How to Bake BBQ Pork Chops - Outdoor Cabinets

Introduction

Barbecue pork chops are a delicious and easy dinner option that can be made right in your oven. With just a few simple ingredients like pork chops, barbecue sauce, and spices, you can have a mouthwatering meal on the table in under an hour.

Baking barbecue pork chops creates juicy, tender pork infused with smoky, sweet barbecue flavor. While grilling may seem like the traditional preparation method, baking these chops makes it easy to get the same results without heating up the grill. The key is to thoroughly coat the chops in a homemade or store-bought barbecue sauce so the meat soaks up all that finger-licking flavor.

This complete guide will walk you through every step of baking scrumptious barbecue pork chops, from choosing the right cut of pork to testing for doneness. We’ll also provide plenty of tips for maximizing flavor like marinating the meat beforehand and basting the chops while they cook. Follow along and you’ll have perfectly baked bbq pork chops coming out of your oven in no time.

Choose the Right Pork Chop for Baking

The first step in learning how to bake bbq pork chops is selecting the right cut of pork. Here are the best options:

Bone-in Pork Chops

Bone-in chops like rib chops or loin chops work very well, as the bone keeps the meat juicy and adds extra flavor. Look for chops that are at least 1 inch thick so they stay moist when baked.

Boneless Pork Chops

Go for boneless loin or butt chops that are also 1 inch thick. Make sure the chops have even thickness so they cook at the same rate.

Avoid Extra Lean Chops

Cuts labeled “extra lean” or “low fat” won’t be as flavorful or tender once baked. Opt for slightly fattier chops for the best texture.

Season the Pork Chops

For maximum flavor, season the pork chops before baking them with barbecue sauce. Here are two easy methods:

Marinate in Barbecue Sauce

Combine 1 cup barbecue sauce and 1 tablespoon olive oil.
Add 4-6 bone-in or boneless pork chops and turn to coat.
Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes up to overnight, flipping halfway through.

Dry Rub Seasoning

Coat chops all over with a dry barbecue rub.
Let rest for 10-15 minutes before baking.
Try recipes like brown sugar, chili powder, paprika and garlic powder.

The marinade or dry rub will allow the seasoning to really penetrate the meat for finger-licking flavor.

How to Bake Barbecue Pork Chops

Preheating the oven and using a baking sheet are keys to evenly cooked bbq pork chops. Follow these simple steps:

Preheat Oven

Preheat oven to 400°F. This high heat will brown the chops.

Prepare Baking Sheet

Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and coat with nonstick spray.
Use a wire rack inside the baking sheet so air can circulate under the chops.

Arrange Chops

Place seasoned pork chops on the rack, evenly spaced.
Do not overcrowd them or they won’t cook properly.

Bake Pork Chops

Bake for 15 minutes then flip chops over.
Continue baking until the internal temperature reaches 145°F, about 10-15 more minutes.
Bone-in chops take slightly longer than boneless.
Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Baste the Chops

For caramelized barbecue flavor, brush the pork chops with sauce periodically as they bake:

After flipping chops, brush with a thick layer of barbecue sauce.
Bake 5 more minutes then repeat process.
Use tongs to coat chops without piercing meat.
Apply 2-3 layers of sauce for maximum flavor.

Test Pork Chops for Doneness

It’s important not to overcook pork, so test for doneness before removing chops from the oven:

Use an instant read meat thermometer to check internal temperature.
Pork should reach 145°F. Let rest and temperature will rise slightly.
Meat should look slightly pink but not red. Juices should run clear.
Chops will firm up when poked with a finger when fully cooked.

Allowing the chops to rest after baking completes the cooking process for juicy, tender meat.

Flavorful Add-Ins

Try these easy additions for even more bbq flavor in your baked pork chops:

Onions: Place sliced onions on the baking sheet to caramelize.
Bell Peppers: Add strips of red, yellow or orange peppers.
Pineapple: Fresh chunks add sweetness.
BBQ Rub: Sprinkle more dry rub over chops right before serving.

Barbecue Sauces for Baked Chops

The barbecue sauce provides essential flavor and moisture. Pick your favorite style:

Sweet and Smoky: Ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic.
Tangy: Ketchup, vinegar, mustard, chili sauce.
Kansas City: Molasses, tomatoes, spices, onion.
South Carolina: Mustard based with vinegar.
Texas: Ancho chiles, coffee, tomatoes, brown sugar.

Side Dishes for Baked Pork Chops

What pairs well with juicy barbecue pork chops? These classic sides are perfect:

Baked Potatoes: Top with butter, cheese, bacon and chives.
Coleslaw: Cool, creamy cabbage pairs nicely.
Baked Beans: Traditional barbecue companion.
Corn on the Cob: Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with salt.
Cornbread: Warm wedges soak up the barbecue sauce.
Macaroni and Cheese: Cheesy and comforting.

Common Baking Questions

If you’re new to baking bbq pork chops, here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

How long does it take to bake pork chops?

Bone-in chops take 15 minutes per side at 400°F. Boneless thinner chops may only need 6-8 minutes per side.

Should pork chops be baked uncovered?

