Juicy Baked Pork Chops

An easy homemade rub is what sets these baked pork chops recipe apart! Made with flavorful seasonings, brown sugar, and olive oil, it brings out the natural flavor in the meat, resulting in some seriously juicy baked pork chops.

Everyone Will Love This Recipe for Baked Pork Chops

When you make my easy baked pork chops recipe with this homemade flavorful rub, you’ll enjoy perfectly tasty (and juicy!) results every single time. 

It’s made with a carefully chosen combination of herbs, spices, and — my secret ingredient — brown sugar! 

This baked pork chop recipe requires minimal prep work and is baked and ready in about 30 minutes. Let the meat marinate for up to a half hour, or leave it in the fridge overnight to let the flavors really sink in.

Serve the chops with mashed potatoes, Brussels sprouts, green beans, or any other favorites, and dinner is served.

A great option for busy weeknights, once you try my recipe for baked pork chops, you’ll never turn back!

Baked Pork Chops Recipe Ingredients

• Pork Chops – boneless, about 1-inch thick
• Olive Oil
• Paprika
• Brown Sugar
• Garlic Powder
• Onion Powder
• Italian Seasoning
• Salt & Black Pepper

Baked Pork Chop Substitutions

• Pork Chops: You can use bone-in pork chops instead of boneless for a different taste and texture. If you do, make sure to adjust the baking time based on the thickness of your chops.
• Olive Oil: I like extra virgin olive oil best, but you can use avocado, canola, grapeseed or any oil with a high smoke point.
• Paprika: Try smoked paprika for a deeper, smokier flavor. Or, you can use a pinch of sweet paprika plus a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat.
• Brown Sugar: Maple syrup, honey, or agave would also add a nice, natural sweetness to the rub.
• Italian Seasoning: Create your own homemade Italian seasoning by combining dried basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary. 

How to Make Baked Pork Chops in Oven

A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.

STEP ONE: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. While it heats, create the homemade rub by combining the olive oil, paprika, brown sugar, garlic and onion powders, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.

STEP TWO: Place the pork chops in your baking dish, rimmed baking sheet, or an oven-safe cast iron skillet, then use your hands to rub the spice mixture all over the chops. Make sure they’re evenly coated on both sides.

STEP THREE: Leave the pork chops to sit at room temperature for at least 15-30 minutes. Alternatively, cover the dish with aluminum foil and allow the meat to marinate in the fridge overnight, though be sure to bring them to room temp before baking.

STEP FOUR: Bake the pork chops for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. When the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees F, remove the baking dish from the oven. Let the pork chops rest for at least 5 minutes before serving with your choice of sides.

Temp for Baked Pork Chops

Cook baked pork chops in the oven at 350 degrees F for the best results — it’s a moderate temperature that allows the chops to cook through evenly and gives the flavors the chance to develop.

It also helps you avoid overcooking the exterior while ensuring the interior reaches a safe-to-eat temperature.

Sides for Oven Baked Pork Chops Recipe

To make it a meal, serve my baked pork chop recipe with your preferred carb and veggie options! 

I love my rosemary mashed potatoes and Ninja Foodi rice, plus Brussels sprouts, broccoli, green beans, sweet potato fries, and asparagus are just a few of the many vegetable sides to choose from.

This recipe for baked pork chops is versatile and would pair well with so many different sides — feel free to experiment with your favorites.

How to Store Juicy Baked Pork Chops

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will keep for 3-4 days. Make sure to allow them to cool completely before storing to prevent any condensation in the container. 

To freeze, place the chops in an airtight, freezer-safe container. When properly stored, each baked pork chop will keep for up to 2-3 months.

You can use your microwave, oven, or air fryer to reheat pork chops when you’re ready to enjoy — if working from frozen, let them thaw in the fridge overnight first.

Baked Pork Chop Recipe FAQs

Is it better to bake pork chops covered or uncovered?

For the best results, it’s generally best to bake pork chops in the oven uncovered. This allows the exterior to develop a tasty crust, all while maintaining a juicy interior. 

If your chops are super thick, you may want to cover the pan with foil for part of the cooking time to make sure you get juicy baked pork chops, not dried-out ones!

What is the best way to cook pork chops without them drying out?

There are a few different ways to cook pork chops without drying them out:

• Use a rub with olive oil to enhance the flavor and juiciness.
• Cook at a moderate 350 degrees F.
• Let the cooked chops rest for at least 5 minutes before serving to retain those yummy juices.

Should you wash pork chops before baking?

You should never wash pork chops before baking them. Washing raw meat can spread bacteria around your kitchen, which increases the risk of cross-contamination. 

If food safety is a concern, as long as the internal temperature of the meat is 145 degrees F, the chops are perfectly safe to eat. 

Should pork chops be at room temp before baking?

Allowing pork chops to come to room temperature before baking encourages even cooking and better flavor. Let them sit for at least 15-30 minutes after you apply the seasoning blend and before baking. 

However, avoid leaving raw meat at room temperature for longer periods of time to prevent foodborne illnesses.

More Pork Chop Recipes:

• Pork Chop Sandwich
• Smothered Pork Chops
• Crockpot Ranch Pork Chops
• Instant Pot Boneless Pork Chops
• Air Fryer Pork Chops With Flour