This Oven Baked Lemon Pepper Pork Chops comes together in about 30 minutes and utilizes the oven for a quick and easy weeknight dinner that your family will love! You can easily switch up the seasoning or sides to suit your tastes or use it as a “clean out the fridge” meal to get rid of those odds and ends lying around!
Ingredients
4 (2-inch) thick boneless pork chops: These juicy pork chops are the star of the show! You can even use bone-in chops if that’s what you have on hand. They’ll just need a little more time in the oven.
4 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning: This seasoning is a game changer, bringing out the natural flavors of the pork without being overwhelming. And you can totally DIY! Just mix together black pepper, lemon zest, and salt.
Cooking spray: It helps to keep the pork chops from sticking to the pan and gives them a lovely finish. Feel free to use olive oil or melted butter if sprayed oil isn’t your vibe!
Let’s Get Cooking!
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees F. This will ensure that the pork chops cook evenly and get that lovely golden brown crust.
Prep the Pork Chops: Place the pork chops in an oven-safe baking dish or on a sheet pan with a rack. Give them a couple light sprays of cooking spray—this will help the spices stick and create a beautifully crispy exterior.
Season Generously: Sprinkle about ½ teaspoon of the lemon pepper seasoning on one side of each chop. Flip them over and repeat on the other side. Don’t be shy with it! You want tons of flavor in every bite.
Roast in the Oven: Now, pop that dish into your oven and let it work its magic for about 25 minutes. You want to cook it until the internal temperature hits at least 145 degrees F. The smell? Absolutely incredible!
Time to Check: Use a meat thermometer, and once they’re done, let them rest for about 5 minutes so the juices stay locked inside. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself for this step later!
If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas or my Best 10 Delicious Pork Recipes!
Why This Oven Baked Lemon Pepper Pork Chops Works
Quick & Easy
This recipe truly comes together in under 30 minutes! Just a bit of prep and you can practically set it and forget it while the oven does the work. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Minimal Cleanup Required
Because everything happens on one baking sheet or in a single dish, cleanup is a breeze. No need for 20 different pots and pans to wash afterward. Just toss the dish into the dishwasher and move on to dessert!
Budget-Friendly
Pork chops are usually pretty budget-friendly, making this recipe a fantastic option to keep your grocery bills in check. Plus, you’ll find that you likely have the seasoning at home already!
Customizable
As I mentioned, you can switch things up depending on what’s available in your spice cabinet. You could coat the chops in a mixture of Dijon mustard and breadcrumbs or even throw some garlic powder in there to kick it up a notch.
Comfort Food
This dish is loaded with tons of flavor and will have you feeling cozy in no time. Easy to prepare and delightful to eat, it’s a lovely reminder that simple meals can be truly satisfying.
Serving Suggestions
So what should you serve with these lemon pepper pork chops? Here are a few ideas:
Roasted Vegetables: I love to throw in a mix of broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with salt.
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing. Oh, and don’t forget to pour some gravy on top!
Rice: Fluffy white or brown rice soaks up all the delicious juices.
A Fresh Salad: A simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette complements the dish wonderfully.
Storage and Reheating
Keeping Leftovers Fresh: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, where they’ll keep for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions: For the best reheating results, pop them in the oven at 350 degrees F for about 10 to 15 minutes. This helps retain that juicy texture we all know and love!
Freezer Friendly? Yes! You can freeze these cooked pork chops for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating!
Oh! One more thing—feel free to mix in some other flavors. For instance, try adding garlic or some fresh herbs, like rosemary or thyme, right before it goes into the oven. It adds an unexpected layer and makes your kitchen smell heavenly!
So, tell me, what are you waiting for? Go get those ingredients and make these Oven Baked Lemon Pepper Pork Chops tonight! You’re gonna love how easy it is and how much everyone enjoys it.
Happy cooking! And follow us on Pinterest for daily baking inspiration that brings warmth to your table!
Oven Baked Lemon Pepper Pork Chops
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.
- Place the pork chops in an oven-safe baking dish or on a sheet pan with a rack. Lightly spray with cooking spray.
- Sprinkle about ½ teaspoon of lemon pepper seasoning on one side of each chop, then flip and repeat on the other side.
- Roast in the oven for about 25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches at least 145 degrees F.
- Once done, let them rest for about 5 minutes before serving.