Julie Clark
Updated:
Oven Pork Loin Chops That Come Out Juicy Every Time
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Juicy oven baked pork loin chops in under 30 minutes. Learn the exact temp and time so they come out tender every time, never dry.
The trick to chops that come out tender instead of dry is two things working together: a thick 1-inch cut and pulling them the moment they hit 145°F. I often slice my own chops from a half pork loin for exactly that reason, and I’ll show you how below.
To bake juicy pork loin chops in the oven, rub 1-inch boneless chops with olive oil and a simple paprika seasoning, then bake at 400°F for 15 to 20 minutes until the center reaches 145°F. Rest them 5 minutes before serving so the juices stay locked in. Start to finish, that’s under 30 minutes.
Plan baked potatoes, broccoli casserole, green beans, or butter rice alongside and you’ve got a weeknight dinner the whole family will eat. Try our stuffed pork chops, too!
Should You Use Boneless or Bone-In Pork Chops?
This recipe is made with boneless pork chops. In order to be economical, I bought a half pork loin and sliced it into pork loin chops. Not only was this way cheaper than buying pre-cut chops, but it also allows me to cut thick pork chops, which will help them stay juicy in the oven.
Can you use bone-in pork chops? Yes. They’ll bake similarly. You can use any pork chop cut you’d like, just make sure it is at least 1-inch thick.
Which spices are best with pork?
My favorite spice rub to use with pork include pantry staples: paprika, onion powder, garlic, oregano, thyme, pepper and salt.
You can switch this up and add just about any seasonings you’d like. Try Italian or Mexican seasonings for a twist.
How Do You Bake Pork Loin Chops in the Oven?
To prepare, you’ll need a baking dish or baking sheet to bake the pork in. Or, if you have a cast iron skillet, it’s a great option.
- Seasonings. Mix the seasonings in a small bowl.
- Prepare the chops. Rub the pork chops with extra virgin olive oil, the sprinkle with the spice rub on both sides.
- Bake. Bake the pork chops in a 400ºF oven for 15-20 minutes. My 1-inch pork chops took about 17 minutes. Thin pork chops will cook very quickly so watch them closely.
What Temperature Should Pork Chops Be?
Use an instant-read thermometer to test the internal temperature of the pork chops. Oven baked pork chops should be cooked to 145º F. It’s ok if there is still a blush of pink inside. If you cook pork chops to the correct temperature, they won’t be dry and tough.
How long to bake pork loin chops?
It depends on thickness. At 400°F:
- Thin chops (½ inch): 10 to 12 minutes
- Standard chops (1 inch): 15 to 20 minutes
- Thick chops (1½ inch or bone-in): 22 to 25 minutes
Always bake to temperature, not time. Pull the chops the moment an instant-read thermometer reads 145°F in the thickest part, then rest 5 minutes. A little blush of pink is normal and safe at 145°F.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you cook pork chops in the oven so they are not dry?
Two things keep oven pork chops juicy: use chops at least 1 inch thick, and pull them at 145°F instead of overcooking. Thin chops and high internal temps are what dry pork out. An instant-read thermometer is the single best way to prevent dry chops.
Is it better to bake pork chops at 350 or 400?
Bake at 400°F. The higher heat browns the outside while the inside cooks quickly, so the chops spend less total time in the oven and stay juicier. At 350°F they take longer and dry out more easily.
Can you use bone-in or thin pork chops?
Yes. Bone-in chops bake similarly and stay a little juicier, but need a few extra minutes. Thin chops cook fast, so start checking at 10 minutes. Whatever cut you use, bake to 145°F, checking with an internal thermometer, not by the clock.
Easy Baked Pork Loin Chops
Juicy oven baked pork loin chops in under 30 minutes. Learn the exact temp and time so they come out tender every time, never dry.
Servings 4
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 boneless pork loin chops 1” thick
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 tablespoon onion powder
- 1/2 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground thyme
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400ºF. Spray a 9×13” baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- Rub each pork chop with olive oil. 4 boneless pork loin chops, 2 tablespoons olive oil
- In a small bowl, mix together the seasoning mix. ½ tablespoon smoked paprika, ½ tablespoon onion powder, ½ tablespoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, ¼ teaspoon ground thyme
- Rub the pork chops on both sides with the seasoning mix, then place in the baking pan.
- Roast the pork chops for 15-20 minutes or until the internal temperature tests 145ºF (test with a meat thermometer). Mine took about 17 minutes.
- Allow the cooked pork chops to rest for 5 minutes to seal in the juices, then serve.
Video
Notes
Thickness: this timing is for 1-inch boneless chops. Thin chops cook in 10 to 12 minutes; thick or bone-in take 22 to 25. Bake to 145°F, not by time.
Juicy tip: a 5-minute rest after baking is not optional. It’s what redistributes the juices so the chops stay moist when you cut in. Storage: Store any pork chop leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave, or sear the leftover chops in a skillet for just a few minutes to heat through. Refer to the article above for more tips and tricks. The calories shown are based on the recipe making 4 pork chops, with 1 serving being 1 pork chop. Since different brands of ingredients have different nutritional information, the calories shown are just an estimate. **We are not dietitians and recommend you seek a nutritionist for exact nutritional information. The information in the nutrition box are calculated through a program and there is room for error. If you need an accurate count, I recommend running the ingredients through your favorite nutrition calculator.**
Juicy tip: a 5-minute rest after baking is not optional. It’s what redistributes the juices so the chops stay moist when you cut in. Storage: Store any pork chop leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave, or sear the leftover chops in a skillet for just a few minutes to heat through. Refer to the article above for more tips and tricks. The calories shown are based on the recipe making 4 pork chops, with 1 serving being 1 pork chop. Since different brands of ingredients have different nutritional information, the calories shown are just an estimate. **We are not dietitians and recommend you seek a nutritionist for exact nutritional information. The information in the nutrition box are calculated through a program and there is room for error. If you need an accurate count, I recommend running the ingredients through your favorite nutrition calculator.**
Nutrition
Calories: 277kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 90mg | Sodium: 357mg | Potassium: 535mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.2g | Vitamin A: 439IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 17mg | Iron: 1mg
What to Serve with Pork Chops
So what should you serve with these easy baked pork loin chops? Try one of these side dishes:
And serve sugar crunch chocolate chip cake for dessert!
Other Pork Chop Recipes
I’m so glad I found this recipe, Julie. I printed it out and I can’t wait to try them tonight. Thank you for sharing paring suggestions as well! With all the great reviews, this should be tender, juicy and flavorful.
I made it, very easy and delicious. Thanks
Yummy to the bone