This baked pork chops recipe is incredibly simple to prepare and yields perfectly juicy, tender chops every time. No messy frying, just a delicious, easy-to-make dinner for any weeknight. The spice rub, based on my popular Easy Baked Pork Tenderloin recipe, gives the pork a smoky-sweet flavor that’s irresistible. Plus, the butter melts into the sauce, creating a flavorful glaze that perfectly complements the pork.
Why You’ll Love These Baked Pork Chops:
- Quick & Easy: In just 30 minutes, you can have a delicious, hands-off dinner. The pork chops bake while you can relax or focus on other tasks.
- Flavorful & Tender: Thanks to the homemade spice rub and the oven’s magic, these pork chops turn out melt-in-your-mouth tender and full of flavor.
- No Mess: Say goodbye to frying! This recipe is easy and mess-free.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Pork Chops: You can use either bone-in or boneless chops – both will work, and you can even grab whichever is on sale at the store!
- Spice Rub: A blend of brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. The perfect balance of savory and sweet.
- Butter: For added richness in the sauce and to keep the chops juicy.
Pro Tip:
To make sure your pork chops are cooked perfectly every time, use a meat thermometer! Pork is safe to eat at 145°F, but letting it rest for a few minutes will help the temperature rise slightly and keep the chops juicy.
How to Bake Pork Chops:
- Preheat: Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C) and move the rack to the middle position.
- Prepare Spice Rub: In a small bowl, mix together the seasoning ingredients (brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper).
- Season Pork Chops: Place your pork chops in a 9×13 baking dish, then coat them evenly with the spice rub. Top each pork chop with pats of butter.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. Cooking times can vary depending on the thickness of the chops, so check earlier if they’re thinner than 3/4 inch. Bone-in chops may take a little longer.
- Rest: Let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes before serving to ensure they stay juicy.
What to Serve with Baked Pork Chops:
These pork chops go great with mashed potatoes, rice, or even garlic butter noodles. For veggies, try sautéed green beans, glazed carrots, or asparagus. Add a refreshing salad on the side to balance the meal.
Leftovers and Storage:
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. To reheat, warm the pork chops slowly in a covered saucepan to prevent them from drying out.
- Freeze: You can freeze the leftovers for up to 3 months. Just be aware that pork can dry out a bit when frozen.
Tips for Perfect Baked Pork Chops:
- Don’t Overcook: Pork can be easily overcooked, so always use a thermometer. Pork is perfectly safe at 145°F, and letting it rest will bring it up to the perfect level of doneness.
- Spice Variations: If you want to tweak the seasoning, feel free to swap in different spices, but I recommend trying the original mix the first time for the best flavor.
- Butter Alternative: If you need to substitute, olive oil can be used instead of butter, but I recommend using butter for the best taste and richness.
Enjoy this easy, baked pork chops recipe, and let me know how it turns out! Tag me on Instagram if you give it a try or leave a review below to share your experience.
Easy Baked Pork Chops
Ingredients:
- 4 pork chops (bone-in or boneless)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper (or to taste)
- 1/4 cup butter (cut into pats)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C) and place the rack in the middle position.
- In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Place the pork chops in a 9×13-inch baking dish and coat them evenly with the spice rub. Top each pork chop with butter pats.
- Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F.
- Let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Enjoy!