Feed the family while still keeping some time for yourself with this amazing baked boneless pork chops recipe. This dish is comforting and satisfying that people are going to have a hard time believing you made this right in your own home.
While having a great tool like an air fryer can make your boneless pork chop recipes in half the time, this recipe really brings out all the flavors of the dish by baking it in the oven. What makes this pork chop recipe so special is the use of a few key ingredients that give the boneless pork chop a fantastic flavor.
You’ll get the perfect spice rub for your oven baked pork chops with this recipe and you’ll learn how thick-cut chops help to keep your meat juicy and delicious. You can’t go wrong with a good baked pork chop and it’s the perfect summer recipe to bust out when you’re grilling for friends and family.
Ingredients
Here are all the ingredients you’ll need to make the best easy baked pork chop in your home.
salt and pepper
olive oil
garlic powder
brown sugar
ground paprika
Dijon mustard
boneless pork chops
onion powder
Ingredient notes
Pork chops: You aren’t going to have much success if your pork chops are not more than 1 inch thick. The thinner the pork chops are, the more likely they are to dry out while cooking. If you can find them, thick-cut pork chops are ideal for this recipe as they will stay nice and juicy. If you can only find thin-cut pork chops at your local grocery store then choosing a pork loin will be similar except you’ll have to cut it into chops on your own.
Brown sugar: Using brown sugar in the spice rub helps to create a lovely crust on the pork chops while they bake. If you only have white sugar then it can work out just fine but you’ll need to reduce the amount you use to around 1/2 tablespoon.
Mustard: There are a ton of different types of mustard you can choose from but yellow mustard will give you a smooth and mild taste while Dijon mustard will add a bit more of a zing to your pork chops. If you don’t like any kind of spice then mayonnaise can work just as well and give the dish a creaminess you won’t find with mustard.
How to make oven baked pork chops
1. The pork chops might be rough when cooked so you will need to pound the meat between two parchment papers. The goal is not to end up flattening your pork chops but to just break up the tough fibers that make pork chops tough to chew. You don’t need to do more than around 4 or 5 swipes of the tenderizer till your meat is finished.
2. Get your pork chops ready by first rubbing the entire meat with some olive oil first. The olive oil helps the spice rub to stick to the meat and also helps to create a crispy crust while the pork chops bake. After the olive oil, rub your meat with the mustard of your choosing making sure that you cover all of the different sides, including the edge.
3. Take a small bowl and throw all of your spices together and mix thoroughly. Take your seasonings and evenly spread it all around each side of your pork chops. Don’t make the mistake of rubbing your spices into the meat directly. The mess from the oil and mustard won’t be worth your time. All you need to do is slightly dab the seasonings over the meat so you don’t disturb the crust you’ve already made.
4. Take a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. Take your chops and place them on the parchment sheet with at least half an inch in between each one. Set the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and bake your pork chops for 6 minutes on each side for 1/2 inch thick chops. Cook for 12 minutes if the chops are an inch thick. The internal temperature should be 140 degrees. When they are cooked, throw your chops into the broiler for one or two minutes so they get nicely browned.
5. Once the pork chops are finished you’ll need to let them rest on the counter for at least 5 minutes. The longer the rest, the juicier your pork chops will stay as all the flavors absorb into the meat. You’ll want the internal temp to be 145 degrees when you are ready to serve.
Recipe tips
Baking time: Don’t make the mistake of overcooking your pork chops because it’s better to take them out early rather than taking them out too late. Use a thermometer to check the internal temperatures so that the chops reach at least 140 degrees. You might need to let your pork chops stay in the oven for an extra couple of minutes to reach the desired temp but you’ll want to check constantly. Pork chops around 1 inch thick can take around 14 minutes to cook fully.
Seasoning: No matter what seasoning you end up putting on your pork chops, you’ll want to make sure every single side is covered. This will include the edges of the pork chop which should be exposed to the pan at some point to seal in the juices. This is the only way to truly get the most flavors possible out of your high-quality pork chops.
Resting time: A lot of people who cook pork chops for the first time don’t let their meat rest for long enough. You want to give your meat at least 4-5 minutes of resting time on a cutting block or counter before you serve. This will help to keep the meat tender and full of juice instead of all the flavor dripping out when you cut it too quickly.
Internal temperature for pork
If you are cooking pork chops for the first time then it may be hard to know when the pork chops are cooked all the way through. If you want to accurately know when your pork chops are done, use a meat thermometer. Pork chops will be good to eat when they reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. For the best results, you should always let your pork chops rest for a minimum of 3 minutes to ensure they’re safe to eat.
Serving ideas
Not sure what to cook for dinner? Pork chops are a family favorite that will never go out of style and will always have a savory flavor that fulfills any taste buds. Here’s a list of sides you can make with your pork chops:
Cooking mashed potatoes or making instant pot mashed potatoes
Making sautéed green beans or air-fried green beans
What’s great about this main dish is you can serve them with almost any type of side including something complicated or easy to make. Making some rice is a perfect way to complement pork chops as well as sautéed vegetables. If you want to try something new, then you could even serve pork chops with roasted Brussels sprouts. The possibilities are endless but it all comes down to what you’re in the mood for. A nice side of bread can be great if you’re serving your pork chops with some BBQ sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ideal oven temperature for baking boneless pork chops?
