Moist Baked Pork Chops

For perfectly prepared pork chops (preferably bone-in) you must brine them for at least 1 to 2 hours and pick chops that are at least 1/2 to 1-inch thick. The success to this dish is the brine for moistness. There are many brine variations out there for what flavor you are wanting to accomplish but, it is an important part of the overall dish.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 10 mins
• Total Time: 25 mins
• Calories: 309 Calories

Ingredients

• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 4 cups cold water
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tablespoon whole black peppercorns
• ¼ cup kosher salt
• aluminum foil
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, or more as needed
• ½ teaspoon dry mustard powder
• 4 (5 ounce) center-cut pork chops on the bone

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).

Step 2

Combine cold water, salt, peppercorns, and bay leaf for brine in a bowl. Place pork chops in a shallow baking dish and pour the brine over top. Let sit for 1 to 2 hours.

Step 3

Meanwhile, combine brown sugar, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, mustard powder, salt, and pepper for rub in a small mixing bowl.

Step 4

Remove pork chops from brine, rinse under cold water, and pat dry. Rub pork chops generously on both sides with the seasoning mix. Discard brine.

Step 5

Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil to the hot skillet. Add pork chops to the hot oil and sear until browned, 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 6

Turn pork chops and place skillet in the preheated oven. Bake until no longer pink in the center, 6 to 8 minutes. Remove from the oven, tent with aluminum foil, and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.