Easy Oven-Baked Pork Chops Recipe: How to Make and Serve Pork Chops

Bone-in pork chops and boneless pork chops can be found in most grocery stores, in the pre-packaged meat aisle. However, unlike beef, the USDA grades pork solely on size and whether the animal was male or female. There are no grades that indicate the degree of marbling or maturity, though that doesn’t mean there is any less variation in the quality of pork you can buy.

Most of the meat available in our local grocery stores comes from what are known as commodity breeds. It is produced on an industrial scale, which is why it tends to be cheaper than what you’ll find in higher-end supermarkets or specialty butchers. It also means that it may have been raised in less than ideal conditions.

If ethical and environmental concerns factor into your decision making, the best choice is to be an informed buyer:

• When selecting a cut, consider the color and fat content of the meat along with ethical and environmental factors.
• Read up on the merits of various practices and buy from a reputable butcher or directly from a trusted producer. Many farms now sell directly to consumers online and can answer any questions you may have about their farming practices before you purchase.
• If you’re limited to supermarket options, look for the most natural version of a commodity product you can find. Look for meat that’s labeled antibiotic and hormone free. Avoid “enhanced” meats that are treated with salt water and other additives.
• Try to buy pork that’s advertised as free range, pasture raised, or animal centered.
• Look for the USDA labels “natural” or “organic.”

Read more about USDA meat grades in our comprehensive guide here.

Pork chops are a great vehicle for experimenting with a number of different cooking techniques. Try them:

1. 1. Baked. Oven-baked pork chops are great when served simply with olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
2. 2. Seared. On a cast-iron skillet, to achieve a beautiful sear. You can also sear pork chops for 1-2 minutes on each side in a cast-iron skillet, and then pop them in the oven to finish them off.
3. 3. Grilled. Over the grill, on a medium to high heat. If you want to get more creative, try cooking your pork chops on a Hibachi grill, the small, charcoal-powered Japanese cooking stove. Learn more about cooking on a Hibachi grill from Chef Thomas Keller.

Cooking time for pork chops varies on the thickness and cut of the meat. In general, pork chops should be cooked to an internal temperature of between 140 and 145 F.

For precision cooking, invest in a meat thermometer. Digital meat thermometers are a fast and accurate way of ensuring your meat is the perfect temperature. If you tend to use your oven a lot when cooking meat, make sure you buy a meat thermometer that can be used inside a hot oven.

Many people tend to overcook pork, because of the risk of contamination from the Trichinella virus. However, improvements in farming methods and processing procedures means that the risk of contamination has virtually been eliminated. You can cook pork chops, pork cuts, and pork loin at a lower temperature, and you will still get flavorful and juicy pork, without risk of illness.

Pork chops benefit from a good seasoning before cooking. Whether you’re keeping it simple or trying something new, here are some seasoning ideas:

• Timeless and unfussy, you can’t go wrong with olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
• Create your own pork chop rub by mixing together olive oil, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika. Or, try award-winning Texas pitmaster Aaron Franklin’s barbecue dry rub.
• You can also experiment with different herbs and spices in your pork rub. Try rosemary, cumin, and marjoram.
• Pre-mixed seasonings from the supermarket also work well on pork chops. Try lemon pepper seasoning, or Italian seasoning.

Follow this step-by-step guide for easy oven-baked pork chops.

1. 1. Preheat oven to 400 F.
2. 2. Drizzle olive oil on each side of the pork chop. Add salt and pepper. Rub in.
3. 3. Place pork chops on a greased baking sheet, and place in the oven.
4. 4. Bake for 20 minutes, until the pork chops reach an internal temperature between 140-145 F.
5. 5. Let pork chops rest for 5 minutes, then serve.

Follow this step-by-step guide for delicious seared pork chops.

1. 1. Heat a little olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
2. 2. Season pork chops with salt and pepper on both sides.
3. 3. Add pork chops to skillet. You can add a teaspoon of butter and a few garlic cloves alongside the pork chops if you wish.
4. 4. Cook for 3-5 minutes on each side.
5. 5. Let rest for 5 minutes, then serve.

Vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, broccoli, or spinach make great accompaniments to pork chops. Try these different styles for some inspiring pork chop side dishes:

• If cooking your pork chops in the oven, add a handful of vegetables to the pan alongside the pork. Try broccolini, baby carrots, onions, garlic, or asparagus.
• Roasted or fried Brussels sprouts. Try them with olive oil and mustard.
• Potatoes: try mashed, or simple boiled baby potatoes with butter and salt. Alternatively, try Chef Thomas Keller’s simple potato puree recipe.
• Salads: try a Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta cheese, or a simple garden salad. Learn how to make a variety of simple, healthy salads in our comprehensive salad guide.