Juicy Garlic Herb Baked Pork Chops

Featured in: Easy Dinner Recipes • One-Pan Recipes • Pork Recipes

Baked pork chops are the weeknight hero you didn’t know you needed: juicy, flavorful, and perfectly golden with almost no hands-on time. Think tender pork chops coated in a garlicky herb rub, kissed with paprika and a touch of butter, then baked until they’re incredibly moist inside with caramelized edges on the outside.

As a busy home cook, you don’t have time for complicated searing, brining, and babysitting. This easy baked pork chops recipe is designed for you: one pan, simple pantry ingredients, and about 30 minutes start to finish. You’ll get restaurant-quality results with clear visual cues, so you never end up with dry, overcooked chops again.

These oven baked pork chops are perfect for family dinners, casual entertaining, or meal prep. They pair beautifully with roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad, and the quick pan juices double as a built-in sauce. If you’ve ever struggled to make pork chops that are both safe and juicy, this method changes everything.

Ready for tender, flavor-packed pork in under half an hour? Let’s make it!

Why You’ll Be Obsessed With These Baked Pork Chops

• ✅ Truly juicy, never dry – we use the right cut, oven temp, and timing so your baked pork chops stay tender.
• ✅ 30-minute dinner – perfect for busy weeknights when you still want real food.
• ✅ One pan, minimal cleanup – everything happens on a single sheet pan or baking dish.
• ✅ Pantry ingredients – garlic, paprika, olive oil, butter, and dried herbs you already have.
• ✅ Family-friendly flavors – savory, garlicky, and lightly smoky without being spicy.
• ✅ Versatile – works with bone-in or boneless chops and pairs with almost any side.

Baked Pork Chops Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these garlic herb baked pork chops. Simple ingredients, big flavor.

For the Pork Chops

• 4 pork chops (1 to 1 ¼ inch thick), boneless or bone-in
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp melted unsalted butter (optional but delicious for richness)
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or dried thyme + oregano)

For the Pan Juices (Optional but Recommended)

• ¼ cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp lemon juice (brightens the rich flavors)

Ingredient Notes & Swaps

• Pork chops: Boneless cook a little faster; bone-in stay extra juicy. Try to use evenly thick cuts.
• Oil & butter: Olive oil handles the heat; butter adds flavor. Use all olive oil to lighten it up.
• Low-sodium broth: Helps create a quick sauce. Water works in a pinch.
• Watching sodium? Reduce the salt to ¾ teaspoon and use unsalted broth.

Need help prepping garlic or other aromatics? Check out our guide on how to mince garlic.

How to Make Baked Pork Chops (Step-by-Step)

Step 01 – Prep the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup super easy.

Step 02 – Pat Dry and Season the Pork Chops

Pat the pork chops dry on both sides with paper towels. This is key for good browning. In a small bowl, stir together the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning.

Drizzle the chops with olive oil and melted butter, then sprinkle the seasoning blend on both sides, rubbing it in so it sticks to the surface.

Step 03 – Arrange on the Baking Pan

Place the pork chops in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet or dish. Leave a little space between each chop so the hot air can circulate and cook them evenly.

Step 04 – Bake the Pork Chops

Bake the pork chops for 14–20 minutes, depending on thickness and whether they’re bone-in or boneless. Start checking at the 14-minute mark. Use an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chop.

You’re aiming for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), which is the USDA’s recommended minimum for safe and juicy pork.

Step 05 – Make a Quick Pan Sauce (Optional)

Transfer the pork chops to a plate and loosely tent with foil to rest. Place the hot baking dish on the stove over low heat (if oven-safe) or scrape any browned bits into a small skillet.

Add the chicken broth, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Stir, scraping up any flavorful bits, and let it simmer for 1–2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Spoon the light sauce over the baked pork chops before serving.

Step 06 – Rest and Serve

Let the baked pork chops rest for about 5 minutes before cutting or serving. This helps the juices redistribute so your chops stay moist. Plate them with your favorite sides and drizzle with pan juices or an extra squeeze of lemon if you like brightness.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

• Fridge: Store leftover baked pork chops in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat gently in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10–12 minutes or in a covered skillet over low heat with a splash of broth.
• Freezer: Cool completely, then freeze well-wrapped chops for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Meal prep: You can season the pork chops up to 24 hours in advance and keep them covered in the fridge until ready to bake.

Ingredient Substitutions & Variations

• Lemon herb baked pork chops: Add lemon zest and extra dried thyme or rosemary to the spice mix.
• Spicy baked pork chops: Add ¼–½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or chili powder to the rub.
• Honey garlic version: Whisk 1 tbsp honey into the broth and Dijon for a slightly sweet pan sauce.
• Gluten-free: This baked pork chops recipe is naturally gluten-free — just double-check your broth and mustard labels.
• Herb butter finish: Top hot chops with a pat of garlic herb butter for a steakhouse-style finish.

Serving Suggestions

These baked pork chops are incredibly versatile and pair well with just about any side dish. Here are a few of my favorites:

• Creamy mashed potatoes or garlic mashed cauliflower
• Roasted vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or green beans
• A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness

For a full easy dinner lineup, check out our favorite side dish recipes on 3recipes.

Baked Pork Chops Origins & Context

Pork chops have long been a staple in American home cooking, often pan-fried or grilled. Baked pork chops became popular as home cooks looked for hands-off, reliable methods that still delivered comfort-food flavor. This oven method combines classic flavors — garlic, paprika, herbs — with modern food safety guidance so you can confidently serve tender, juicy pork every time.

While there’s no single “traditional” baked pork chop recipe, you’ll find versions of this dish in many households, tailored with regional spices, sauces, and side dishes. This version is deliberately simple and flexible, designed to fit right into your weekly dinner rotation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use boneless pork chops for this baked pork chops recipe?

Yes! Boneless pork chops work beautifully. They may cook a bit faster than bone-in, so start checking their temperature around 12–14 minutes.

How do I keep baked pork chops from drying out?

Choose thicker chops (at least 1 inch), don’t over-bake, and use an instant-read thermometer to pull them from the oven at 145°F. Let them rest before slicing.

Can I marinate the pork chops before baking?

You can marinate them in a simple mixture of olive oil, garlic, herbs, and a splash of acid (like lemon juice) for 1–8 hours. Pat dry before adding the dry rub to avoid washing off the seasonings.

What temperature should baked pork chops be cooked to?

The USDA recommends cooking pork to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) followed by a 3-minute rest. This gives you safe and juicy baked pork chops.

Can I double this baked pork chops recipe for a crowd?

Yes, just use a larger sheet pan or two pans so the chops aren’t crowded. Overcrowding can cause them to steam instead of roast.

Helpful Resources

• USDA Safe Cooking Temperatures for Pork
• American Heart Association – Choosing Healthier Meat & Poultry
• FDA Food Safety Basics for Home Cooks

Did you make these juicy baked pork chops? I’d love to see!

Tag @3recipes and use #BakedPorkChops on social so we can cheer you on in the kitchen!