Baked Pork Chops

A simple spice rub, a hot oven, done in 20 minutes.

Boneless pork chops cook fast and dry out faster — the key is not overbaking. Rest them before serving and they’ll stay juicy.

Make it a bowl. Make it a plate. Use what you have.

Ingredients

  • 2 boneless pork chops, about 1 inch thick
  • a drizzle of olive oil
  • a light shake each of garlic powder and paprika
  • salt and a few cracks of black pepper
  • a shake of dried thyme or oregano if you have it

Method

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment or lightly grease it.
  2. Pat chops dry. Drizzle with olive oil and rub on both sides.
  3. Shake the spices over both sides and press gently to help them stick.
  4. Bake 15–20 minutes until cooked through — a slightly pink center is fine.
  5. Rest 5 minutes before serving.

Build It Your Way

  • sear in a hot skillet 2 minutes per side before the oven for a more developed crust
  • marinate in olive oil, lemon, and spices for 30 minutes if you have the time
  • slice over a grain bowl with roasted vegetables
  • serve alongside mashed yellow potatoes or cauliflower mash
  • pair with a simple arugula salad and lemon
  • finish with a squeeze of lemon and fresh herbs straight out of the oven

Adjust to your taste. Use what you have.

Swaps & Notes

  • Thickness matters — thinner chops cook closer to 15 minutes, thicker ones need the full 20.
  • The same spice rub works on chicken breasts. Same temp, same method.
  • Leftovers slice well cold over a salad or chopped into a grain bowl the next day.
  • Don’t skip the rest — it’s what keeps pork chops from running dry on the plate.
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