The ideal oven temperature for baking boneless pork chops is 400°F (204°C). Preheating your oven to this temperature ensures even cooking and helps to achieve a juicy and flavorful result.
How long should boneless pork chops be cooked in the oven?
The cooking time for boneless pork chops in the oven mainly depends on their thickness. Generally, it takes about 20-25 minutes for a 1-inch thick pork chop. However, it is essential to use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for safety and to prevent overcooking.
What are some easy and delicious boneless pork chop recipes?
There are numerous easy and delicious boneless pork chop recipes that you can try:
Garlic Herb Pork Chops – Season your pork chops with minced garlic, fresh rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bake until cooked through and serve with a side of your choice.
Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops – Coat your pork chops with a mixture of grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Bake until crispy and golden.
Honey Mustard Glazed Pork Chops – Make a glaze using honey, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic. Brush onto pork chops before and during baking. Serve with roasted vegetables.
How can I keep my thin pork chops moist during baking?
To keep thin pork chops moist during baking, you can try the following techniques:
Brine the pork chops for 30 minutes to an hour before cooking. This helps to retain moisture during the baking process.
Avoid overcooking by monitoring their internal temperature.
Use a glaze or sauce to keep pork chops from drying out. Baste the pork chops with the sauce a few times during baking.
Should I cover boneless pork chops while baking?
Covering boneless pork chops with foil while baking is not necessary, but it can help to retain moisture. If you choose to cover your pork chops, be sure to remove the foil during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking to allow the top to brown.
What cooking techniques can prevent pork chops from drying out?
Several cooking techniques can help prevent pork chops from drying out during baking:
Brining – Soaking the pork chops in a saltwater solution before cooking will help retain their moisture.
Searing – Quickly searing the pork chops in a hot pan before baking can create a crust that locks in moisture.
Basting – Regularly basting the pork chops with their own juices, a marinade, or a glaze can help keep them moist.
Oven Baked Boneless Pork Chops
You don't have to be a world-renowned chef in order to make some delicious oven-baked boneless pork chops. This recipe is easy to follow and only requires a few ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen. Without having a ton of experience this pork recipe will come out tasting incredible and be full of juice and flavor.
Before you even began cooking you’ll want to heat up your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Take a baking sheet and line it with some parchment paper to put your pork chops on top of. Without it, your chops can end up sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Now that you have your oven and baking sheet prepared, take your pork chop and stick it between two plastic wrap pieces. Take your tenderizer tool and pound the meat or use a rolling pin to slightly flatten your pork chops. You don’t want to make your pork chops very thin or they will dry out while cooking. Only 4 or 5 pounds of your mallet tenderizer will be enough to break up the fibers that make it so tough to chew.
Before throwing anything on your pork chops you want to dry them with a paper towel first. This will help them absorb the seasonings and ingredients you spread over them. Use the oil first and coat all over the meat and then follow suit with the mustard. Next, take the rest of your seasonings including the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and mix it all in a bowl. Rub everything over your pork chops until fully coated.
Take your finished pork chops and place them on your baking sheet with at least a half inch in between each one. Take the baking sheet and place it in the oven on the center rack. The total cooking time should take around 12-15 minutes. If your chops are thin you’ll keep them in the oven shorter but if they are thick then you’ll keep them in for longer. You want to reach an internal temp of 140 degrees. Once they are done, stick them in the broiler and cook them for another 1-2 minutes until both sides get browned.
Once the pork chops are fully done cooking you’ll want to take them out and set them on a cutting board. Don’t cut into them right away or serve them at the table. you want your chops to absorb as much flavor as possible so you will let them rest for up to 5 minutes before actually serving.
Notes
Pork chops: You aren’t going to have much success if your pork chops are not more than 1 inch thick. The thinner the pork chops are, the more likely they are to dry out while cooking. If you can find them, thick-cut pork chops are ideal for this recipe as they will stay nice and juicy. If you can only find thin-cut pork chops at your local grocery store then choosing a pork loin will be similar except you’ll have to cut it into chops on your own. Brown sugar: Using brown sugar in the spice rub helps to create a lovely crust on the pork chops while they bake. If you only have white sugar then it can work out just fine but you’ll need to reduce the amount you use to around 1/2 tablespoon. Mustard: There are a ton of different types of mustard you can choose from but yellow mustard will give you a smooth and mild taste while dijon mustard will add a bit more of a zing to your pork chops. If you don’t like any kind of spice then mayonnaise can work just as well and give the dish a creaminess you won’t find with mustard. Baking time: The worst thing you can do when cooking juicy baked pork chops is making them too tough and chewy. This is done by overcooking your pork chops so the best thing you can do is take them out a couple of minutes before they are actually done. What you’ll find is that the pork chops will cook a little longer when they are resting so they end up becoming a perfect temp. Ideally, you want to reach an internal temp of around 140 degrees. The thickness is going to be important for the cooking time so thicker pork chops over 1 inch will take around 14 minutes to cook thoroughly.
