Easy Juicy Baked Pork Chops: Tender Every Time
Master the internet's most popular recipe for juicy baked pork chops. This easy, tender, and flavorful dish is ready in under 20 minutes for a perfect dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless pork chops 3/4 to 1-inch thick, about 6-8 oz each
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp dried thyme or dried oregano
- ½ tsp sea salt or to taste
- ¼ tsp black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat the pork chops thoroughly dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, sea salt, and black pepper. Drizzle the olive oil all over both sides of the pork chops, then generously rub them with the prepared spice mixture.
- Heat a large oven-safe skillet (cast iron or stainless steel works best) over medium-high heat until it's hot. Add the seasoned pork chops to the hot skillet and sear for 2-3 minutes per side, until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms.
- Carefully transfer the skillet directly into the preheated oven. Bake for 8-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the pork chops reaches 145°F (63°C) when measured with a meat thermometer. Cooking time will vary based on the thickness of your chops.
- Remove the skillet from the oven. Transfer the pork chops to a cutting board and tent them loosely with aluminum foil. Allow them to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This crucial step locks in the juices, ensuring truly tender and juicy pork chops every time.
Notes
For extra juicy results, avoid overcooking the pork chops. 145°F (63°C) is the safe internal temperature for pork. The resting period is essential for tenderness. Feel free to experiment with other dried herbs like rosemary or sage in your spice rub!
