Baked BBQ Pork Chops Recipe

Pork chops: The main protein of the dish, you can use either bone-in or boneless.

Bbq sauce: Adds a tangy and sweet flavor to the pork chops.

Olive oil: Used to brush the pork chops, helping to keep them moist during baking.

Garlic powder: Provides a savory and aromatic flavor.

Onion powder: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.

Salt: Enhances the overall taste of the dish.

Black pepper: Adds a hint of spice and balances the flavors.

To ensure your pork chops remain juicy and flavorful, consider marinating them in the bbq sauce for at least 30 minutes before baking. This allows the flavors to penetrate deeper into the meat. Additionally, using a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) can help you avoid overcooking. For an extra layer of flavor, you can also sear the pork chops in a hot skillet for 2-3 minutes on each side before transferring them to the oven.

• pork chops - Substitute with chicken breasts: Chicken breasts are a lean protein that can absorb flavors well, making them a good alternative to pork chops.

• pork chops - Substitute with tofu steaks: For a vegetarian option, tofu steaks can provide a similar texture and absorb the BBQ sauce effectively.

• bbq sauce - Substitute with teriyaki sauce: Teriyaki sauce offers a sweet and savory flavor profile that can complement the dish similarly to BBQ sauce.

• bbq sauce - Substitute with honey mustard sauce: Honey mustard sauce provides a tangy and sweet flavor that can be a delightful twist on the traditional BBQ taste.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a mild flavor, making it a suitable alternative for cooking.

• olive oil - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can add a subtle sweetness and is also good for high-heat cooking.

• garlic powder - Substitute with fresh garlic: Fresh garlic can provide a more robust and aromatic flavor compared to garlic powder.

• garlic powder - Substitute with shallot powder: Shallot powder offers a milder, sweeter taste that can be a nice variation from garlic powder.

• onion powder - Substitute with dried minced onion: Dried minced onion can provide a similar flavor and texture to onion powder.

• onion powder - Substitute with leek powder: Leek powder offers a slightly sweeter and more delicate onion flavor.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add both saltiness and umami, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a more complex flavor profile compared to regular table salt.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a slightly different heat and can add a more subtle spiciness.

• black pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper can add a bit more heat and a different flavor profile to the dish.

• Allow the pork chops to cool completely after baking. This helps to prevent condensation, which can make the meat soggy when stored.
• Place the cooled pork chops in an airtight container. If you have multiple pork chops, layer them with parchment paper in between to prevent sticking.
• Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the pork chops within 3-4 days. This keeps them fresh and flavorful.
• For longer storage, wrap each pork chop individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This extra layer of protection helps to prevent freezer burn.
• Place the wrapped pork chops in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label it with the date to keep track of how long they’ve been stored.
• Freeze the pork chops for up to 2-3 months. This ensures they maintain their quality and taste.
• When ready to reheat, thaw the pork chops in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps to retain moisture and texture.
• Reheat the pork chops in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in a microwave, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
• If desired, brush additional bbq sauce over the pork chops before reheating to enhance the flavor and keep them juicy.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the pork chops in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil to keep them moist.
  3. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until the pork chops are warmed through.
  4. For an extra touch, brush a little more bbq sauce on top before serving.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of olive oil.
  2. Place the pork chops in the skillet and cover with a lid.
  3. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the pork chops are heated through.
  4. Add a bit more bbq sauce if desired to enhance the flavor.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the pork chops on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to retain moisture.
  3. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are evenly heated.
  4. Let sit for a minute before serving to allow the heat to distribute evenly.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the pork chops in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  3. Heat for about 5-6 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the pork chops are warmed through.
  4. Brush with additional bbq sauce if desired for extra flavor.

• Sous Vide Method:

  1. Set your sous vide machine to 140°F (60°C).
  2. Place the pork chops in a vacuum-sealed bag or a resealable bag using the water displacement method.
  3. Submerge the bag in the water bath and heat for about 30 minutes.
  4. Remove from the bag and sear in a hot skillet with a bit of olive oil for 1-2 minutes per side to finish.

• Oven: Used to bake the pork chops at a consistent temperature of 375°F (190°C).

• Baking dish: Holds the pork chops while they bake in the oven.

• Basting brush: Used to brush olive oil and BBQ sauce onto the pork chops.

• Measuring spoons: Measures out the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.

• Measuring cup: Measures the 1 cup of BBQ sauce.

• Tongs: Helps to handle the pork chops without piercing the meat.

• Meat thermometer: Ensures the pork chops are cooked through by checking the internal temperature.

• Cutting board: Provides a surface to rest the pork chops before serving.

• Knife: Used to trim any excess fat from the pork chops if needed.

• Aluminum foil: Can be used to cover the baking dish if the pork chops are browning too quickly.

Preheat the oven early: Start preheating your oven while you prepare the pork chops to save time.

Use a baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup and faster transfer.

Mix seasonings ahead: Combine garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl beforehand.

Marinate overnight: Brush bbq sauce on the pork chops and let them marinate in the fridge overnight for deeper flavor and quicker prep.

Batch cook: Double the recipe and cook extra pork chops to have leftovers for another meal.