When preparing baked pork chops, you’ll focus on achieving a balance of flavor and tenderness.
Start by selecting 1-inch thick chops and preheat your oven to 400°F.
Coat each chop with olive oil, then apply a precise mix of garlic powder and paprika.
Bake until the internal temperature hits 145°F, ensuring juicy results.
This technique not only enhances taste but also simplifies your cooking process.
Continue to discover essential steps for a perfect dish.
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 Baking dish
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 Meat thermometer
- 1 Set of measuring spoons
- 1 Set of measuring cups
- 1 Tongs
Ingredients
- 4 each 1-inch thick pork chops
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking the baked pork chops, you can follow this timeline:
- Reading Time (5 minutes)
- Read through the entire recipe to understand the steps and gather your thoughts.
- Preparation (10 minutes)
- Gather all ingredients and equipment.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika to create the spice mixture.
- Rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the pork chops.
- Cooking Time (25 minutes)
- Place the pork chops in a baking dish in a single layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Resting Time (5 minutes)
- Remove the pork chops from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Serving
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Total Time: Approximately 45 minutes (including reading, preparation, cooking, and resting).
Recipe Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
Rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the pork chops.
Place the pork chops in a baking dish in a single layer.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
Remove the pork chops from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Serving Tips
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes pair perfectly with the savory flavors of baked pork chops.
- Steamed Vegetables: A side of steamed broccoli or green beans adds color and nutrients to the meal.
- Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf provides a light, aromatic base to complement the richness of the pork.
- Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad offers a rejuvenating contrast with its tangy dressing and crunchy croutons.
- Apple Sauce: Traditional apple sauce adds a sweet and tangy element that enhances the pork’s savory spices.
Storage
To store baked pork chops, cool them completely.
Place in an airtight container, and refrigerate for up to three days.
For longer storage, freeze for up to three months.
Freezing
To freeze baked pork chops, cool them completely.
Wrap each pork chop individually in plastic wrap.
Place them in an airtight container.
Freeze for up to three months.
Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat baked pork chops, use an oven set to 325°F.
Cover with foil to retain moisture.
Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Ensure they don’t dry out.
Final Thoughts
Baked pork chops are a delicious and simple dish that can be easily prepared with minimal ingredients.
The spice mixture of olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika enhances the flavor of the pork chops, making them both savory and aromatic.
When baking, verify the oven is preheated to 400°F (200°C) for consistent cooking.
Placing the pork chops in a single layer in the baking dish helps them cook evenly.
Monitoring the internal temperature is essential; the pork chops should reach 145°F (63°C) for ideal doneness.
Allowing the pork chops to rest for five minutes after baking is an important step.
This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, enhancing its tenderness and flavor.
Garnishing with fresh parsley adds a touch of freshness and color to the dish.
For those seeking extra juiciness, consider brining the pork chops in salted water for an hour prior to baking.
This step can greatly improve the moisture content of the pork chops.
Baked pork chops make for a satisfying main course, perfect for a variety of occasions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops for This Recipe?
You can use boneless pork chops. Adjust the bake time to 18-20 minutes as they may cook faster without the bone. Make certain the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
What Side Dishes Pair Well With Baked Pork Chops?
Pair baked pork chops with 200g roasted potatoes, 150g steamed broccoli, and a 100ml apple cider reduction. Use a mandoline for even potato slices. Confirm broccoli retains 70% crispness for ideal texture. Balance flavors by salting precisely.
How Do I Prevent Pork Chops From Drying Out?
Brine pork chops in a 1:16 salt-to-water solution for one hour. Cook to 145°F (63°C) using a meat thermometer. Let them rest for five minutes post-bake to retain moisture. Avoid overcooking to guarantee juiciness.
Can I Marinate the Pork Chops Instead of Using a Spice Rub?
Absolutely, marinate the pork chops using 1/2 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder. Marinate for at least 30 minutes. This technique infuses flavor while maintaining tenderness.
Is It Necessary to Cover the Pork Chops While Baking?
You don’t need to cover the pork chops while baking as it allows the outer layer to caramelize. This technique enhances flavor through Maillard reaction, keeping internal moisture. Guarantee even heat distribution by using a preheated oven.
Baked Pork Chops
Equipment
- 1 Baking dish
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 Meat thermometer
- 1 set of measuring spoons
- 1 Set of measuring cups
- 1 Tongs
Ingredients
- 4 each 1-inch thick pork chops
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
- Rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the pork chops.
- Place the pork chops in a baking dish in a single layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Remove the pork chops from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
