Cooking juicy, flavorful pork chops in the oven is easy with just a few simple tips. Oven-baked BBQ pork chops make for a quick and tasty dinner the whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in pork chops, about 1-inch thick
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce or rub
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Pork Chops
- Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. This helps ensure the BBQ sauce and seasoning will stick to the meat.
- Brush both sides of the chops lightly with olive oil. This adds flavor and helps prevent sticking.
- Season generously with salt and pepper.
Add BBQ Flavor
- Slather the BBQ sauce or dry rub all over both sides of the chops. Make sure to coat them completely so they are well flavored.
Bake in the Oven
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Place the seasoned pork chops on a baking sheet. Do not overcrowd.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
Rest and Serve
- Remove the baked chops from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to reabsorb back into the meat.
- Serve warm with extra BBQ sauce on the side if desired.
Tips for Juicy, Flavorful Oven-Baked BBQ Pork Chops
- Use bone-in chops – The bone helps keep the meat juicy and adds extra flavor. Opt for chops 1-inch thick.
- Pat chops dry – Drying the surface helps the BBQ coating adhere better. Wet chops will cause it to slide right off.
- Season generously – Don’t be shy with the salt, pepper, and any other dried herbs or spices. This adds lots of flavor.
- Use an instant-read thermometer – This avoids overcooking. Pork is safe at 145°F and remains tender and juicy.
- Let rest before cutting – Letting the chops rest after baking allows the juices to redistribute evenly throughout the meat.
- Add a finishing touch of BBQ sauce – Brushing the baked chops with extra sauce right before serving adds sticky sweetness.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oven-Baked BBQ Pork Chops
How long should I bake pork chops in the oven?
- For 1-inch thick, bone-in pork chops, bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Use an instant-read thermometer to check doneness; 145°F is perfect.
What temperature are pork chops done?
- Pork chops are fully cooked and safe to eat at an internal temperature of 145°F with a 3 minute rest time. Check with an instant-read thermometer to avoid overcooking.
Can you bake pork chops from frozen?
- Yes, frozen pork chops can go straight into the oven, but they will need more time. Add 5 extra minutes to the baking time, and check temperature.
Should pork chops be baked flipped once or twice?
- Flipping the pork chops halfway through is sufficient. Flipping more often can cause them to dry out.
How can I prevent dry pork chops in the oven?
- Brining helps pork chops retain moisture. Pat dry before baking. Cook to 145°F, and don’t overbake. Letting rest before cutting also keeps juices locked in.
What goes well with oven baked pork chops?
- Baked potatoes, roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or asparagus, fresh greens, mac and cheese, buttered noodles, or rice.
Conclusion
Cooking juicy and flavorful BBQ pork chops in the oven is simple and quick. Following a few key tips like generosity with seasoning, achieving the right internal temperature, flipping halfway through, and resting before serving will result in tender, deliciously sauced oven-baked pork chops the whole family will request time and time again. Experiment with different BBQ rubs and sauces, and serve alongside hearty side dishes. Enjoy!