You are going to love these quick and easy baked pork chops. This easy recipe uses only 4 ingredients and is ready in just 10 minutes.
Plus, these tender, flavorful chops can be paired with just about any side dish to create a fulfilling and delicious meal. Dinner time just doesn't get any easier than that!
So if you are ready to spend less time worrying about what to make for dinner, this recipe is for you. Worry about what you are going to do with all the time you save in the kitchen making these quick-baked pork chops. A little extra self-care time never hurt anybody!
Table of Contents
Recipe Video
Why This Recipe Works
This baked pork chops recipe is a culinary win because it combines simplicity, affordability, and mouthwatering results, making it a go-to for any home cook.
These juicy baked pork chops are quick and easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and effort, which means you can have a delicious meal on the table in no time.
Additionally, pork chops are a cost-effective choice, offering great value while delivering a hearty protein that can feed a family without breaking the bank.
The addition of a flavorful spice blend, combined with olive oil and soy sauce, ensures that the pork chops turn out incredibly flavorful and tender, with a perfectly browned exterior and juicy interior.
Ingredients
Seasonings:
This recipe for baked pork chops keeps the seasonings pretty simple, sticking to garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. However, you can use a number of other ingredients to help season your pork chops. You can incorporate some cayenne pepper, red chili pepper flakes, or chili powder to give your chops a boost of heat, while some thyme, rosemary, sage, basil, and dill can all be used to create a herbaceous flavor. Additionally, you can use citrus zest to add some freshness and vibrancy to your baked pork chops.
Pork Chops:
When selecting pork chops for your recipe, opt for cuts that are fresh and well-marbled with fat, as this contributes to tenderness and flavor. Look for chops with a pinkish-red color and avoid any that appear gray or have excessive moisture in the packaging. Choose cuts that are of uniform thickness to ensure even cooking. Bone-in chops typically offer more flavor and tenderness, while boneless chops cook faster and are easier to eat.
If pork isn't your preferred meat, you can easily adapt the recipe with other proteins such as chicken breasts or thighs. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the meat, so be sure to adjust accordingly and check for doneness. For meatless alternatives, consider using thick slices of tofu, tempeh, or Portobello mushrooms marinated in soy sauce and olive oil.
Olive Oil:
Olive oil is commonly used in baking pork chops because it adds a rich flavor and promotes a nicely browned, crispy exterior. However, if you don't have or like olive oil, avocado, canola, sunflower, grapeseed, and coconut oils can all be used instead.
Soy Sauce:
Soy sauce is used in baking pork chops because it adds a rich umami flavor, enhances the overall taste of the meat, and provides a balanced saltiness. It helps to tenderize the pork chops by breaking down proteins, ensuring they remain juicy and flavorful during the baking process. If you are looking to substitute soy sauce with something, some suitable options are Worcestershire sauce, tamari, coconut, and liquid aminos.
How to Make These Easy, Baked Pork Chops
Step One:
Get creative with your favorite spices! Here we use a blend of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. A tablespoon of each should do it.
Step Two:
Preheat your oven and let's get cooking! Place your pork chops in an oven-safe dish, and prepare them with a blend of olive oil and soy sauce. This combination will ensure your chops stay moist and flavorful as they bake.
Step Three:
Coat your pork chops generously in the seasoning mix you prepared earlier. Don't be shy with the spices as this will infuse your chops with flavor while keeping them juicy and tender.
Step Four:
Bake at 400°F for just 7 minutes. Yes, you read that right – in no time at all, you'll have juicy, flavorful baked pork chops that are sure to impress!
Step Five:
Serve up those perfectly baked pork chops alongside some fresh, vibrant vegetables, and enjoy!
Tips
- To check for doneness, ensure your oven-baked pork chops have reached an internal temperature of 145F for medium rare and 160 for well.
- After removing the baked pork chops from the oven, allow them to rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to be redistributed, resulting in tender pork chops.
What to Serve With Juicy Baked Pork Chops
When it comes to what you can serve alongside your delicious baked pork chops, the options are endless. Pairing these tender baked pork chops with vibrant roasted vegetables, such as carrots, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts, adds a deliciously nutritious touch to the meal. For a classic combination, creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice make for hearty and comforting sides.
A crisp and refreshing salad with a zesty vinaigrette dressing offers a lighter counterpart to the rich flavors of the pork chops. Additionally, focaccia bread or dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up any savory juices left on the plate.
FAQs
Can I marinate the pork chops before baking them?
Yes, you can! In fact, marinating chops in olive oil, soy sauce, and seasonings for at least 30 minutes in the fridge prior to cooking makes for much more flavorful and tender chops.
Do I need to cover the pork chops while they bake?
Covering the pork chops while they bake is not necessary, as it allows the heat to circulate evenly, resulting in a nicely browned exterior.
For how long can leftover baked pork chops be kept fresh?
Leftover baked pork chops can be kept fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days when stored properly in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap. Consider freezing them for longer storage, where they can remain safe to eat for 2-3 months.
More Pork Recipes
Pork is an excellent protein to turn to when you need a quick, easy, and fulfilling meal in a hurry. If you like fast meal ideas like this easy baked pork chops, then you will love this collection of pork recipes that can be prepared in a flash.
Baked Pork Chops
Ingredients
- ¼ cup mixed spices
- 4 pork chops boneless
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
Instructions
- Create a mixture of your favorite spices and set aside.
- Place your pork chops in an oven-safe dish and cover them in olive oil and soy sauce.
- Coat the pork chops in the seasoning mix.
- Bake for 7 minutes at 400F.
- Serve with fresh vegetables, and enjoy!
Nutrition
Video
Notes
- Choose pork chops that are pinkish in color and avoid those that are gray or brown.
- To check for doneness, ensure your oven-baked pork chops have reached an internal temperature of 145F for medium rare and 160 for well.
- After removing the baked pork chops from the oven, allow them to rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to be redistributed, resulting in tender pork chops.
There is chicken broth in the recipe but you don't use it. Is it supposed to be part of the marinade?