Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving a delicious, healthy, and easy meal that the whole family will love? Then look no further! These oven-baked barbecue pork chops are a game-changer. Forget greasy grills and messy cleanups; this recipe delivers juicy, flavorful pork chops with a smoky barbecue glaze, all from the comfort of your oven. It's a perfect example of quick dinner ideas and a fantastic addition to your collection of homemade cooking recipes.
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- 1 cup your favorite barbecue sauce (I recommend a smoky variety!)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your pork chops cook evenly and achieve that perfect tenderness.
Prepare the Pork Chops:
- Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. This helps them brown nicely. Season both sides generously with salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
Add Flavor:
- Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet (cast iron works great!) over medium-high heat. Sear the pork chops for 2-3 minutes per side, until lightly browned. This step adds a beautiful crust and enhances the flavor.
Bake to Perfection:
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Pour half of the barbecue sauce over the seared pork chops in the skillet.
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Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the pork chops reaches 145°F (63°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure they are cooked through.
Glaze and Serve:
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Remove the skillet from the oven and brush the remaining barbecue sauce over the pork chops. Return to the oven for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the glaze to caramelize and thicken slightly.
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Remove from the oven and let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in extra tender and juicy meat.
Tips for the Best Barbecue Pork Chops:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Give your pork chops enough space to brown properly. If necessary, cook them in batches.
- Use a meat thermometer: This is the most accurate way to ensure your pork chops are cooked to a safe internal temperature.
- Adjust cooking time: Thicker pork chops will require a longer cooking time.
- Get creative with the glaze: Experiment with different barbecue sauces or create your own!
Variations:
- Spicy Pork Chops: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the seasoning blend.
- Sweet and Savory: Use a barbecue sauce with a honey or brown sugar base.
- Herb-Infused: Add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the seasoning blend for an extra layer of flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 30-35g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-15g
These oven-baked barbecue pork chops are a delicious and easy recipe perfect for a weeknight dinner. They’re a healthy alternative to fried pork chops and are packed with flavor. Serve them with your favorite sides, like roasted vegetables or a simple salad, for a complete and satisfying meal. Enjoy!