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Juicy, Easy Baked Pork Chops with All-Purpose Spice Rub

Two thick, juicy baked pork chops with a dark, flavorful crust resting on a white plate.

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Make weeknight dinners satisfying with these easy baked pork chops. This simple recipe uses pantry staples to create tender, juicy, and flavorful pork chops every time you cook them in the oven.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and cayenne pepper to create your spice rub.
  3. Pat the pork chops completely dry using paper towels. This step helps the rub adhere and promotes better searing/browning.
  4. Rub the olive oil evenly over all sides of the pork chops.
  5. Generously sprinkle and press the spice rub onto both sides of each pork chop.
  6. Place the seasoned pork chops in the prepared baking dish.
  7. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, depending on thickness, until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit (63 degrees Celsius) when checked with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part.
  8. Remove the pork chops from the oven and let them rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes before serving. This resting period keeps the meat juicy.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, you can sear the pork chops in a hot, oven-safe skillet for 2 minutes per side before placing the entire skillet into the oven.
  • If you prefer boneless chops, reduce the baking time by 3 to 5 minutes.
  • Serve these with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a complete, simple feast.

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