Home » Main Dish » Juicy and Tender Baked Pork Loin Chops

Juicy and Tender Baked Pork Loin Chops

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

These Baked Pork Loin Chops are seasoned with a simple spice blend and cooked until tender and juicy in the oven! With just a few pantry ingredients, this recipe is an easy option for a weeknight dinner. It’s a reliable way to bring flavor to lean pork without a marinade or messy stovetop!

Baked pork loin chop sliced and served on a plate with vegetables.

Sheila’s Recipe Snapshot for Pork Loin Chops in Oven

Simple seasoning and a quick bake time make this a great go-to dinner with minimal effort.

Taste and Texture: Flavorful, tender pork chops with a lightly crisped exterior and juicy center.

Difficulty: Straightforward recipe using only a few basic steps!

Hot Tip: Let the pork rest for 10 minutes after baking to keep it juicy.

Swaps: Use bone-in chops or change up the spices depending on your preferences.

Save-Worthy: Perfect for a busy weeknight when you want something hearty without too much prep!

I started making baked pork loin chops on nights when I didn’t want to stand over the stove but still wanted something hearty and flavorful!

This version keeps it simple: a quick spice rub, a drizzle of olive oil, and into the oven they go. No marinating or fancy steps needed. Just a solid dinner that feels like more effort than it really is.

Pork loin chops can be tricky since they’re lean, but baking them at a high temperature and letting them rest afterward keeps them from drying out.

I’ve tried a few different blends, but this mix of cumin, chili powder, garlic, and oregano has just the right balance without overpowering the pork. It’s the kind of easy recipe I return to when the fridge is sparse and the week is busy!

Ingredient Notes for Pork Loin Chops Bake

  • Chili Powder | Adds a warm flavor without too much heat.
  • Cumin | Brings a subtle earthiness that pairs well with pork.
  • Oregano | A classic herb that adds a slightly savory note.
  • Garlic Powder | Boosts the overall flavor with minimal effort.
  • Salt & Black Pepper | Essential for enhancing the flavor of the meat! Add to taste.
  • Olive Oil | Helps the seasoning stick and keeps the pork moist in the oven.
  • Boneless Pork Loin Chops | Look for chops about 1 ¼ inches thick so they stay juicy in the oven and cook evenly. Boneless pork chops are easiest so that you can slice them up after!

Variations and Substitutions

  • Meat: This pork chops recipe also works with bone-in chops, just adjust the baking time slightly.
  • Spice Blend: Swap in smoked paprika, thyme, or onion powder for a slightly different flavor profile.
  • Olive Oil: Avocado oil or canola oil are good alternatives.
  • Add Heat: A pinch of cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes can give the seasoning mix a spicier flavor!

How to Make Baked Pork Loin Chops

No need for fancy steps or long prep here! Just season, bake, and serve!

Side by side photos of coating the pork loin chops in oil in a baking dish.

PREHEAT & PREP SEASONING. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until thoroughly mixed.

BRUSH WITH OIL. Brush 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Place the pork chops in the dish and brush the tops with another tablespoon of olive oil.

Side by side photos of seasoning the pork loin chops in a baking dish.

SEASON THE PORK LOIN CHOPS. Sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly over the pork chops. Turn with tongs to coat both sides. Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over the seasoned pork chops.

Pork loin chops in the baking dish after being baked.

BAKE & REST. Bake for 17 – 22 minutes, until the internal temperature registers 140-145 degrees. Let the chops rest for 10 minutes before serving to lock in the juices.

More Recipe Success Tips

Use chops that are at least 1 inch thick. Thin pork chops tend to dry out more easily in the oven! For juicy pork chops, they should really be about 1 ¼ inches thick. 

Pat the pork dry before adding the seasoning. This helps the oil and spices stick better and promotes even browning.

Don’t skip the resting time! Letting the pork rest after baking allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicier baked pork loin chops.

Use a meat thermometer. The chops are done when they reach an internal temperature of 140–145°F. You don’t want to overcook pork loins as they can turn tough and dry!

