Tender Baked Pork Chops

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• After removing the pork chops from the oven, allow them to rest on the baking sheet for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

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