat the pork chops dry on both sides with paper towels.
    • Drizzle the chops with 1 tablespoon olive oil then sprinkle with half of the seasoning mix.
    • Flip the chops and repeat on other side with more oil and the remaining seasoning mix.
    Pork chops seared in a skillet and transferred to a baking sheet.
    • Add olive oil to a large skillet and place over medium-high heat. When the oil is nice and hot, add half the chops and sear for 2 minutes.
    • Flip and sear on the other side, just until nicely browned.
    • Transfer the browned chops to the prepared baking sheet and repeat with remaining chops, adding additional oil, as needed. Transfer the baking sheet to the oven and bake for 12 to 16 minutes, or until the chops register 145 to 150 degrees F when measured with an instant read thermometer. The time needed to cook your pork chops to the correct temperature can vary depending on the thickness.

    A close up of a cooked boneless pork loin chop on a baking sheet.
    • After removing the pork chops from the oven, allow them to rest on the baking sheet for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

    A sliced boneless pork chop on a plate with broccoli and potatoes.

    Storing Leftovers

    Refrigerate any leftovers in airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

    Serving Suggestions

    • Perfect Baked Sweet Potatoes
    • Potato Leek Gratin
    • Lemon and Garlic Roasted Potatoes
    • Instant Pot Broccoli
    • Sautéed Spinach with Garlic and Lemon
    A fork pressing into a slice of pork chop on a dinner plate.
    A fork pressing down on to a stack of pork chops.

    Tender Baked Pork Chops

    Valerie Brunmeier
    This easy method creates Tender Baked Pork Chops with a slightly sweet and smoky rub. This lean cut is an excellent choice for a family-friendly meal.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 16 mins
    Resting Time 30 mins
    Total Time 51 mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Servings 6
    Calories 252 kcal

    Equipment

    • instant read thermometer

    Ingredients
      

    • 6 boneless or bone-in pork top loin chops 1 to 1 ½-inch thick (4 to 6 ounces each)
    • 3 tablespoons olive oil divided (or as needed)

    Smoky Pork Chop Seasoning Mix

    • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
    • 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
    • 1 teaspoon onion powder
    • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
    • 1 teaspoon cumin
    • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
    • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
    • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper or to taste

    Instructions
     

    • Remove the pork chops from the refrigerator and allow them to rest at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes before beginning.
    • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Coat a large rimmed baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray or a drizzle of olive oil.
    • Combine all the seasonings in a small bowl and set aside.
    • Place the chops on a large cutting board or piece of foil and pat them dry on both sides with paper towels. Drizzle the chops with 1 tablespoon olive oil then sprinkle with half of seasoning mix. Flip the chops and repeat on other side with 1 tablespoon olive oil and remaining seasoning mix.
    • Add remaining tablespoon of olive oil to a large skillet and place over MEDIUM-HIGH heat. When the oil is nice and hot, add half the chops and sear for 2 minutes per side, or just until nicely browned. Transfer the browned chops to the prepared baking sheet and repeat with the remaining chops, adding additional oil, as needed.
    • Transfer the baking sheet to the oven and bake for 12 to 16 minutes, or until the chops register 145 to 150 degrees F when measured with an instant read thermometer.
    • Remove from the oven and allow to rest on the baking sheet for 5 to 10 minutes. Drizzle with pan juices before serving.

    Notes

    For oven baked pork chops, I recommend using 1- to 1 ½-inch thick boneless or bone-in pork loin chops. It can be easy to overcook lean pork but it’s easier to control the outcome with a thicker cut. Thick cut pork chops labelled as “center cut” or “top loin” are a better choice for this method than thin rib or sirloin chops.
    Bone-in pork chops typically cook more quickly than boneless, however, it is the thickness of the chops that will determine the cooking time. Since many times bone-in chops can be thinner, they may end up needing less than in the oven than a thick boneless chop. The most important element to ensuring a good result is cooking them to the correct internal temperature. An instant read thermometer is a must to ensure a good result.
     
     

    Nutrition

    Serving: 5ouncesCalories: 252kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 32gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 94mgSodium: 459mgPotassium: 595mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 614IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 16mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword tender baked pork chops
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    All information provided regarding nutrition on this website is intended to be used for informational purposes only. Content related to nutrition is not medical advice nor is it intended to replace medical advice. The website is not intended to diagnose, prescribe, or treat any disease, condition, illness, or injury. Before beginning any diet program, modifying your diet, or making changes to the diet of a child in your care, including following the nutrition information available on the website, you should seek advice from a licensed professional.

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    Filed Under: Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, Keto, Light, Low Carb, Main Dishes, Nut-Free Tagged With: Pork

    About Valerie Brunmeier

    Valerie, a long time food blogger and cookbook author, launched Wholesome Made Easy in June of 2020. Her true passion is sharing her experience as a working mom of four to help other busy home cooks create wholesome, delicious meals that take a lighter approach. Her recipes have been featured on Better Homes & Gardens, Good Housekeeping, Redbook, Country Living, Cosmopolitan, Buzzfeed, MSN, Shape Magazine and more.

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