These tender and juicy baked pork chops are practically fail-proof! Learn how to make perfect flavorful pork chops in the oven with a delectable herb butter sauce to take them to the next level.

close up image of a baked pork chop served in a cast iron skillet

Ah, baked pork chops. They’re a dinnertime staple, but all too often they can be dry, tough, or just plain bland. If you’ve been let down by pork chops in the past, let me tell you: this recipe is a game-changer. 

We’re talking tender. Oh-so-juicy. Moist and never, ever dry. And with a garlicky herb butter sauce? You might just want to make oven-baked pork chops for dinner every night. (Luckily, they’re so easy that you definitely can.)

baked pork chops served in a cast iron skillet

Juicy Baked Pork Chops Recipe

This recipe starts by getting a nice sear on both sides of the pork chops, which adds a layer of flavor you can’t get from the oven alone. You’ll pour the herbed butter sauce over the top, which infuses these baked pork chops with so much flavor and keeps them tender and juicy. 

Although there is some debate about whether you should cook baked pork chops at 350ยบF or 400ยบF, I’ve found that they benefit from a higher temperature and shorter cooking time, which means less time for the juices to cook off in the oven. 

(Looking for more easy dinner recipe ideas? Try my Easy Baked Chicken Breasts, Baked Lemon Chicken Thighs & Potatoes, and Ground Beef Casserole next! Want an Asian twist on pork chops? You’ll love my Sweet and Sour Pork Chops!)

ingredients to make baked pork chops

Ingredients

See recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.

  • Olive oil
  • Pork chops โ€“ I used boneless pork chops for this recipe.
  • Salt and black pepper

For the Herb Butter Sauce

  • Butter
  • Garlic โ€“ You can substitute garlic powder if you don’t have a head of garlic.
  • Fresh rosemary โ€“ If you happen to have another fresh herb on hand, you could use that instead, or try a combination. Thyme and sage would be especially good here!
  • Onion powder โ€“ This adds lots of onion flavor without having to add actual onions to the sauce.
  • Kosher salt
steps to make baked pork chops in a cast iron skillet

How to Make Baked Pork Chops

1. Make the Herb Butter

Melt the butter in a small saucepan set over low heat. Add the rest of the sauce ingredients and whisk to combine.

2. Prepare

Preheat your oven to 400ยบF and dry both sides of the pork chops with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper on both sides.

3. Sear the Pork Chops

Heat the olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once itโ€™s hot and shimmering, add the pork chops and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until theyโ€™re nicely browned.

Tip: If you donโ€™t have a cast iron skillet, use a skillet thatโ€™s safe to put in the oven. If youโ€™re not sure if yours are oven-safe, you can sear the pork chops in a skillet and then transfer them to a baking sheet or baking dish.

4. Bake the Pork Chops

Remove the skillet from the heat and pour the herb sauce over the pork chops. Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake until the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145ยบF on a meat thermometer. This should be about 12 minutes, although thick pork chops may take longer, while thinner pork chops will take less time than thick-cut pork chops.

5. Rest and Serve

Remove the skillet from the oven and let the pork chops rest for at least 5 minutes. Plate, then spoon the sauce over the tops.

three baked pork chops served on a white round plate

The Best Sides for Baked Pork Chops

These pork chops are versatile enough that you can serve them with just about any side dishes you like. That said, potatoes go especially well with pork chopsโ€”try Mashed Potatoes or Scalloped Potatoes. Then, round things out with a vegetable like Roasted Broccoli, Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts, or even a simple salad. Pineapple Casserole is delicious too!

baked pork chop sliced and served on a white round plate with a side salad

How to Store Leftover Baked Pork Chops

Leftover baked pork chops can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to reheat them, wrap them in foil and bake them in a 350ยบF oven until they’re warmed through.

FAQs

Should you cover pork chops when baking?

No, you don’t need to cover pork chops when baking; they only need to be covered when you reheat them. The key to juicy, tender pork chops is not to overcook them and to let them rest for 5 minutes after cooking.

How do I cook pork chops so they donโ€™t dry out?

The best way to cook pork chops so they don’t dry out is to use a higher temperature and shorter cooking time. I also recommend letting the pork chops rest for a few minutes before you cut into them.

Why are my baked pork chops tough?

The most common reason for tough pork chops is that they were overcooked. Pork chops should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145ยบF on an instant read thermometer; any higher and they will start to dry out and become tough.ย 

How do I bake pork chops with bones?

If you want to use bone-in pork chops instead of boneless, you can, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. Bone-in pork chops will take about 3 to 5 additional minutes in the oven.

Can you bake pork chops from frozen?

Yes, you can bake pork chops from frozen. However, you’ll need to increase the cooking time by about 50%. Another option if youโ€™re in a time crunch is to thaw the pork chops in the microwave before starting the recipe.

More Easy Pork Recipes

Baked Pork Chops

These tender and juicy baked pork chops are practically fail-proof! Learn how to make perfect pork chops in the oven with a delectable herb butter sauce to take it to the next level.
No ratings yet
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 23 minutes

Ingredients  

  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 pork chops boneless
  • salt and pepper

Herb Butter Sauce

  • 6 tbsp butter
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh rosemary minced
  • 1 ยฝ tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp kosher salt

Instructions 

Herb Butter

  • In a small saucepot, melt the butter over low heat.
  • Add the rest of the sauce ingredients and whisk together; set aside.

Pork Chops

  • Preheat the oven to 400F.
  • Pat down both sides of the pork chops using a paper towel, making sure they are completely dry. Season liberally with salt and pepper.
  • In a cast iron or other oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until it is hot and starts to shimmer.
  • Add the pork chops to the pan and brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
  • Remove from heat, pour over the herb sauce, making sure all the pork chops get a good coating.
  • Move the pan to the oven and bake until they reach an internal temperature of 145F, about 12 minutes depending on thickness.
  • Let rest for 5 minutes, then remove to a plate and pour the remaining pan sauce over to garnish.

Nutrition

Calories: 408kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 37g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 14g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 117mg | Sodium: 676mg | Potassium: 691mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 25IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 44mg | Iron: 2mg
Did you make this recipe?Mention @kasey_allthingsmamma or tag #allthingsmamma!

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About Kasey Schwartz

For over 15 years, Kasey Schwartz, the mastermind behind All Things Mamma, has been the ultimate go-to for mouthwatering family recipes. Her work has been featured on Today.com, Buzz Feed, Better Homes and Gardens, and more, making her your go-to mom next door for all things delicious and family-friendly.

Comments

  1. Jeanne Hatswell says:

    This recipe looks delicious, but the finished pork chop is not. I am not a fan: no flavor and is greasy.

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