This Recipe for Baked Pork Loin Chops is the perfect weeknight dinner! It comes together super fast, is fresh, juicy, and extra delicious and goes good with virtually any side dish.
Easy weeknight dinners are the name of the game for most people. At least that’s the way it was in my house growing up. I mean, after a long day of work, who could be asked to cook an elaborate meal that requires slaving away over a hot stove for hours? I know I can’t.
We all want something that is simple and quick yet doesn’t compromise on flavour. Am I right?! And I’m here to tell you – or should I say that this recipe for baked pork loin chops is here to tell you – that this dinner absolutely checks off all of those boxes. AND MORE.
I absolutely love pork chops. Heck, I love all things pork (bacon, I’m looking at you). Which is a far cry from my boyfriend who claims, at least once a week, that he “hates” pork. He always goes on (and on and on and on) about how he never wants to see it on the table for dinner cause, well, he just “doesn’t like it”.
And you know what I do? I put it on the table for dinner. PROUDLY, too. Why, you ask?! Because every dang pork dish I’ve ever (ever, ever) served the man goes down in praise. He literally devours it. Compliments it. Licks the plate clean. Asks for seconds.
And I don’t think you need me to sit here and tell you that these finger lickin’ oven baked pork chops were no different. So good, that they might even be my so-called pork “hating” boyfriend’s new favourite pork dish 😉 WHO KNOWS!
All I know is that these juicy pork chops are guaranteed to be loved by all!
WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE THIS EASY RECIPE FOR OVEN PORK CHOPS
You asked for simple. And I’m giving you simple, quick, AND delicious with this recipe for baked pork loin chops. Let’s discuss the exact ingredients you’ll need to make them in a little bit more detail down below:
- Pork Chops: The main protein in the dish. Choose bone-in or boneless pork chops based on your personal preference or what you can get your hands on. However, IMHO, bone-in chops often provide extra flavour and juiciness. Pork chops that are at least 1-inch thick will give you the best results.
- Oil: Used for combining the spice mix and turning it into a sort of paste rather than a dry rub. It helps develop a nice crust on the outside of the pork chops and adds a touch of richness. I like using olive oil for the extra flavour it adds to this recipe. However, you can use a different oil (such as avocado) or even butter instead, if you prefer.
- Pork Chop Seasoning: Where a lot of the flavour comes from for this recipe for baked pork loin chops. You can go ahead and season your pork chops however your little heart desires. However, dare I say I have the perfect basic pork chop seasoning that will give you tender, juicy, and downright delicious pork chops every single time?! And I’m willing to bet that you already have all the spices you need to make it in your pantry right now!
Find my easy recipe for basic pork chops seasoning HERE. PRO TIP: If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes.
MAKING PORK CHOPS IN THE OVEN (KEY TIPS)
You can find full instructions for how to make this baked pork chops oven recipe in the recipe card down below, but here are a few quick tips to keep in mind:
- Allow the pork chops to come to room temperature before cooking. This helps the seasoning adhere better and it promotes more even cooking once they hit the oven. Taking them out about 30 minutes before you’re ready to start making this recipe should get the job done just fine.
- Pat the pork chops dry with clean paper towel to remove any excess moisture before seasoning. This allows them to develop a more flavourful and appealing crust and also helps the seasonings stick better.
- Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides and the entire surface of each pork chop. This ensures that every bite is well seasoned and extra flavourful. EXTRA TIP: Don’t be afraid to use your hands or a brush to press the seasoning into the meat for better adherence. Really get it in there. ALLLLLL over!
- Flip the pork chops halfway through cooking. This ensures that both sides of the pork chops are evenly exposed to the heat, promoting uniform cooking, and even flavour distribution. It also allows both sides to develop a nice crust.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) in the thickest part (without touching the bone). This ensures that the pork is safe to eat while remaining tender and juicy. EXTRA TIP: The internal temperature of the pork chops will continue to rise a few degrees as they rest.
- Broil the pork chops in the final few minutes of cooking (optional) to give it those perfect finishing touches. This helps create a crispy and caramelized exterior on the pork chops and gives them a nice and golden brown crust.
