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Baked Pork Chops

Tender, juicy bone-in pork chops seasoned with a smoky garlic rub, seared for a golden crust, and finished in the oven for foolproof weeknight perfection.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 280
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Baked Pork Chops
  • 4 bone-in pork chops 1 to 1.5 inches thick (about 8 oz each)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1.5 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
  • Cooking spray or extra oil for the baking sheet

Equipment

  • Large rimmed baking sheet
  • Paper towels
  • Meat thermometer (instant-read)
  • Cast iron skillet or oven-safe skillet
  • Small bowl
  • Tongs

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) with the rack in the upper-middle position for at least 5 minutes.
  2. Pat the pork chops completely dry on both sides with paper towels.
  3. Combine kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl.
  4. Season both sides of each pork chop evenly with the spice blend, pressing to adhere.
  5. Heat the olive oil in a cast-iron or other oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
  6. Sear the pork chops for 3 minutes per side without moving them to develop a golden crust.
  7. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven, or move the chops to a lightly oiled, foil-lined baking sheet.
  8. Bake for 5–7 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 145°F (63°C).
  9. Remove from the oven and let the pork chops rest in the pan for 3–5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For best results, choose bone-in chops at least 1 inch thick and allow them to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking. Resting after baking keeps the meat juicy.