How to cook pork chops in the oven so they turn out tender and juicy every time. You’ll love this foolproof 10-minute baked pork chops recipe with simple ingredients!
As a food science expert, this is my go-to technique for a juicy baked pork chop every time.
Ingredients for Juicy Baked Pork Chops
Here’s what you’ll need for my easy, simple baked pork chop recipe (that turns out juicy + tasty every time!):
- Brown sugar: Helps with caramelization under the broiler, creating a beautiful crust, even with short cook time.
- Paprika: Adds a smoky depth to the pork chops.
- Garlic powder: A must for a savory, slightly sweet balance. Although it can burn when skillet searing, it’s perfect to help withoven browning.
- Kosher salt & black pepper
- Cayenne (optional): A little kick to balance the sweetness.
- Olive oil: Helps the rub stick and promotes browning.
- Bone-in pork chops (my preferrence) or boneless pork chops (pork loin chops): Both work, but bone-in retains more moisture.
Ingredient quantities are listed in the recipe card at the bottom of the article.
You’ll also love my Melt-in-The-Mouth Instant Pot Pork Chops and juicy Air Fryer Pork Chop recipe.
Substitutions and Variations
Need to switch things up? Here’s how:
- Sweetener options: Swap brown sugar for maple syrup or honey for a different caramelized finish.
- Alternative seasonings: Add onion powder for extra depth.
Tools to Grab
You’ll need a sturdy sheet pan lined with foil (not parchment paper—broilers will burn it) and a mixing bowl for the spice rub. An instant-read thermometer is essential for checking doneness.
5 Common Mistakes When Baking Pork Chops
Here’s what not to do when learning how to cook pork chops in the oven so they turn out perfectly juicy with a crisp crust:
- Skipping the flip: Not turning the chops halfway through will lead to uneven cooking. Flipping makes sure both sides cook and caramelize.
- Using parchment paper: Parchment paper is not broiler-safe! Use aluminum foil to line your pan.
- Overcooking the pork: Baking too long dries out the meat. Use a meat thermometer and remove chops when they reach 145ºF for juicy results.
- Not letting them rest: Cutting into the chops too soon causes juices to escape. Let them rest for at least 5 minutes to keep them moist.
- Using the wrong cut: Thin pork chops cook too quickly and dry out. Go for bone-in chops at least ¾-inch to 1-inch-thick for the best texture and flavor.
Cooking Pork Chops in the Oven: An Easy Step-by-Step Guide
How To Cook Pork Chops In The Oven
This broil-first method locks in flavor and juiciness while ensuring a great crust. Give it a try and let me know what you think!
Step 1: Prep the Oven & Season the Pork
- Preheat the broiler to high (500°F) and position the oven rack 4-6 inches from the broiler.
- Pat pork chops dry with paper towels to help them brown better.
- In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne.
- Drizzle olive oil over the pork chops, coating them evenly, then rub the seasoning mix all over.
Step 2: Broil for a Quick Crust
- Place the pork chops on a foil-lined baking sheet.
- Broil for 3 minutes, then rotate the pan and broil for another 3 minutes.
- Check the internal temperature—if it’s close to 140-145°F, remove from the oven.
Step 3: Finish Cooking If Needed
- If the chops need more time, flip them and continue broiling for another 1-2 minutes. For thicker chops, reduce oven to 400ºF to finish cooking evenly.
- Remove the pork chops when they reach 140-145°F
Step 4: Rest Before Serving
- Let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes to retain juiciness (they’ll continue to rise a few degrees while resting).
Other Ways of Cooking Pork Chops in the Oven
Here are the 2 are other methods I use to bake pork chops.
- These Honey Mustard Pork Chops in Oven are baked quickly in a sauce. They don’t brown, but they’re tasty!
- Or these Baked Pork Chops with Mushrooms are baked slowly at a low temperature until they’re meltingly soft.
Try my stovetop Pork Chops with Apples recipe, too!
Make-Ahead & Storage
- Leftovers: Store cooked pork chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- Freezing: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Baked Pork Chop Reheating Tips
- Add a splash of broth or water before reheating to keep them juicy.
- Oven: Reheat at 300°F for 8-10 minutes.
- Skillet: Use low heat and cover with a lid for gentle warming.
How to Serve Baked Pork Chops
This baked pork chop recipe pairs perfectly with pork gravy and any of these side dishes:
- My ultimate mashed potatoes recipe, potato salad, scalloped potatoes or creamy sweet potatoes.
- Pan-fried asparagus or a green bean casserole. Steamed green beans are a great side dish, too.
- Try them with zucchini fritters, steamed broccoli, or a fresh, simple side salad. Roasted brussels sprouts are a classic side with pork.
- Simple basmati rice or couscous
Final Notes, Pro Tips + Science-Based Secrets
As you can see, this method is pretty simple – having said that – here are my tips for getting them next-level delicious.
- Pat dry for crispy chops: Pat them dry with a paper towel before seasoning to help the glaze stick better.
- Use a meat thermometer: To avoid overcooking, do an internal temperature check. The meat should reach 145ºF in the thickest part of the chop.
- Let them rest: Resting for 5 minutes after baking helps the juices redistribute for a tender bite.
- Get that sear: Cooking the chops at a high heat helps get the perfect sear, even if they aren’t cooked in a cast-iron skillet.
FAQs About Cooking Pork Chops in the Oven
Yes! Just keep an eye on the temp—boneless chops cook faster.
For pork chops that don’t dry out, broil for a quick sear without overcooking the inside. Pull them out at 140-145°F.
Yes! Air fry at 400°F for 7-12 minutes, flipping halfway through or try my dedicated recipe for air fryer pork chops.
Other Pork Cuts I Love
You can see all of my yummy pork recipes here, or try one of these favs!
- Pork Loin: Slow Cooker Pork Loin, Instant Pot Pork Loin, or Juicy Roast Pork Loin Recipe (with pork gravy!)
- Pork Tenderloin: Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin or Spiced Grilled Pork Tenderloin
- Pork Shoulder: Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder or Tacos Al Pastor
How To Cook Pork Chops In The Oven (Perfectly!)
Video
Ingredients
- 4 pork chops ¾-1 inch thick, boneless or bone-in
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tsp paprika
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 ½ tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper optional
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat broiler to 500°F and place the oven rack 4-6 inches from the broiler.
- In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne.
- Drizzle olive oil over the pork chops and rub the seasoning mix evenly over both sides.
- Broil for 3 minutes, then rotate the pan and broil another 3 minutes.
- Check the internal temp—if it’s close to 140-145°F, remove. If not, flip and broil for another 1-2 minutes.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe so good sweetie reminds of the time I used to have with my meemaw and family when we all got together bless you’re heart this recipe sounds like a southerner recipe it tasted so familiar me and my hubby surely enjoyed this ain’t nothing better than a sweet ol’ recipe!!Love from Texas
Tonight I tried this recipe and my family loved it. I only had thin bone-in pork chops so I had to keep a close eye on them so they didn’t get too dry. The flavor was different than any I had ever tried before and I was very happy with the way they came out. Will defintely make them again.
Great recipe. Adding it to my collection!
The spice rub was super delicious. Family approved!
These pork chops turned out perfectly juicy and very tasty.
Very good. I usually grill pork chops, but this recipe might just change my mind.
Love the tips! Very juicy baked pork chops.