Craving tender, succulent pork chops that melt in your mouth? This Juicy Baked Pork Chops Recipe delivers just that with a quick dry brine and a golden, flavorful crust. Easy to make and packed with taste, this Juicy Baked Pork Chops Recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests. Here’s why it’s your new go-to pork dish!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Extra Juicy: A simple dry brine locks in moisture in this Juicy Baked Pork Chops Recipe.
- Golden Crust: Searing adds irresistible flavor and texture.
- Quick Prep: This Juicy Baked Pork Chops Recipe comes together fast with minimal fuss.
- Versatile Sauce: Elevate it with an optional velvety pan sauce.
Tools Needed
To create this mouthwatering Juicy Baked Pork Chops Recipe, you’ll need these essentials. Missing anything? Visit Our Shop for quality kitchen gear!
- Oven-Safe Skillet: Heavy and sturdy for searing and baking.
- Kitchen Tongs: Perfect for flipping pork chops and searing the fat.
- Cutting Board and Knife: For prepping lemon and herbs.
- Foil or Parchment: Keeps chops juicy in the oven.
Ingredients
For the Juicy Baked Pork Chops Recipe:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- Salt (for dry brining)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme (or dried herbs/spices)
For the Optional Pan Sauce:
- ½ cup chicken stock
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (or honey)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- Extra fresh thyme or herbs (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Dry Brine: Season 4 pork chops generously with salt on both sides. Set aside at room temp for 30 minutes.
- Prep Ingredients: Slice 1 lemon into wedges. Strip and chop 1 tablespoon fresh thyme. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Sear Chops: Pat chops dry. Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat with 1 tablespoon oil. Add chops and sear until golden (3–4 minutes per side). Sprinkle half the thyme over the top side while searing.
- Sear Fat: If chops have a fatty edge, use tongs to hold them fat-side-down until browned.
- Bake: Flip chops seared-side up, add remaining thyme and a few lemon wedges around them. Loosely cover with foil or parchment. Bake at 375°F for 8–12 minutes until internal temp reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Rest: Remove from oven, let rest 5 minutes. Serve as is or make the sauce.
- Optional Sauce: Remove chops from skillet. Over medium-high heat, squeeze lemon wedges into the pan, add ½ cup stock and 1 tablespoon maple syrup. Simmer until reduced by half. Adjust seasoning, then swirl in 1 tablespoon butter.
- Serve: Plate chops, drizzle with sauce, and garnish with extra herbs. Enjoy your Juicy Baked Pork Chops Recipe!
Expert Tips For Perfect Juicy Baked Pork Chops Recipe
- Dry Brine: Don’t skip the 30-minute salt rest—it’s key to juiciness in this Juicy Baked Pork Chops Recipe.
- Pat Dry: Removes moisture for a better sear.
- Cover While Baking: Keeps chops moist—foil or parchment works wonders.
- Check Temp: Use a thermometer for perfect doneness (145°F).
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 35 minutes (including brine)
- Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
- Total Time: 50–55 minutes
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping Brine: Without it, chops may dry out in this Juicy Baked Pork Chops Recipe.
- Overcooking: Pull at 145°F—carryover heat finishes the job.
- No Sear: Browning adds flavor—don’t skip the skillet step.
- Wet Chops: Pat dry or they won’t crisp up.
Variations
- Herb Swap: Use rosemary or sage instead of fresh thyme in this Juicy Baked Pork Chops Recipe.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne to the brine or sauce.
- Sweet Twist: Use honey or brown sugar instead of maple syrup.
- Garlic Boost: Toss in minced garlic with the thyme.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a 325°F oven for 10–15 minutes with a splash of stock to keep moist.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked chops from this Juicy Baked Pork Chops Recipe for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
1. Can I use boneless chops in this Juicy Baked Pork Chops Recipe?
Yes, but bone-in adds more flavor and moisture.
2. Why dry brine instead of wet?
Dry brining enhances juiciness without diluting flavor—perfect for this Juicy Baked Pork Chops Recipe.
3. Can I skip the sauce?
Absolutely—it’s optional, and the chops are delicious on their own.
4. What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?
Sear in a regular pan, then transfer to a baking dish for the oven step in this Juicy Baked Pork Chops Recipe.
5. How do I know they’re done?
Use a thermometer—145°F internally ensures juicy perfection.
6. Can I make it ahead?
Brine and sear ahead, then bake fresh before serving.
Conclusion
This Juicy Baked Pork Chops Recipe is a foolproof way to enjoy tender, flavorful pork with minimal effort. From the quick dry brine to the optional silky sauce, it’s a dish that delivers every time. Try this Juicy Baked Pork Chops Recipe for your next meal and savor the juicy, golden goodness—your kitchen will thank you! Happy cooking!
