Juicy Baked Pork Chops
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These oven baked pork chops are the most popular baked pork chop recipe on the internet for good reason: they’re easy to make, tender, super juicy, and flavorful. A few simple ingredients and pantry-staple spices are all you need to make this incredible dinner.
I’ve been told I'm an expert at making pork chops, and have more than 16 pork chop recipes for you to choose from. Try these smothered pork chops and pan-fried pork chops next. Or go for my popular baked pork tenderloin!
Let’s give it up for easy and delicious pork chop recipes! This is one of my family’s favorite dinner recipes, and we go back to it time and again. The flavorful pork chops always turn out tender and juicy. After you make these baked pork chops once you’ll make them again and again. The recipe is really fast and easy to prepare and is a great one to keep in your back pocket for when you need dinner stat or just can’t figure out what to make tonight. You can use boneless pork chops or bone-in pork chops – your choice!
In this recipe, I keep it simple and don’t sear the chops on the stove. Instead, they go straight into the oven. From my experience, this makes the chops more tender and saves an extra step of work. And with the gorgeous color of the spices, you won’t miss the sear. Serve these with a big salad and some potatoes roasted in the oven at the same time as the pork chops. It makes for the best dinner.
Why you'll love these baked pork chops
- 100% juicy pork chops. ← truth!
- With these chops, in just over 20 minutes you can be sitting down to a healthy and delicious dinner.
- The easy spice rub, made with spices you probably have in your pantry right now, makes the chops taste amazing.
- Pork chops are a budget-friendly protein option. Knowing how to cook them so they don't dry out will make your dinners less expensive and more delicious.
- The kitchen-staple ingredients mean you shouldn't have to run to the grocery store to make our recipe.
- Easily made with bone-in or boneless pork chops. Choose whichever you like best!
Watch how to make baked pork chops:
How to bake pork chops
Making pork chops in the oven is super easy and requires minimal effort. You can also cook your veggies at the same time, making dinner quick and easy. The trick here is to choose a baking dish that’s not too big. You want the pork chops to be fairly snug so their juices don’t evaporate while cooking, making them juicier.
- Measure your pork chops so you know how thick they are – their thickness will determine the baking time.
- Mix up a simple pork chop spice rub.
- Rub a little olive oil and spices over the pork chops.
- Pop them into your oven.
That’s it! Seriously, these are easy pork chops at their best. The full recipe is in the recipe card below.
READ MORE: Pineapple Pork Stir Fry
How long to bake pork chops at 400 degrees?
The biggest ‘trick' to making oven-baked pork chops is to not overcook them. Since pork chops are lean meat, they will dry out if you leave them in the oven for too long. But don't worry, here's an easy way to know exactly how long you should cook your chops.
In a 400-degree Fahrenheit oven, boneless pork chops need to cook for 7 minutes per ½ inch of thickness. If you are using bone-in pork chops, cook them for 8 minutes per ½ inch.
- Boneless pork chops that are 1 ½ inches thick should be baked for 21 minutes.
- Bone-in pork chops that are 1 ½ inches thick should be backed for 24 minutes.
If you're new to making roasted pork chops, the best way to tell if they are fully cooked is to use an instant-read meat thermometer. Pork should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. We use our meat thermometer to make sure the meat doesn't overcook.
For an extra special pork dinner, try making our porchetta recipe!
What spices are the best with pork?
This spice blend is made with simple ingredients and you can use it on both chicken and pork. It's a delicious way to create flavorful pork chops. It's my go-to recipe and I've made it so many times and never get tired of it. Here are the pantry staples it is made with:
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Oregano – you can substitute Italian seasoning if you'd like
- Salt – sea salt or kosher salt
- Black pepper
It's a basic spice rub that takes only a couple of minutes to make and has so much flavor. I recommend doubling (or tripling) the amounts so you can have some on hand for other dinners. Try sprinkling a little bit on some potatoes or sweet potatoes and baking them at the same time as your chops.
Is this baked pork chop recipe healthy?
Yes! Pork chops are lean meat and are low in calories and fat and high in protein. This is a healthy pork chop recipe as it is made without any sugar. Pork recipes will often call for brown sugar, but it is really not necessary. There is no reason to take a healthy cut of meat and add a bunch of sugar to it. These chops are sugar-free and delicious. Create a healthy and easy dinner recipe by pairing these easy baked pork chops with a side salad!
READ MORE: Baked Chicken Thighs
Does this recipe work with thin pork chops?
This recipe works best with pork chops that are at least 1 inch thick. I prefer to use thick pork chops that are closer to 1 ½ inches thick. If your pork chops are thinner, I recommend using my thin pork chops recipe to cook them quickly on the stovetop
What to serve with your oven baked pork chops
I like to serve these with a simple green salad and a veggie side that gets roasted on a baking sheet in the oven alongside these delicious pork chops. For a great meal that the whole family will love, try adding one of my favorite side dishes:
- Crispy Roasted Potatoes
- Mashed Potatoes with Cream Cheese
- Spicy Honey Roasted Carrots
- Whole Roasted Brussels Sprouts with garlic and lemon
- Roasted Asparagus or Roasted Broccoli
- Basmati Rice or brown rice
For a summer-friendly version of these perfect pork chops, try this juicy grilled pork chops recipe. It's the BBQ version of this one!
