Oven Baked BBQ Pork Chops are tender and juicy, generously coated in a tangy barbecue sauce infused with mustard, rosemary, and spices. Perfectly baked, they make a flavorful and comforting meal for the family.
These tender, oven baked bbq pork chops are a simple dinner for a midweek meal.
How to make Oven Baked Barbecue Pork Chops
Ingredients:
Pork Loin Chops – While this recipe uses boneless pork chops, bone-in pork chops can also be used but it will increase the cooking time slightly. Always check for doneness using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should be a minimum of 145 degrees.
Barbecue Sauce – Use your favorite store bought or homemade barbecue sauce in this recipe.
Mustard – Prepared mustard adds a pleasant tang to the sauce.
Dried Rosemary – The rosemary adds an earthy, woody flavor to the pork, bring depth to the sauce.
Instructions:
The pork loin chops cooks in a 375 degree oven in a 9×13 baking dish.
Mix the barbecue sauce, mustard, and seasonings together and brush the sauce over both sides of the pork chops.
Bake the pork loin chops in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the pork loin chops are cooked through. Make sure to flip them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking and browning.
Is it better to cover pork chops in the oven?
Benefits of Covering Pork Chops:
- Retains Moisture: Covering the pork chops with aluminum foil or a lid helps trap steam, keeping the meat moist and preventing it from drying out.
- Even Cooking: Helps distribute heat more evenly, ensuring the pork chops cook through without burning or over-browning the exterior.
- Enhanced Flavor: Trapping steam and moisture can help infuse the pork chops with flavors from any seasoning or sauces used.
Drawbacks of Covering Pork Chops:
- Lack of Browning: Covering can prevent the pork chops from developing a nice, caramelized crust. If you prefer a crispy exterior, uncovered baking is better.
- Longer Cooking Time: Covered pork chops may take slightly longer to cook since the steam reduces the oven’s direct heat effect on the meat’s surface.
Is it better to bake pork chops at 350 or 400?
The optimal temperature for baking pork chops depends on the desired balance between cooking time and ensuring the chops remain juicy. Here’s a comparison:
Baking at 350°F (175°C)
Pros:
More gradual cooking process, which can help keep the pork chops moist.
Easier to avoid overcooking and drying out the meat.
Cons:
Takes longer to cook (approximately 25-35 minutes, depending on thickness).
Baking at 400°F (200°C)
Pros:
Faster cooking time (approximately 15-20 minutes, depending on thickness).
Can create a nice, slightly caramelized crust on the outside of the pork chops.
Cons:
Higher risk of drying out the meat if not monitored closely.
For a balance between a quicker cooking time and retaining moisture, 375°F (190°C) is often a good compromise. However, if you prefer a specific method:
- Go for 350°F if you want to ensure more tender, juicy pork chops and have a bit more time.
- Choose 400°F if you prefer a faster cooking time and a more caramelized exterior, but keep a close eye to avoid overcooking.
Regardless of the temperature, using a meat thermometer to check for doneness (145°F or 63°C) ensures the best results. Letting the pork chops rest for a few minutes after baking helps retain their juices.
What to serve with Oven Baked BBQ Pork Chops
Oven-baked BBQ pork chops pair well with a variety of side dishes. Our family loves the barbecue pork chops with any of these:
- Southern Potato Salad
- No Mayo Coleslaw
- Macaroni and Cheese
- Green Bean Almondine
- Corn on the Cob
- Jiffy Broccoli Cornbread Recipe
Oven Baked BBQ Pork Chops
Ingredients
- 8 pork loin chops
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the pork loin chops: Pat dry the pork loin chops with paper towels. This helps them to brown better in the oven.
- Mix barbecue sauce and mustard: In a bowl, combine the barbecue sauce and mustard with the seasonings. Mix well until the sauce is smooth.
- Coat the chops: Brush both sides of the pork loin chops with the barbecue sauce and mustard mixture. Make sure to coat them evenly.
- Arrange oin a baking dish: Place the coated pork loin chops on a baking dish. Leave a little space between each chop for even cooking.
- Bake in the oven: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the pork loin chops are cooked through. Make sure to flip them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking and browning.
- Check for doneness: To check if the pork loin chops are done, use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chops. The internal temperature should read 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption.
- Serve: Once cooked through, remove the pork loin chops from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. You can serve them with your favorite side dishes like mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Leave a Reply