Description
Succulent Baked Pork Chops deliver a mouthwatering meal that brings comfort to dinner tables across North America. Juicy meat seasoned with herbs creates an irresistible main course you’ll savor with every delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops (about 1-inch thick/2.54 centimeters thick)
Herbs and Spices:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Oil and Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare your oven environment by adjusting the rack to the middle position and heating to 400F (200C), then create a protective layer on your baking surface with aluminum foil or a light coating of cooking spray.
- Use paper towels to thoroughly dry the pork chops, removing any excess moisture to ensure optimal seasoning adherence and crispy exterior.
- Craft a flavor-packed spice blend by combining garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, salt, and black pepper in a small mixing bowl.
- Massage each pork chop with olive oil, creating a light lubricating surface that will help the spice mixture cling evenly to the meat.
- Generously distribute the prepared seasoning mixture across both sides of the pork chops, pressing gently to help the spices penetrate the surface.
- Carefully arrange the seasoned pork chops on the prepared baking surface, ensuring they are not overcrowded to promote even cooking.
- Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes, monitoring the internal temperature until it reaches a safe 145F (63C).
- For an enhanced golden-brown finish, activate the broiler and allow the pork chops to caramelize for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Once cooked, remove the pork chops from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes, allowing the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
- Optional: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the pork chops for a vibrant, herbaceous garnish before serving.
Notes
- Selecting bone-in pork chops ensures juicier and more flavorful meat due to additional marbling and connective tissues.
- Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet to promote even cooking and achieve a crispy exterior with consistent browning.
- Use a digital meat thermometer for precise temperature checking, preventing overcooking and maintaining tender, succulent meat.
- Transform this recipe into a gluten-free and low-carb option by replacing traditional seasonings with herbs like rosemary, sage, and oregano for added complexity.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg