Imagine coming home to an uncomplicated yet mouth-watering dinner option that promises to impress. This is a tender, juicy pork chop that has been perfectly seasoned and only needs 15 minutes to bake in the oven.
This baked pork chop recipe makes one serving, which is perfect for people who are cooking for one. It’s the perfect comfort food, but it’s also fancy enough to double and serve at a small dinner party.
Want more quick and easy dinner ideas for one person that can be made in less than 30 minutes? Try our mouthwatering Chicken Shawarma, rich and creamy Fettuccine Alfredo, hearty Pepper Steak, and tasty low-carb Chicken Marsala.
Cooking pork chops in a toaster oven is a quick and easy way to make a delicious weeknight meal. With just a few simple tricks, you can get tender, juicy pork chops with a lovely browned crust from your toaster oven. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to master baking pork chops in a toaster oven.
Benefits of Using a Toaster Oven
There are several advantages to using a toaster oven rather than a full-sized oven when cooking pork chops
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Faster preheating: A toaster oven preheats in just 5-10 minutes, while a standard oven can take 15-20 minutes to fully heat up. This means you can start cooking sooner.
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Uses less energy: The smaller interior of a toaster oven requires less energy to get hot, making it more energy efficient than heating an entire regular oven.
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Convenient size: A toaster oven is the perfect size for cooking 1-4 pork chops at a time. No need to heat up a large oven for just a few chops.
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Promotes browning: The heating elements in a toaster oven are situated close to the food, helping to brown and crisp the exterior of the pork chops.
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Easy monitoring: Since toaster ovens are smaller, you can easily peer inside to check doneness and flip the chops.
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Portability Toaster ovens are lightweight enough to store in a cabinet or on a shelf when not in use.
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Multitasking: With the toaster oven doing its job, your stovetop and main oven are freed up for making sides.
With all these advantages, it’s easy to see why a toaster oven is a great choice for conveniently cooking up delicious pork chops any night of the week.
Choosing the Right Pork Chops
Not all pork chops are created equal. Here are some tips for picking chops that will cook up perfect in your toaster oven:
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Go for chops that are 1-1 1/2 inches thick. Thinner chops tend to overcook and dry out. Thickness helps the chops stay juicy.
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Bone-in or boneless both work well. Go with your personal preference.
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Opt for evenly sized chops so they cook at the same rate.
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Look for some marbling in the meat for flavor and moisture.
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When possible, select center cut, bone-in loin or rib chops for the ideal balance of tenderness and flavor.
Choosing the right thickness and cut makes a big difference in the final texture and taste of your baked pork chops.
The Importance of Proper Seasoning
Seasoning is absolutely crucial for pork chops with outstanding flavor. Follow these tips:
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Pat the chops dry before seasoning so spices stick better.
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Use generous amounts of salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, etc.
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Coat all sides, not just the presentation side.
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Let the chops sit for 10-20 minutes after seasoning so it penetrates.
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Right before cooking, lightly coat with oil to promote browning.
Taking the time to properly season gives you the best shot at pork chop perfection. Don’t skip this step!
Setting the Right Toaster Oven Temperature
Preheating your toaster oven is key for pork chop success. Keep these guidelines in mind:
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Preheat to 400°F to quickly sear and cook the chops.
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For 1-inch chops, bake for 14-18 minutes, flipping halfway through.
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Check temperature with a meat thermometer for 145°F (medium rare) or 160°F (medium).
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After cooking, let chops rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
The exact baking time and temp can vary based on thickness and your toaster oven model. Checking with a thermometer is the best way to prevent under or overcooking.
Step-by-Step Toaster Oven Method
Follow this simple process for foolproof pork chops:
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Pat chops dry and generously season both sides. Allow to sit for 10-20 minutes.
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Preheat toaster oven to 400°F.
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Place seasoned chops on a foil-lined pan, evenly spaced.
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Cook for 7-9 minutes per side, flipping once halfway through.
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Check internal temperature, cook longer if needed.
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Remove chops and tent with foil. Let rest 5 minutes.
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Serve and enjoy your juicy, flavorful chops!
In 30 minutes or less, you can have a mouthwatering meal ready to be devoured. It’s that easy!
Tips for Cooking Multiple Chops
Cooking more than two chops? Here are some helpful pointers:
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Use multiple trays or racks to allow air circulation around each chop.
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Rotate the trays halfway through baking for even browning.
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Add 2-3 extra minutes to the total cook time to account for extra chops.
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Stagger the flip times since thicker chops may need more time on the first side before turning.
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Monitor each chop’s progress closely and remove them individually as they finish cooking.
With a little strategic planning, you can easily cook 4-6 delicious chops in one go.