- Allow the pork chops to rest for a few minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute and thus resulting in a more flavourful and moist end product. My favourite way to do this is to simply transfer the cooked pork chops to a cutting board and place a foil tent over top to trap in some of the steam.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The best oven temperature for cooking bone-in pork chops is typically in the range of 375°F to 400°F (190°C to 204°C). This temperature range is suitable for achieving a balance between a golden brown exterior and a juicy, well-cooked interior.
I hear you. Nobody wants a dry pork chop. Cooking pork loin chops in a way that keeps them moist and flavourful is pretty easy to do, if you follow these simple tips:
Choose the right cut – select pork loin chops with a slight marbling of fat. This fat helps keep the meat moist during cooking.
Allow the pork loin chops to come to room temperature before cooking. This ensures more even cooking throughout the meat.
Season the pork loin chops generously which enhances the natural flavour and juiciness of the meat.
Don’t overcook and use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Overcooking pork loin chops will dry out the meat.
Allow the cooked pork loin chops to rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, keeping it moist. Tent them with aluminum foil during the resting period. This helps retain heat and moisture.
If you’re aiming for a golden brown crust on the pork chops, it’s best to leave them uncovered. Uncovering allows the surface to brown and develop a flavourful crust, enhancing both the appearance and taste of the dish.
However, if you’re following a recipe that instructs you to cover the pork chops, do so during the initial part of the baking process. This can be for the first 15-20 minutes, for example. Then, uncover the pork chops for the remainder of the cooking time to allow browning.
The cooking time for pork chops in the oven depends on various factors, including the specific cut of pork, the actual oven temperature accuracy, the initial temperature of the meat, and the desired doneness. The cooking time will also vary based on the thickness of the pork chops and the temperature of the oven.
As a general rule of thumb, for bone-in pork chops at 375°F to 400°F :
Thin chops (about 1 inch): 15-20 minutes
Medium chops (1-1.5 inches): 20-25 minutes
Thick chops (1.5-2 inches): 25-30 minutes
Keep in mind that if you’ve seared the pork chops before baking, the overall cooking time may be shorter, as searing helps to jumpstart the cooking process.
Pork chop leftovers can be safely stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. To ensure they remain fresh and safe to eat, place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
If you need to keep them for a longer period, you can freeze the leftovers, where they will maintain their best quality for 2 to 3 months. Always make sure to reheat the pork chops to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before eating again.
MORE FAVOURITE PORK RECIPES (PORK “HATING” BOYFRIEND APPROVED)
KETO FRIENDLY PORK AND BROCCOLI STIR FRY
HOMEMADE PEAMEAL BACON (CANADIAN CLASSIC)
GARLIC & GINGER PORK MEATBALLS
STUFFED PORK LOIN WITH GOAT CHEESE, FRESH CRANBERRIES AND CARAMELIZED ONIONS
LOVE THIS RECIPE? PIN IT FOR LATER!
RECIPE FOR BAKED PORK LOIN CHOPS
This Recipe for Baked Pork Loin Chops is the perfect weeknight dinner! It comes together super fast, is fresh, juicy and extra delicious and goes good with virtually any side dish.
Ingredients
- 4 Pork Chops*
- 1 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 recipe Basic Pork Chop Seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, mix together the pork chop seasoning and olive oil until well combined. It's going to become a little bit of a paste.
- Pat the pork chops dry with a clean paper towel and then place them on the baking sheet. Rub them with the seasoning mixture (I like using my hands for this), ensuring even coverage on both sides.
- Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C), flipping halfway through. Optionally, you can broil for a few minutes at the end for a golden crust. Allow the pork chops to rest on a cutting board underneath a foil tent for a few minutes before serving/slicing.
Notes
You can use bone-in or boneless pork loin chops for this recipe. Pork chops that are at least 1-inch thick will give you the best results.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 440Total Fat: 25gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 165mgSodium: 203mgCarbohydrates: 0gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 50g
Nutrition is only an estimate and calculated using Nutritionix.
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