These baked pork chops are juicy and tasty, perfect for a simple dinner. Just season them well, pop them in the oven, and let the magic happen!
One of my favorite things about this dish is how it fills the kitchen with a wonderful smell. Plus, they’re easy to serve with your favorite sides. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops are great for flavor and moisture. If you can’t find them, boneless are fine too. Just watch the cooking time as they may cook faster.
Olive Oil: This adds flavor, but vegetable oil works too. If you want a little twist, use melted butter for a richer taste.
Thyme: Dried thyme is easy to use, but fresh thyme makes the chops extra fragrant. If you don’t have thyme, try rosemary or Italian seasoning instead!
Chicken Broth/Wine: This is optional but highly recommended for keeping the pork moist. You can use vegetable broth or even water if needed, but they’ll miss that extra flavor.
How Do I Achieve a Perfect Sear on Pork Chops?
Searing is crucial for getting a beautiful crust and locking in juices. Start by drying your pork chops well; moisture makes it hard to sear them properly. Then, heat your oil until it shimmers before adding the chops.
- Don’t crowd the pan; give each chop space for even cooking.
- Leave them undisturbed for about 3-4 minutes on each side; this helps get that nice golden color.
- After searing, add garlic quickly to avoid burning, and then proceed with your broth or wine.
These tips will help you get that perfect golden crust every time! Enjoy your meal!
Baked Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 2 sprigs fresh thyme)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or white wine (optional, for moisture)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and about 15-20 minutes to cook in the oven. Including resting time, you’re looking at about 30-35 minutes total before you can dig in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is an important step to ensure even cooking of the pork chops later on.
2. Season the Pork Chops:
Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. This helps to achieve that nice golden crust. In a small bowl, mix the salt, black pepper, thyme, garlic powder, and onion powder together.
Rub this seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of each pork chop, ensuring they’re well-coated.
3. Sear the Chops:
Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the pork chops to the pan, ensuring not to crowd them.
Sear the chops for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. This step really brings out the flavors!
4. Add Garlic and Optional Liquid:
After searing, add the minced garlic around the pork chops in the pan. If you’re using it, pour in the chicken broth or white wine. It’ll keep the chops nice and moist during baking and add great flavor.
5. Bake the Chops:
Add fresh thyme sprigs on top of the chops for an aromatic touch. Now, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake your pork chops for about 12-15 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
6. Let Them Rest:
Once done, carefully remove the pan from the oven and let the pork chops rest for about 5 minutes. This is crucial as it allows the juices to settle, keeping your pork juicy and tender.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the chops warm, spooning over some of those delicious pan juices. Pair them with your favorite sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. Enjoy your juicy, flavorful baked pork chops!
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Absolutely! Boneless pork chops will work well; just be aware that they might cook faster, so check their internal temperature a few minutes earlier to avoid drying them out.
What Can I Use Instead of Chicken Broth?
If you don’t have chicken broth on hand, vegetable broth, white wine, or even water can be used. Just keep in mind that using broth or wine will add extra flavor compared to water.
Can I Marinate the Pork Chops Overnight?
Yes, marinating overnight can enhance the flavor! Simply mix your seasoning in with some oil or vinegar to create a marinade, and let the pork chops sit in the fridge. Just remember to pat them dry before searing to keep that crust nice!
How Do I Store Leftover Baked Pork Chops?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet on low heat with a splash of broth or water to keep them moist, or use the microwave with a damp paper towel covering them.