Can You Cook Pork Chops in an Oven Bag? A Simple and Delicious Method

Cooking pork chops can sometimes be tricky. Overcook them and they end up dry and chewy. Undercook them and they are unsafe to eat. Finding the right way to cook pork chops so that they turn out moist tender and perfectly done can seem daunting.

However, there is a simple tried and true method that takes all the guesswork out of cooking pork chops – baking them in an oven bag This technique locks in moisture, seals in flavor and ensures your pork chops come out juicy, delicious and cooked to perfection every time

What is an Oven Bag?

An oven bag is a thick, oven-safe plastic bag designed for roasting and baking foods. Reynolds and other brands make bags specifically marketed as oven roasting bags. However, you can also use a heavy-duty plastic freezer bag.

The thick plastic traps steam inside the bag as your food cooks, keeping it incredibly moist and tender. At the same time, the bag prevents spatters and leaks in your oven. Oven bags provide a handy mess-free way to cook a variety of foods from meats to vegetables.

Why Cook Pork Chops in an Oven Bag?

Cooking pork chops in an oven bag offers many benefits:

• Seals in moisture – Pork chops baked in an oven bag turn out incredibly juicy moist and tender. The bag traps steam and prevents moisture loss.

• Intensifies flavor – Cooking in an enclosed oven bag boosts flavor as the pork chops baste in their own juices. Any seasonings added are also concentrated.

• Prevents drying out – With no moisture loss, there’s no way for the pork chops to dry out, even with a little extra oven time.

• Minimizes mess – The oven bag contains drips and splatters. Once done cooking, you simply remove the sealed bag with no mess left behind.

• Easy clean up – Clean up is a breeze since the oven and roasting pan stay spotless. Just discard the oven bag after cooking.

• Versatile – In addition to pork chops, oven bags can be used to cook chicken, fish, roasts, vegetables and more.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Pork Chops in an Oven Bag

Cooking pork chops in an oven bag is simple. Here is an easy step-by-step guide:

Ingredients:

• 4 thick bone-in or boneless pork chops (about 2 lbs total)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1⁄2 teaspoon each salt and pepper
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 tablespoon flour

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Place an oven bag into a baking pan or casserole dish to help it hold its shape.

3. Brush the inside of the bag with olive oil to prevent sticking.

4. Season the pork chops all over with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

5. Place the seasoned chops in the oven bag along with the sliced onion and bell pepper.

6. Sprinkle the flour over the chops. The flour helps absorb excess moisture and prevents the bag from bursting.

7. Close the oven bag with provided ties, while leaving a small vent opening. This allows steam to escape and prevents the bag from bursting.

8. Bake for 45-60 minutes until chops are fully cooked. Check temperature with a meat thermometer if needed.

9. Carefully open the oven bag, transfer chops to a plate, and spoon over any juices from the bag to serve.

And that’s all there is to it! The pork chops roast to perfection in the flavorful steamy environment inside the oven bag.

Tips for Delicious Oven Bag Pork Chops

• For added flavor, try marinating the chops for 30 minutes to an hour before cooking in a blend of oil, vinegar, mustard, herbs and spices.

• Add sliced potatoes, carrots or other veggies in the bag to roast alongside the chops for a full meal.

• Use bone-in or boneless chops. Boneless may cook faster since steam reaches the meat quicker.

• Add a cooking sauce, soy sauce, bbq sauce or other liquid to the bag to provide extra moisture and infuse the chops with more flavor.

• Use wide, thick chops for best results. Thin chops may overcook with the extended oven time.

• Allow at least 1 to 2 inches between chops so steam can circulate and cook evenly.

• Check temperature periodically and remove individual chops with tongs as they finish cooking.

• Add sauce ingredients like broth, mustard or ketchup to the bag juices after cooking for an easy sauce.

Troubleshooting Oven Bag Pork Chops

Cooking in an oven bag is reliable but here are some tips if you encounter any issues:

• If chops start to dry, increase oven temp by 25°F to increase steam.

• If bag puffs dramatically or starts to melt, use a knife tip to make more vent slits to release excess steam.

• If chops brown or char rather than steaming, reduce oven temp and add more liquid to the bag.

• If chops are underdone, return bag to the oven and continue cooking until thermometer shows they are done.

• If chops attached to the bone are not cooking evenly, flip them halfway during cooking time.

Alternative Oven Bag Meals to Try

While pork chops are a top choice, consider using oven bags to prepare these tasty meals too:

• Chicken pieces – bake bone-in chicken breast, thighs or drumsticks

• Roasts – cook pork loin, beef, or corned beef roasts

• Fish fillets – bake firm fish like salmon, halibut, cod or haddock fillets

• Vegetables – roast potatoes, carrots, onions, squash or cauliflower

• Herbed rice – cook steamy flavorful rice inside an oven bag

Oven bags are a handy kitchen tool perfect for cooking moist, tender meals with minimal mess and easy cleanup. Baked oven bag pork chops come out perfect time after time. Give this simple set-it-and-forget-it cooking method a try for your next meal!