As a long-time home cook and food blogger, I’ve made my fair share of pork chops over the years. While thick, bone-in chops were always my go-to for their juiciness and flavor, I’ve learned that you can make deliciously moist and tender thin pork chops in the oven too with the right techniques.
After testing various methods, I’ve landed on a foolproof process for oven-baked thin pork chops that turns out perfect results every time. The key is starting with a hot skillet sear to caramelize the exterior and seal in juices, then finishing off in a hot oven to ensure they cook through gently without drying out.
Below I’ll walk through my step-by-step method, along with tips and tricks I’ve learned along the way for guaranteeing tender, flavorful chops straight from your oven. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or newbie, you’ll be able to master oven-baked thin pork chops in no time. Let’s get cooking!
Step-By-Step Method for Oven-Baked Thin Pork Chops
Ingredients
- 4 boneless thin-cut pork chops, 1/2 inch thick
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp dried thyme
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pork Chops
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Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels This helps ensure a nice sear when cooking
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Season both sides of the chops liberally with the kosher salt black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika and dried thyme.
Step 2: Sear the Chops
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Preheat oven to 400°F.
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Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat
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Once oil is shimmering hot, add pork chops in a single layer, making sure not to crowd the pan.
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Sear chops on each side for 2-3 minutes until golden brown crust forms.
Step 3: Finish in the Oven
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Transfer skillet to preheated oven and bake chops for 8-10 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 145°F.
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For thinner chops, start checking temperature after 6 minutes. You don’t want to overcook them.
Step 4: Rest and Serve
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Remove chops from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
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This allows juices to redistribute so they don’t leak out when you cut into them.
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Serve chops with your favorite sides and enjoy!
Tips for Juicy, Flavorful Thin Pork Chops
Follow these tips and you’ll have tender, juicy oven-baked thin pork chops every time:
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Use a meat thermometer – This ensures chops are cooked to perfection without overdoing it. Shoot for 145°F.
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Sear properly – The initial sear is key for creating a flavorful crust and sealing in juices. Use a very hot pan and don’t move chops until ready to flip.
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Avoid crowding the pan – Cook chops in a single layer so they brown properly. Work in batches if needed.
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Let rest before slicing – Never slice chops right out of the oven or you’ll lose all those delicious juices!
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Enhance flavor – In addition to salt and pepper, spices like garlic, paprika, thyme, and rosemary are fantastic on pork.
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Alternate bone-in and boneless – While boneless chops cook faster, bone-in have more flavor and juiciness. Alternate between both.
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Slice against the grain – This shortens the muscle fibers for tenderness. Look for the grain direction and slice perpendicular to it.
Oven-Baked Thin Pork Chop Recipes To Try
While basic oven-baked pork chops are delicious, it’s fun to mix up flavors using spice rubs, glazes, and herb crusts. Here are some of my favorite recipes:
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Honey Dijon Pork Chops – Dijon mustard, maple syrup, and thyme make a sticky sweet glaze.
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Panko Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops – Crunchy, herb-flecked panko crust adds great texture.
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Cajun Spice Rub Pork Chops – Spicy Cajun seasoning packs a flavorful punch.
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Lemon Garlic Pork Chops – Bright lemon juice and zest balances the richness.
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BBQ Pork Chops – Smoky, tangy barbecue sauce lacquered on the chops.
Don’t be afraid to get creative with flavors you enjoy. The basic method remains the same, just change up the seasoning blends and glazes.
Cooking Thinner vs. Thicker Pork Chops
While thin and thick pork chops both cook well in the oven, there are some technique adjustments needed for each:
Thin Chops
- 1/2 inch thick or less
- Require less time, 8-10 minutes in oven
- Can skip oven and just sear if desired
- Will cook through with sear alone
Thick Chops
- 3/4 to 1 inch thick
- Require longer oven time, 10-12 minutes
- Need both sear and oven to cook through without drying
- Sear first then finish in 400°F oven
For best results, adjust oven time based on thickness. And always rely on a meat thermometer for perfectly cooked chops every time.
Common Questions About Oven-Baked Pork Chops
Should I brine thin pork chops?
Brining is not necessary but can help retain moisture. Dissolve 1/4 cup salt in 4 cups water, submerge chops 30 minutes-1 hour. Rinse and pat dry before cooking.
What temperature should I cook pork chops to?
Cook to an internal temperature of 145°F. This ensures safety but still leaves them juicy.
Do I need to rest pork chops after cooking?
Yes, always rest at least 5 minutes before cutting to allow juices to settle. Tent with foil to keep warm.
Can I use boneless or bone-in chops?
You can use either! Bone-in chops take a bit longer but have more flavor. Adjust oven time as needed.
What if my chops are extra thin, less than 1/2 inch?
For very thin chops, you can skip the oven and just sear them in a hot skillet 2-3 minutes per side.
Serving Suggestions and Side Dishes
Oven-baked pork chops pair nicely with a wide variety of side dishes. Here are some of my favorites:
- Garlic mashed potatoes or baked potatoes
- Skillet green beans with bacon and onion
- Roasted brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze
- Sweet corn on the cob with herb butter
- Coleslaw – broccoli, apple, or vinegarette-based
- Roasted root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, beets
- Quinoa salad loaded with tomatoes, cucumbers, feta
- Garden salad with cherry tomatoes, cukes, vinaigrette
Playing around with fun sides is a great way to complement the savory chops. Get creative with seasonal produce and ingredients you have on hand.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Leftover oven-baked pork chops keep well for 3-4 days stored in an airtight container in the fridge. However, they can dry out when reheating.
To reheat gently and maintain moisture:
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Place chops on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel.
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Microwave 30-60 seconds per side on 50% power until warmed through. Check often to prevent overcooking.
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Alternatively, place in a pan with a bit of water or broth, cover, and reheat slowly over medium-low heat.
Be careful not to overheat or chops will turn dry and rubbery. Use low, gentle heat for the best results.
Conclusion
Oven-baked thin pork chops can be just as flavorful and juicy as their thicker counterparts with the right technique. A hot skillet sear followed by a short stint in the oven delivers tender, succulent chops every time.
Mastering the simple process outlined above will let you turn out amazing thin chops that are sure to become a regular weeknight staple.
Whip up an easy glaze or spice rub for variety. Serve alongside fresh seasonal sides for the perfect hearty yet healthy dinner.