Pork chops are a versatile and tasty dinner option that most people love. However, it’s easy to end up with dry tough pork chops if you don’t know how to prepare them properly. The good news is that with a few simple tricks, you can bake pork chops in the oven so that they turn out incredibly moist, tender and full of flavor every time.
In this detailed guide, I’ll share my best tips on how to bake pork chops so that they are perfectly juicy and tender. With the right techniques, oven-baked pork chops can be just as delicious as pan-fried or grilled chops. Read on to learn everything you need to know!
Benefits of Baking Pork Chops
There are a few reasons why baking pork chops in the oven is a great cooking method:
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It’s simple and hands-off Just pop them in the oven and let it do the work.
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Baking gives you even, consistent heat around the pork chops, so they cook evenly.
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The oven creates a nice browned exterior while keeping the interior moist.
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Clean up is easier since you aren’t frying in a pan on the stovetop.
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You can easily bake an entire meal at once, including side dishes.
How to Choose the Right Pork Chops
The first step is selecting the right pork chops at the store:
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Go for thicker chops: Choose chops that are at least 1 inch thick. Thinner chops overcook too quickly.
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Bone-in or boneless: Either works well. Bone-in chops take a bit longer to cook but have more flavor.
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Choose uniform chops: Try to pick chops that are similar in size and thickness for even cooking.
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Get center-cut chops: These are the most tender and lean. Other cuts work too though.
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Pick a marinade (optional): Consider pre-marinating for extra flavor.
Ingredients for Juicy Baked Pork Chops
You only need a handful of ingredients for baked pork chops. Here’s what you’ll need:
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Pork chops: 4 bone-in or boneless chops, about 1-inch thick
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Olive oil: To coat the chops before cooking
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Seasonings: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, etc.
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Optional marinade: Things like olive oil, vinegar, mustard, etc.
That’s it! Simple ingredients and seasonings are all you need. Avoid overcomplicating it.
How to Prepare Pork Chops for Baking
Proper preparation is key to ensuring tender oven-baked pork chops. Follow these steps:
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Pat the pork chops dry: Use paper towels to remove excess moisture from the surface. This helps the chops brown better.
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Coat with oil: Lightly brush or rub the chops with olive oil. This prevents them from drying out.
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Season generously: Sprinkle salt, pepper and any other spices or herbs you want. Apply the seasoning evenly.
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Optional: Marinate the chops: You can marinate for added flavor. 30 mins to an hour is enough time.
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Let the chops sit: Before baking, let the seasoned chops rest for 15-20 minutes so the salt penetrates.
That’s all the prep your pork chops need before being baked!
How to Bake Pork Chops for Maximum Tenderness
The key to tender pork chops is monitoring them closely in the oven. Follow these baking tips:
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Preheat the oven properly: Preheat to 400°F or 425°F for best results.
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Use a baking sheet: Line it with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. A wire rack allows air circulation.
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Don’t overcrowd the pan: Leave space between chops to allow air flow.
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Bake at high heat: This gives a nice sear while keeping the inside moist.
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Flip halfway through: Flipping once helps prevent burning on one side.
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Track cooking times: For 1-inch boneless chops, bake for 16-18 minutes. Bone-in takes 18-22 minutes.
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Check temperature: Use a meat thermometer to test doneness when nearing finished cook time. Look for 145°F.
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Let rest before eating: Resting for 5 minutes allows juices to reabsorb for maximum tenderness.
Follow those guidelines, and your pork chops will turn out perfect every time!
Common Problems and Solutions
Here are some common issues that can happen when baking pork chops, along with tips to fix them:
Problem: Pork chops are tough and dry.
Solution: Don’t overcook them. Use a meat thermometer and stop baking at 145°F. Let them rest afterward.
Problem: The breading falls off the pork chops.
Solution: Make sure chops are dry before breading. Use flour and egg to help it adhere.
Problem: Pork chops stick to the baking pan.
Solution: Coat the pan with oil or use parchment paper. Don’t move them once placed in the pan.
Problem: Pork chops burn on the outside before cooking through.
Solution: Lower oven temperature 25 degrees. Bake for longer at more moderate heat.
Marinade and Seasoning Suggestions
One of the great things about oven-baked pork chops is that you can flavor them however you want! Here are some marinade and seasoning ideas:
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Italian: Olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, oregano, basil
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Asian: Soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, garlic
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BBQ: Ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, chili powder, paprika
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Cajun: Olive oil, Cajun seasoning, onion, bell pepper, garlic
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Herb-Crusted: Dijon mustard, breadcrumbs, parsley, thyme
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Basic: Olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika
Use your favorite flavors to make these pork chops your own. Endless possibilities!
What to Serve with Baked Pork Chops
Here are some delicious side dishes that pair perfectly with baked pork chops:
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Mashed potatoes or roasted potatoes
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Rice or roasted vegetables
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Green salad or coleslaw
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Corn on the cob
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Glazed carrots
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Dinner rolls
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Mac and cheese
Mix and match complementary sides to round out your baked pork chop meal.
Step-By-Step Photo Tutorial
Follow these simple step-by-step photos for baking tender, foolproof pork chops:
![Season pork chops][]
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Generously season both sides of the pork chops.![Place on baking sheet][]
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Place them evenly spaced on a foil-lined baking sheet. ![Baked pork chops][]
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Bake at 400°F for 17-20 minutes until browned and 145°F.![Check temperature][]
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Check temperature with a meat thermometer before removing. ![Rest chops][]
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Allow chops to rest 5 minutes before serving.
So easy, right? Follow these steps for tender oven baked pork chops every time!
Storage and Reheating Tips
Here are some tips for storing and reheating leftover baked pork chops:
- Let chops cool completely before refrigerating in an airtight container. They will keep 3-4 days.
- To reheat, bake in a 375°F oven or toaster oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- They can also be reheated in the microwave on a microwave-safe plate, covered with a damp paper towel.
- For the freezer, wrap chops tightly in plastic wrap and foil. They will keep frozen for 2-3 months.
- Always reheat fully to 165°F for food safety.
With proper storage, you can enjoy your tender baked pork chops all week long!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about baking pork chops:
Should I brine the pork chops before baking?
Brining helps keep pork chops moist, but is not necessary if you monitor cooking times and temperatures closely.
Do I need to flip pork chops when baking?
It’s a good idea to flip the chops halfway through baking to prevent burning or uneven cooking on one side.
What if my pork chops are frozen, can I still bake them?
You can bake frozen pork chops but it will take extra time, up to 30 minutes. It’s best to thaw them in the refrigerator first.
Should I cover pork chops when baking?
No, do not cover them. Uncovered promotes browning and evaporation to keep chops from becoming soggy.
What’s the minimum thickness for baking pork chops?
I recommend at least 1-inch thick or they will overcook before browning. 3/4-inch can work but be extra careful.
Conclusion
With the instructions in this article, you can say goodbye to dry pork chops! Your family will be amazed at the moist, flavorful oven-baked pork chops you can make.
For even more pork chop inspiration, check out my recipes for Crispy Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Homemade BBQ Sauce and Breaded Pork Chops with Garlic Herb Butter. Enjoy!