Seasoned Perfectly, Crisped Lightly, Finished in the Oven

These pork chops are meant to melt in your mouth. With a mix of spices and a humble, savory crust, every mouthful is tender, juicy, and flavorful. Using either pork chops or cube steaks (or chicken for that matter), you can make this impressively versatile recipe with confidence.

Why You’re Going to Love These Pork Chops

• Tender and Juicy – Juju’s secret for perfect pork chops combines a quick sear with a low, slow bake. This technique also keeps them from drying out, ensuring that every bite is juicy and melt-in-your-mouth tender.
• Simple Ingredients – Much of what you need is likely in your pantry! This recipe uses the stalwarts of the kitchen cupboard—garlic, onion, paprika, and a little flour or panko for that added crunch.
• Versatile – If pork is not to your liking, you can substitute with pork cube steaks or even boneless chicken. It’s just as delicious!
• Kid-Friendly – It’s hard to go wrong with this dynamic entrée that’s well-seared and then finished in the oven—a winner among kids and adults. They go beautifully with a big range of sides, so it can be made as part of an elegant dinner or as a quick family meal.

Key Ingredients

• Pork Chops – Buy bone-in chops if you like the extra flavor and moisture you get from a bone. But boneless chops will also be just fine and may be easier to cook evenly.
• Seasoning Mix – If you don’t have a seasoning mix on hand, mix equal parts salt, pepper, dried herbs (like thyme or rosemary), and a pinch of cayenne for some heat.
• Paprika – Use both smoked and sweet paprika for great flavor. Smoked paprika provides a slight smoky depth, while sweet paprika adds more color without much flavor.
• Flour or Panko – Use flour for a more delicate crunch or panko breadcrumbs for a much crunchier texture. If you’re going gluten-free, use almond flour or gluten-free panko.

Full ingredient amounts and instructions are in the recipe card below.

How to Make Baked Pork Chops That Are Delicious

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

• Preheat 375°F (190°C) to guarantee even cooking when the pork chops land in the oven.

Step 2: Prepare the Skillet

• Add Oil – Add enough canola or olive oil to a large skillet to almost cover the bottom.
• Heat the Oil – Heat the oil over medium-high heat until hot enough to sear, but not smoking.

Step 3: Prepare and Flour the Pork Chops

• Season Generously – Dust granulated garlic, granulated onion, black pepper, paprika, and a seasoning blend (mixed seasoning) onto both sides of the pork chops.
• Flour or Panko – Lightly coat each chop in flour or panko. If you’re using panko, give the chops a gentle rub with a bit of olive oil; it’ll help the breadcrumbs stick.

Step 4: Sear the Pork Chops

• Sear on Each Side – When the oil is hot, add the seasoned pork chops to the skillet. Sear on one side for 2-3 minutes until browned, then turn and repeat on the opposite side.

Step 5: Transfer to the Baking Sheet

• Move to a Baking Sheet – Once browned, transfer the pork chops to a baking sheet. If you are using leaner pork chops, you may want to spray the baking sheet with cooking spray to avoid sticking.

Step 6: Bake the Pork Chops

• Bake – Add the baking sheet to the hot oven and cook for about 35 minutes, or about 20 minutes longer if using thinner cube steaks.
• Recheck Temperature – Ensure it reaches 145°F (63°C) before serving.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

• Rest – Let the pork chops rest for a few minutes so juices can redistribute, making them tender and juicy.

Serving Suggestions

These pork chops go beautifully with a number of sides. Here are some thoughts on finishing off your meal:

• Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic accompaniment to pork chops.
• Roasted Vegetables – Carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans can all be simply tossed in olive oil, salt, and pepper and roasted for an easy, healthy, and delicious side.
• Crisp Side Salad – A refreshing salad of mixed greens, cucumbers, and a bright vinaigrette will cut through the heaviness of the pork chops for a balanced meal.
• Buttery Rolls – Serve these pork chops alongside warm dinner rolls so that you can soak up any leftover juices on the plate.

Storage and Meal Prep Tips

Have leftovers? These pork chops hold well and reheat nicely. Here’s how to use them to their best advantage:

• Storage – Leftover pork chops can go in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing – The chops can also be frozen. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a zip-top bag. They will keep in the freezer for 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
• Reheating – To keep them tender, reheat in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. Do not use the microwave, as it may make the meat tough.
• Meal Prep – If you’re preparing these for meal prep, slice the pork chops after cooking and portion them out into containers with some of your favorite side dishes for a simple lunch throughout the week.

Recipe Variations

This recipe is so versatile! There are a few simple ways to switch it up:

• Use Different Meat – Substitute pork for boneless chicken breasts or thighs for a chicken version with the same great flavors and methods.
• Spicy Option – Sprinkle cayenne or chili powder into the seasoning blend if you like heat. Or fry them up with a hot dipping sauce for some extra fire!
• Breaded Parmesan Crust – Combine grated Parmesan with the panko or breadcrumbs for extra flavor. That tacky blanket goes marvelously with pork.
• Herb Crusted – Add fresh or dried herbs—rosemary, thyme, or sage—to the seasoning mixture for a fragrant flourish.
• Lemon-Garlic Butter Finish – For a little refresher after baking, top each pork chop with a pat of lemon-garlic butter. The butter will melt down and over the hot chops, bathing them in glorious zesty, garlicky goodness.

Conclusion

These pork chops are a great choice for flavorful, home-cooked meals that are beginner-friendly and dinner-party worthy. With their tender texture, savory seasonings, and versatility, this dish is sure to be a staple in your kitchen.

These tender pork chops, whether for a cozy weeknight dinner or an elegant weekend gathering, bring comfort and flavor in each mouthful.

Give this recipe a try and don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular request on your dinner table!

Pork Chops that Melt in Your Mouth

A flavorful and tender delight, these pork chops are seasoned, lightly breaded, and baked to perfection. Perfect for a comforting and easy meal, they’ll become a family favorite.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Comfort Food, Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 8 pork chops

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 8 pork chops or pork cube steaks, or boneless chicken if preferred
• 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon granulated onion
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon mixed seasoning blend
• 1 cup flour or panko breadcrumbs optional
• 1 cup canola or olive oil

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure even cooking once the pork chops are transferred to the oven.
• In a large skillet, add enough canola or olive oil to nearly cover the bottom. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.
• Season both sides of the pork chops generously with granulated garlic, granulated onion, black pepper, paprika, and mixed seasoning blend.
• Lightly coat each pork chop in flour or panko breadcrumbs for added texture. If using panko, rub the chops with a small amount of olive oil first to help the breadcrumbs adhere.
• Place the seasoned pork chops in the skillet and sear for about 2-3 minutes per side until both sides are lightly browned.
• Transfer the pork chops to a greased baking sheet after browning. Bake for approximately 35 minutes, or about 20 minutes for thinner cube steaks. Check with a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
• Remove from the oven and allow the pork chops to rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, making them tender and juicy.

Notes

For extra flavor, try adding a sprinkle of rosemary or thyme along with the seasonings.

Nutrition

Calories: 350kcal

Keyword baked pork, easy dinner, pork chops, tender pork

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