If you’re searching for an easy, delicious one-pan meal, this Oven-Baked Pork Chops Recipe is the perfect choice. Juicy, flavorful pork chops with a caramelized rub and crispy roasted potatoes come together for a meal that’s both hearty and satisfying. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy family dinner, this recipe delivers flavor with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Oven-Baked Pork Chops Recipe
This recipe combines simplicity with big flavors. The sweet and savory rub caramelizes beautifully, adding depth and richness to the pork chops. The roasted potatoes, crisp on the outside and fluffy inside, soak up the delicious pan juices, making them irresistible. This Oven-Baked Pork Chops Recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s as easy to make as it is satisfying.
Key Benefits
- One-pan meal for quick cleanup.
- Juicy, tender pork chops with a sticky, caramelized crust.
- Perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors.
- Customizable with your favorite roastable vegetables.
Ingredients for Juicy Oven-Baked Pork Chops
For the Rub
- Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tsp – Adds depth and umami.
- Ketchup: 2 tbsp – Provides sweetness and tang.
- Soy Sauce: 1 tbsp – Enhances the savory notes.
- Brown Sugar: 2 tbsp – Helps create a sticky, caramelized crust.
- Olive Oil: 1 tbsp – For even coating and flavor.
- Garlic: 1 clove, minced – Adds aromatic depth.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: 2 tsp – Balances the sweetness with tang.
For the Pork Chops and Potatoes
- Pork Chops: 4, around 200–250g (7–8 oz) each, bone-in preferred for juiciness.
- Baby Potatoes: 800g (1.6 lb), halved if large for even cooking.
- Olive Oil: 1 tbsp – For tossing the potatoes.
- Salt and Pepper: To season.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Oven-Baked Pork Chops
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 220°C (430°F) for a standard oven or 200°C (390°F) for fan-forced/convection.
Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes
Toss the baby potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Spread them evenly on a baking tray, ensuring they are in a single layer for even cooking. Place the tray in the oven and roast for 15 minutes to give the potatoes a head start.
Step 3: Make the Rub
In a small bowl, mix the Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, soy sauce, brown sugar, olive oil, garlic, and apple cider vinegar until smooth. This will be the flavorful rub for the pork chops.
Step 4: Season the Pork Chops
Generously coat both sides of the pork chops with the rub, ensuring an even layer. Reserve a portion of the rub for basting during cooking.
Step 5: Add Pork Chops to the Tray
Remove the baking tray from the oven. Toss the potatoes to turn them for even browning, then push them to the edges of the tray. Place the pork chops in the center of the tray. Return the tray to the oven and bake for 15 minutes.
Step 6: Broil for Caramelization
Switch your oven to broiler/grill mode on high heat. Flip the pork chops over, spoon the reserved rub onto the chops, and dab it onto the sides. Place the tray under the broiler, about 20 cm (8 inches) from the heat source, and broil for 7–10 minutes until the pork is golden and caramelized.
Step 7: Baste and Finish
Remove the tray and brush the pan juices over the pork chops for added flavor and shine. Return the tray to the broiler for another 2–3 minutes to finish caramelizing.
Step 8: Serve
Serve the pork chops and potatoes hot, drizzling any remaining pan juices over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley for a touch of color, if desired.
Customizing Your Oven-Baked Pork Chops Recipe
Swap Ingredients for Variety
- Vegetables: Replace baby potatoes with carrots, parsnips, or sweet potatoes for variety.
- Marinating Option: For extra flavor, marinate the pork chops in the rub for up to 24 hours before cooking.
- Adjust Vinegar: If apple cider vinegar isn’t available, use white or rice vinegar as a substitute.
Nutritional Benefits of Oven-Baked Pork Chops
This recipe offers a balanced combination of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving (including potatoes):
| Nutrient | Per Serving | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 555 | 28% |
| Carbohydrates | 36.6 g | 12% |
| Protein | 27.2 g | 54% |
| Fat | 33.3 g | 51% |
| Saturated Fat | 10.8 g | 68% |
| Fiber | 4.6 g | 19% |
| Sugar | 8.6 g | 10% |
Why This Oven-Baked Pork Chops Recipe Works
This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish. The rub enhances the natural flavors of the pork chops, while the broiler finish adds a sticky, caramelized crust. Paired with crispy roasted potatoes, this dish is a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors.
Whether you’re feeding a family or entertaining guests, this Oven-Baked Pork Chops Recipe is sure to become a favorite. Try it tonight and enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal that’s easy to make and impossible to resist!