Drizzle with the pan juices. Once the pork is done resting, spoon some of the flavorful juices from the baking dish over the top before serving.

Juicy and tender baked pork loin chops in a baking dish garnished with rosemary.

Storage and Reheating Tips

  • Refrigerator: Store leftover pork chops in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Freezer: These can be frozen after baking and cooling. Wrap individually and store for up to 2 months.
  • Reheating: Reheat in a 300°F oven, covered, until warmed through. You can also slice the pork and reheat it gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or water. The microwave will also work, but it could overcook them, so be careful!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use bone-in pork chops?

Yes, just increase the baking time slightly. Start checking for doneness around 22–25 minutes.

How do I know when pork loin chops are done cooking?

Use a digital thermometer to check that the center of the pork registers 140–145°F. The pork will continue to cook slightly while it rests.

Can I marinate the pork in advance?

You don’t need to, but if you want to prep ahead, you can rub the pork with the spice mixture and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking.

Sliced pork loin chop on a plate next to sides of Brussels sprouts and corn.

Looking for More Easy Dinner Recipes?

This easy garlic butter chicken and my mustard pork chops are family favorites. I have a yummy air fryer pork chops (no breading) recipe, too!

What to Serve With Baked Pork Loin Chops

These juicy baked pork chops pair well with a variety of sides! Try them with baked potatoes in the air fryer, sweet potato salad with bacon, or with a green vegetable like Brussels sprouts with parmesan.

They’re also great with instant pot white rice, a no mayo coleslaw, or a simple butter lettuce salad. For something cozy, add a slice of Southern cornbread or a spoonful of smoked mac and cheese on the side.

A baked boneless pork loin chop sliced and on a plate garnished with a rosemary sprig.

Love this recipe? Bookmark it for the future!

Simply tap the heart symbol located in the lower right corner of your screen, and the recipe will be securely stored in your own recipe box.

A baked boneless pork loin chop sliced and on a plate garnished with a rosemary sprig.

Baked Boneless Pork Loin Chops

These Baked Pork Loin Chops are seasoned with a simple spice blend and cooked until tender and juicy in the oven! With just a few pantry ingredients, this recipe is an easy option for a weeknight dinner. It’s a reliable way to bring flavor to lean pork without a marinade or messy stovetop!
No ratings yet
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course 30-Minute Meals
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 101 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 1 ¼-inch boneless pork loin chops

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
  • In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until thoroughly mixed.
  • Brush 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Place the pork chops in the dish and brush the tops with another tablespoon of olive oil.
  • Sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly over the pork chops. Turn with tongs to coat both sides. Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over the seasoned pork chops.
  • Bake for 17 – 22 minutes, until the internal temperature registers 140-145 degrees. Let the chops rest for 10 minutes before serving to lock in the juices.

Notes

  • Use chops that are at least 1 inch thick. Thin pork chops tend to dry out more easily in the oven! For juicy pork chops, they should really be about 1 ¼ inches thick. 
  • Pat the pork dry before adding the seasoning. This helps the oil and spices stick better and promotes even browning.
  • Don’t skip the resting time! Letting the pork rest after baking allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicier baked pork loin chops.
  • Use a meat thermometer. The chops are done when they reach an internal temperature of 140–145°F. You don’t want to overcook pork loins as they can turn tough and dry!
  • Drizzle with the pan juices. Once the pork is done resting, spoon some of the flavorful juices from the baking dish over the top before serving.
  • Store leftover pork chops in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • These can be frozen after baking and cooling. Wrap individually and store for up to 2 months.
  • Reheat in a 300°F oven, covered, until warmed through. You can also slice the pork and reheat it gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or water. The microwave will also work, but it could overcook them, so be careful!

Nutrition

Calories: 101kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 1gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 592mgPotassium: 40mgFiber: 1gSugar: 0.1gVitamin A: 166IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 17mgIron: 1mg

Life Love and Good Food does not claim to be a registered dietician or nutritionist. Nutritional information shared on this site is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.

Keyword 30 minute recipe, boneless pork chops, Oven roasted, pork loin chops, spice rub
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was.

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating