Juicy Oven Baked Pork Chops (Can Make From Frozen!)
Juicy, savory, and done in 20 minutes, these oven-baked pork chops are a go-to family dinner! This boneless pork chop recipe can be made from frozen if you’re short on time.
I always thought that pork chops were a dry, joyless sort of meat. No more. These juicy, tender, flavorful pork chops changed my mind. My kids love them, they’re easy to make with only a few pantry staples, take minimal effort, and they’re on the table in 20 minutes. I’m not exaggerating when I call this recipe the best pork chops ever!
Why you want this recipe
- quick and easy
- perfect for busy weeknights
- juicy and flavorful
- can be made with fresh or frozen pork chops
- so. dang. good!
Ingredients
This recipe is not just super easy to make, it only uses simple ingredients, many of which you can probably find in your pantry!
- Pork Chops – You will need 1 pork chop per serving for this recipe. We usually get the family size package from Walmart, and it makes 2 meals with leftovers for lunch each time. I make 1/2 the package one night, and freeze the rest for another night. The fact that I can cook these from frozen without defrosting is one of this recipe’s biggest draws!
- Seasoned Salt – Kitchen staple extraordinaire right here. Seasoned salt improves the flavor of just about everything. If you find yourself without, here’s a solid recipe for homemade seasoned salt.
- Italian Seasoning – This is another staple of my cooking. I hail from Alaska, where getting fresh anything is a battle for most of the year. Even now, in Utah, I find myself relying on freeze dried herbs. They don’t go bad, they’re always at the grocery store, and the flavor is pretty darn good! If you need a recipe for this particular spice blend, here’s one that I like.
- Black Pepper – Fresh cracked black pepper is to die for on this recipe, but you can also use plain old ground black pepper.
- Butter or Margarine – This gives the pork chop a lovely juiciness. The rich flavor of the butter melts into the white meat to tenderize and deepen flavor!
Instructions
Step 1 | Season
Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees F and lining a regular baking sheet with aluminum foil. This will make clean up easier, and helps to brown up the pork chops as they bake. The foil reflects the heat, helping you get an even bake across your tasty pork chops. Its also a good idea to spray your foil with cooking spray to ensure that the chops don’t stick.
Now, lay your pork chops in a single layer in the baking dish. Sprinkle the seasoned salt, Italian seasoning, and black pepper over the tops of the pork chops. Place a dollop of butter on the top of each pork chop. I do about 1/2 tbsp per chop. The butter will melt over the pork chop, giving you those juicy pork chops you’re looking for!
Step 2 | Bake
Place your pork chops in the oven and allow them to bake for 15-20 minutes. Baking times will depend on the thickness of the chops. They’re done when a meat thermometer inserted into the center reads at least 145° and the pork chops appear golden brown.
Every oven is different, so you might have to experiment with cook times to get the best results.
Step 3 | Enjoy!
Remove your chops from the oven and let the meat rest for about 5 minutes, then serve them! They are fantastic as a dinner main with additional side dishes to fill out the meal. I love to add green beans, side salad, or some other green vegetable and minute rice to make a super quick — but still healthy — dinner for the family.
Tips and Tricks
Cooking from frozen
Buying in bulk and then freezing has been huge in staying on budget during inflation. But I never remember to defrost food before I need it. That’s why this recipe is so awesome. I don’t have to.
With this, I throw the pork chops in the microwave on defrost just long enough to be able to pry them off the styrofoam package. I place them directly on the covered pan, season with spices, herbs, and butter, and then bake just like fresh ones. The only trick is that you need to add 1-2 minutes to the cooking time — so about 20 minutes for frozen, 18 for fresh.
Broil for Brownness
If you like that gorgeously seared, browned look on your pork chops, you can simply turn the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes of your cooking time. It will brown up the edges of your chops nicely. It’s an easy way to make people believe you work hard in that kitchen!
Variations
This super easy dinner recipe is also highly versatile. You can make multiple substitutions to change the flavor of your chops. These are a few of my favorite variations. You’ll never have to deal with flavorless pork chops again!
- Garlic Butter Pork Chops: Replace the seasoned salt with either garlic salt or garlic powder + regular table salt.
- Chili Lime Pork Chops: Replace the Italian seasoning with chili powder. Add the zest of 1 lime. Serve with lime slices!
- Brown Sugar Pork Chops: Leave out the Italian seasoning and seasoned salt. Sprinkle brown sugar over each pork chop, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
You can also make any of these variations with chicken breasts instead of the pork chops as well!
FAQs
It’s not necessary to cover the pork chops while baking. Leaving them uncovered allows the heat to circulate around the chops, ensuring they cook evenly and develop a nice crust on the outside.
Yes, you can substitute olive oil for butter if you prefer. Olive oil will also help keep the pork chops moist and add a nice flavor to them.
Yes, you can freeze the seasoned pork chops in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
You can store your pork chops for 3-4 days in an airtight container in the fridge.
Yes! You can use bone-in pork chops for this recipe. The only change you might need to make is to adjust cooking time. Bone-in chops can take longer, but they make super tender pork chops!
Easy Oven Baked Pork Chops
Ingredients
- 6 pork chops
- 1 tsp seasoned salt
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 3 Tbsp butter or margarine
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°.
- Cover a baking sheet with foil. Spray with cooking spray to avoid sticking.
- Lay pork chops on covered backing sheet.
- Sprinkle spices and herbs onto pork chops.
- Place a 1/2 Tbsp of butter on top of each pork chop.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes. Enjoy!
Your recipe is too good. I tried this recipe and my whole entire family loved it I really recommend this recipe!!!!
I’m so glad!!!