Heavenly Baked Pork Chops Recipe: Golden Perfection Every Time

Juicy baked pork chops have become my secret weapon for quick, mouthwatering dinners that never disappoint.

My kitchen experiments revealed simple tricks for keeping meat tender and flavorful.

Seasoning plays a crucial role in making these chops truly memorable.

Salt, pepper, and herbs create a delicious crust that seals in natural juices.

Home cooks can easily master this technique with minimal effort.

Fresh ingredients and smart cooking methods make all the difference between ordinary and extraordinary meals.

You’ll want to add this recipe to your weekly rotation and impress everyone at the table.

Why Baked Pork Chops Are Simple And Oh-So-Satisfying

• Boost Flavor Fast: Herbs and mustard create a rich, complex taste profile that transforms ordinary pork chops into a gourmet meal with minimal effort.
• Master One-Pan Magic: This recipe uses a single skillet for searing and baking, reducing cleanup time and making cooking incredibly straightforward for busy home cooks.
• Nutrition Meets Deliciousness: Packed with protein and cooked to perfect tenderness, these pork chops deliver a restaurant-quality dinner that's both healthy and satisfying for the whole family.
• Simple Skill Builder: Suitable for beginner and intermediate cooks, this method teaches essential techniques like searing, pan-to-oven cooking, and achieving the perfect meat doneness.

Everything You’ll Need For Baked Pork Chop Goodness

• Pork Chops: Tender and flavorful cuts of meat that serve as the centerpiece of this delicious main course.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the natural flavor of the pork chops.
• Rosemary, Thyme: Aromatic herbs that add a fragrant and earthy dimension to the dish.
• Garlic: A pungent ingredient that provides depth and richness to the overall flavor profile.

• Olive Oil: A healthy fat used for searing the pork chops and creating a golden-brown exterior.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, flavorful sauce.
• Dijon Mustard: Provides a tangy and slightly sharp flavor to complement the meat.
• Chicken Broth: Helps create a light, savory sauce and keeps the pork chops moist during cooking.

How To Nail Juicy Baked Pork Chops

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank the oven dial to a hot 400°F (200°C) and let it warm up while you prepare the star of the show – juicy pork chops.

Step 2: Season Like A Pro

Sprinkle salt and pepper generously over both sides of the pork chops, massaging the seasonings into the meat to create a flavor explosion.

Step 3: Sizzle And Brown

Grab a large oven-safe skillet and splash in some olive oil. Heat it up over medium-high until it’s shimmering.

Gently place the pork chops into the sizzling pan and let them develop a gorgeous golden-brown crust, about 2-3 minutes per side.

Step 4: Herb Magic

• Minced garlic
• Fresh rosemary
• Fresh thyme
• Butter

Watch the butter melt and the herbs release their incredible fragrance, creating a mouthwatering aroma that will make everyone’s stomach growl.

Step 5: Create A Flavor Bath

• Dijon mustard
• Chicken broth

Scrape up those delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan – that’s where the real flavor lives!

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Slide the entire skillet into the preheated oven.

Let the pork chops bake for 10-12 minutes, or until they reach a safe internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Step 7: Rest And Serve

Pull the skillet out of the oven and let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes.

This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring each bite is tender and succulent. Serve immediately and watch everyone’s eyes light up!

Pork Chop Tips That Make A Difference

• Choose bone-in pork chops for maximum flavor and juiciness, as they retain moisture better during cooking.
• Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature, preventing overcooking and ensuring tender, succulent meat.
• Let pork chops rest after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, creating a more delicious and moist final dish.
• Swap chicken broth with white wine or vegetable broth for different flavor profiles, keeping the cooking method the same.
• Pat pork chops dry before seasoning to help achieve a perfect golden-brown sear and enhance the exterior's crispy texture.

Flavor Twists To Upgrade Pork Chop Night

• Herb-Crusted Sensation: Coat pork chops with a mixture of breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and finely chopped fresh herbs before searing and baking.
• Mediterranean Magic: Replace rosemary and thyme with oregano, add sun-dried tomatoes, and splash white wine instead of chicken broth for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Southern Style: Rub pork chops with cayenne, paprika, and brown sugar before cooking, then finish with a drizzle of honey and serve alongside cornbread.
• Apple Cider Comfort: Swap chicken broth with apple cider, add sliced apples to the skillet, and sprinkle cinnamon for a sweet and savory autumn-inspired version.

Perfect Pairings For Baked Pork Chops

• Pair Crisp White Wine: Select a bright, acidic Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that cuts through the rich, herby pork chop flavors and complements the Dijon mustard's tanginess.
• Serve Roasted Seasonal Vegetables: Prepare roasted Brussels sprouts or honey-glazed carrots with rosemary and thyme to echo the herb profile of the pork chops and create a harmonious side dish.
• Match Creamy Potato Gratin: Create a luxurious potato side with Gruyère cheese that provides a smooth, rich counterpoint to the savory, seared pork chops and absorbs the delicious pan sauce.

How To Store Pork Chops Without Drying Out

• Refrigerate: Store leftover pork chops in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freeze: Wrap individual pork chops in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for maximum 2-3 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Reheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place pork chops in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Microwave: Place pork chops on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature to avoid overcooking.

FAQs For Baked Pork Chop Fans

• How do I know when the pork chops are cooked perfectly?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 145°F (63°C) for perfectly cooked, juicy pork chops that are safe to eat.

• Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh herbs?

Yes, you can substitute dried herbs. Use about 1/3 of the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh herbs to maintain the right flavor intensity.

• What type of skillet works best for this recipe?

An oven-safe cast iron or stainless steel skillet is ideal. These skillets can go from stovetop to oven and help create a nice golden-brown crust on the pork chops.

Baked Pork Chops Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Succulent Honey Mustard Pork Chops deliver a delightful symphony of sweet and tangy flavors that dance across your palate. Perfectly seasoned and quickly baked, these juicy chops will make you crave more with each tender, mouth-watering bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 4 bone-in pork chops

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Cooking Liquids and Fats:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup chicken broth

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 400°F (200°C), ensuring precise temperature for optimal cooking.
2. Liberally coat both surfaces of the pork chops with salt and freshly ground black pepper, creating a robust seasoning layer.
3. Select a large oven-safe skillet and warm olive oil over medium-high heat to create a perfect searing environment.
4. Carefully place pork chops into the hot skillet, developing a golden-brown crust by cooking 2-3 minutes per side, which will lock in rich flavors.
5. Introduce aromatic garlic, rosemary, and thyme into the skillet, allowing butter to melt and herbs to release their fragrant essence for approximately 1 minute.
6. Incorporate Dijon mustard and chicken broth, thoroughly deglazing the pan and lifting any caramelized meat particles for enhanced depth of flavor.
7. Seamlessly transition the skillet directly into the preheated oven, roasting for 10-12 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
8. Extract the skillet from the oven and allow pork chops to rest undisturbed for 5 minutes, enabling juices to redistribute and ensuring maximum tenderness before serving.

Notes

• Choose bone-in pork chops for maximum flavor and juiciness, as they tend to stay more tender during cooking.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure precise doneness and prevent overcooking, which can make the meat dry and tough.
• Experiment with different herb combinations like sage, oregano, or parsley to personalize the flavor profile of the dish.
• For a gluten-free version, replace Dijon mustard with a gluten-free alternative or use whole grain mustard without wheat additives.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 90mg