Frequently asked questions
If you don't find the answer you're looking for here, you can ask it in the comments below, and we'll get back to you as soon as possible!
Do I need to use thick chops?
This recipe works best with chops that are at least 1 inch thick — I prefer 1 ½ inches. If your chops are thinner, I recommend using my thin pork chops recipe instead!
I don’t have extra virgin olive oil, what can I use instead?
Any cooking oil will work in this recipe. I sometimes use avocado oil.
How can I store leftovers?
I love a good pork chop sliced over a salad for lunch, so sometimes I make extra just to have leftovers. They will keep for 3-4 days in an airtight container in your fridge.
Can I freeze cooked pork chops?
Yes! If you’d like to meal pre, these baked pork chops will keep for at least 3 months in the freezer.
What cuts of pork should I use to make this recipe?
I love using rib chops, but pork loin chops and center-cut chops also work great. If the pork chops you buy don’t indicate what type they are, don’t worry! This recipe works great with all chops that are at least 1 inch thick.
Do I need to cover the pork chops with aluminum foil when baking?
No! There is no need to cover the baking dish.
I like to dip pork chops in bread crumbs. Will that work in this recipe?
For a breaded pork chops recipe, I recommend making my Italian dressing pork chops!
Can I make these in a cast iron skillet?
If you don’t have a baking dish that is the right size, you can use an ovenproof skillet. Just make sure that the pork chops nestle fairly tightly in the pan.
Can I use a different spice mix?
One of the best parts about this recipe is how flexible it is. While I love the spice mix in the recipe, you can definitely use one that you have in your pantry!
Juicy Baked Pork Chops Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons EACH: onion powder and garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon EACH: salt, pepper, and oregano
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 4 boneless pork chops
Instructions
- Turn your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Measure the thickness of your pork chops so you know how long to bake them – see note 1 and 2.
- In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and oregano.1 tablespoon paprika, 2 teaspoons EACH: onion powder and garlic powder, 1 teaspoon EACH: salt, pepper, and oregano
- Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over both sides of the pork chops. Sprinkle the spice mix evenly over both sides of the pork chops, then place them in a baking dish. (See note 3.) Drizzle them with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil.2 tablespoons olive oil, 4 boneless pork chops
- Bake the pork chops uncovered for 7 minutes per ½ inch of thickness, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit – for 1 ½ inch pork chops, you'll bake them for 21 minutes. Once you remove them from the oven, let them rest in the pan for 5 minutes before serving.
Equipment Used
Video
Notes
Nutrition
We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here.
We absolutely adore pork chops for dinner. If you love them too, make sure to check out all of our pork chop recipes!
Delicious! Made this exactly as instructed. So tasty and juicy. Husband loved it and wants it again very soon. Thank you for sharing this. Definitely a keeper!
These pork chops look good.
Delicious!!!
The picture shown are pork steaks. Are the cooking times affected by having loin chops instead of pork steaks?
We’ve made this recipe with pork loin chops many times and it turns out just as well as with pork chop steaks!
Question – from the photo it doesn’t look like you’re using pork loin chops (looks more like sirloin or rib end). Have you made this with pork loin and it works out ok? I’m just worried about how lean the loin is.
I’ve made this recipe with pork loin chops and it turns out great. The trick is to make sure they are fairly tight in the baking dish and only cook them to 145 degrees Fahrenheit. 🙂
My chops were 1/2” thick and baked at 7 mins in a 400 degree oven the were still pretty raw.
When making thin pork chops, I’d recommend using our thin pork chops recipe instead. It is better suited for thin chops. 🙂
This is my go to recipe for pork chops. Always juicy and tender. I don’t usually leave comments but this recipe is easy and delicious
Did not turn out as I expected, tasted too bland.. disappointed
Delicious, second time making this. Family loved it also. Nice and juicy.
Made this tonight using bone in center cut chops about 1” thick and they came out absolutely beautiful!
Best Pork Chops i’ve ever made.
One tip! Go HEAVY on the rub! Don’t be shy about it at all! They will come out with a soft crust and taste fantastic I promise you!
Great Recipe!
The pork chops turned out well but my husband nor I cared for the flavor. It might have been the oregano, which typically we like that flavor but the flavor of everything together was just too bland.
Fantastic! Followed the easy recipe and the thivk cut pork chops were absolutely delicious. The chops looked very appetizing, I wish I would have taken a picture. Next time I will.
My family and I were not thrilled with that seasoning rub. I think less paprika would work.
So flavorful and juicy and easy to bake!!!!
Turned out great! Baked potato, peas and cooked really fast! I think the salt could be less, and I did cut the salt some.
Couldn’t believe how delicious this meal was. My wife just loved it. Cooked it for an extra 5 minutes, which seemed to be perfect. At 145 degrees it was a bit pink on the inside so kept going for the extra 5 minutes until it reached 160. Took the fat off the juices and used the juices as a gravy. Just amazing. Served the pork chops with new potatoes, steamed beans and mangetout.
The best pork chops I’ve ever eaten! No fail recipe. My pork chop’s weren’t quite an inch thick and cooked at 400 for 16 mins. Sooo good.