Yes, do not cover them so the exterior gets nicely browned.

What if my pork chops are dry?

Increase barbecue sauce coating and brush multiple times while baking to keep them moist.
Or, marinate them overnight in sauce before baking.

Can I reheat leftover baked chops?

Wrap in foil and reheat in a 300°F oven until warmed through, 15-20 minutes.

Tips for Juicy Baked Pork Chops

Follow these tips for ensuring your oven-baked bbq pork chops turn out perfectly cooked with lots of flavor:

Pat chops dry so the coating sticks better.
Use an instant read thermometer for accuracy.
Let chops rest before slicing for juicier meat.
Add a dash of liquid smoke to the sauce for extra smoky flavor.
For char marks, broil chops 2-3 minutes per side at end.
Brush both sides of chops with oil or melted butter before adding sauce.
For a spicier kick, use a chili sauce like sriracha in the sauce mixture.
Try injecting bone-in chops with barbecue sauce for maximum juiciness.
For a sweet glaze, brush chops with honey or brown sugar before baking.

How to Bake BBQ Pork Chops Recipes

Now that you’re learned the basics, give one of these delicious baked barbecue pork chop recipes a try!

~Bourbon Barbecue Baked Chops~

Infuse bone-in rib chops with bourbon, brown sugar, garlic and spices before baking with your favorite sauce.

~Sweet and Smoky Baked Chops~

Marinate boneless loin chops in a homemade sauce of ketchup, maple syrup, Worcestershire and chili powder.

~Pineapple Baked Chops~

Caramelize pork chops and pineapple slices with a store-bought Hawaiian style barbecue sauce.

~Mustard Baked Chops~

Coat thick boneless chops in a zesty Dijon mustard marinade before baking until browned.

~Spicy Baked Chops~

Rub boneless butt chops in ancho chili powder, cumin, oregano then bake with an apple cider vinegar mop sauce.

Conclusion

Learning how to bake barbecue pork chops at home is easy and worth the delicious results. Brushing on sweet and smoky barbecue sauce while chops bake in the oven infuses them incredible flavor. Use this guide to choose the right cut of pork, season the meat, and monitor doneness while baking. In no time, you’ll have moist, fall-off-the-bone bbq pork chops to enjoy for dinner.

With the wide range of sauce options and possible recipe add-ins, you can experiment with different flavor combinations. Just serve these savory oven-baked chops alongside classic barbecue sides like baked beans, coleslaw and cornbread. So fire up your oven and enjoy finger-licking barbecue pork chops any night of the week without having to grill!

Frequently Asked Questions About Baking BBQ Pork Chops

What is the best cut of pork for baked bbq chops?

The best cuts of pork for baking barbecue chops are bone-in rib chops, bone-in loin chops, and boneless loin or butt chops, ideally 1-inch thick for even cooking. Avoid extra lean chops which can dry out.

How long do you bake pork chops at 400 degrees?

At 400 degrees F, bone-in chops take around 15 minutes per side, while boneless chops take 10-12 minutes per side depending on thickness. Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer for doneness.

Should bbq pork chops be marinated before baking?

It is ideal to marinate the pork chops for 30 minutes up to overnight before baking for maximum flavor. Coat chops in a barbecue sauce marinade or dry spice rub and refrigerate until baking.

What temperature are pork chops done baking?

Pork chops are fully cooked once they reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees F. Allow them to rest for 5 minutes before serving, and the temperature will rise slightly to 150 degrees F for safe but juicy pork.

How do you keep bbq pork chops moist when baking?

To keep bbq pork chops moist, marinate in barbecue sauce beforehand. As chops bake, brush them with more sauce every 5 minutes. Bake at 400F and avoid overcooking. And always allow chops to rest before serving.

What can I use if I don’t have barbecue sauce?

If you don’t have barbecue sauce, you can create a flavorful marinade from items like ketchup, brown sugar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, chili sauce, garlic, and smoked paprika.

What sides go well with baked bbq pork chops?

Some classic side dishes that pair well with barbecue baked pork chops include baked potatoes, coleslaw, cornbread, baked beans, macaroni and cheese, corn on the cob, roasted vegetables, and buttermilk biscuits.

Can you bake pork chops that were frozen?

Frozen pork chops can be baked directly from frozen. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time. Brush chops with oil before seasoning or saucing to help thaw the surface. And always check temperature.

Is it OK to bake pork chops in foil?

It’s best to bake pork chops uncovered on a wire rack set inside a rimmed baking sheet. This allows air flow all around the chops for even browning. If using foil, loosely tent just at the end to retain moisture.

Final Thoughts on Learning How to Bake BBQ Pork Chops

Baking barbecue pork chops is simple with just a few ingredients like pork chops, barbecue sauce and seasonings. Preheating the oven, arranging the chops on a foil-lined baking sheet, and basting them with sauce creates juicy, tender pork with sweet and smoky flavor. Using an instant read thermometer prevents overcooking. Serve these easy oven-baked chops with classic barbecue sides for an effortless dinner the whole family will love. Once you try baking bbq pork chops at home, you may never go back to grilling them again!