Serving Suggestions for Perfectly Baked Chops
A well-cooked pork chop deserves an equally tasty side. Consider these flavorful pairings:
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Roasted potatoes – Crispy, seasoned spuds are a classic.
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Sauteed apples or peaches – For a touch of sweetness.
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Sauteed spinach – Wilted spinach offers a pop of color.
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Rice pilaf – Soaks up all the tasty pan drippings.
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Green salad – Fresh contrast to the savory chops.
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Roasted veggies – Colorful medleys pair nicely.
With quick-cooking toaster oven chops, you’ll have time to prepare creative accents.
Cleanup and Storage Tips
After cooking up those scrumptious chops, be sure to:
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Allow the toaster oven to fully cool prior to storage for safety.
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Clean crumbs and drips to prevent burning odors next use.
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Store the toaster oven upright on your counter or a storage rack.
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Line the tray with foil for quicker cleanup. Just discard after cooking.
Taking good care of your toaster oven means it will be ready for your next culinary endeavor!
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions about toaster oven pork chops? Here are some common queries:
What temperature should I cook pork chops at?
Preheat your toaster oven to 400°F. This high heat browns the exterior while keeping the inside tender.
How long should I bake 1-inch pork chops?
Cook for 14-18 minutes total, flipping halfway. Always use a meat thermometer for doneness.
Should I broil or bake pork chops?
Baking is best, as broiling can burn the exterior before the inside cooks through.
Is it necessary to rest the chops after cooking?
Yes, resting for 5 minutes allows juices to reabsorb for a juicier chop.
Can I marinate chops before cooking in a toaster oven?
Absolutely! Just remove them from the marinade before baking.
What are the best pork chop cuts for a toaster oven?
Center cut, bone-in loin or rib chops work beautifully. Go for 1-inch thickness.
Now you’re ready to bake up sensational pork chops in your toaster oven! With the right techniques and temperature, you’ll achieve chops that are browned on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, and full of flavor. Experiment with different seasonings and side dishes until you find your favorite pairings. Enjoy the convenience of quick baked pork chops any night of the week.
Why You’ll Love This Pork Chop Recipe
- Simple: This recipe is quick and easy, and it only takes minutes to make.
- Incredibly Delicious: Expertly seasoned to hit all the right notes.
- Healthy: Lean pork is a great source of protein.
- Scalable: Need to feed more than one person? This recipe works great for parties or when you have guests over.
Check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder if you have any ingredients left over from this simple baked pork chop recipe.
- Pork Chop: Pick a pork chop that is boneless and between 1/2-inch and 3/4-inch thick. Thinner cuts could dry out while baking, which would change the taste and texture.
- Olive Oil: The recipe calls for extra virgin olive oil, which is top-notch and hasn’t been changed much. This unrefined version still tastes like olives and is full of healthy nutrients. If you would rather, you can use a lighter olive oil instead.
- Spices: Kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder are mixed together to give this recipe its unique flavor. Together, these spices bring out the natural flavors of the pork, giving it a well-balanced and fragrant finish.
Each of these ingredient notes is crafted to guide you towards creating a flavorful and satisfying dish.
How To Bake One Pork Chop
These step-by-step photos and instructions help you visualize how to bake a pork chop. See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.
- Heat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Lightly grease a small baking sheet lined with foil.
- Rub olive oil over the pork chop.
- Season with black pepper, smoked paprika, and salt in a small bowl. Sprinkle over both sides of pork chops.
- The pork chop should be baked for 15 to 20 minutes, or until it reaches 145° F inside.
Advice: It’s very simple to make baked pork chops, but be careful not to bake them too long. Baking in the oven for too long can lead to dry pork.
- Take it out of the oven, cover it, and wait 10 minutes.
Be sure to follow these tips so that your pork chops are perfectly tender every time:
- Be sure to season the pork before cooking. Pork is lean and it is also bland. Seasoning meat with salt and other spices is important for making it taste and feel better.
- Do not cook the pork straight from the refrigerator. Ten minutes before you’re ready to cook the pork, take it out of the fridge. This will help the pork to cook more evenly.
- Do not overcook the pork. This tip is definitely worth repeating. Overcooked pork is tough, dry, and not worth eating. If you want the best pork chop, follow the cooking times in this recipe. The USDA says that pork should be 145 °F (62 °C) when it’s cooked through. 8 °C).
- Let the pork rest. Cover the pork and let it rest for about 10 minutes after taking it out of the oven. This will make the meat more juicy and tender.
Finding the perfect pairing for your baked pork chop can truly elevate your dining experience. The right side dishes not only go well with the main course, but they also make the meal balanced and tasty for everyone.
- Grilled Green Beans: These green beans taste great after a quick grilling with a hint of garlic. They give the pork chop a bright color and a crisp texture that goes well with how tender it is.
- A Sweet Potato: The sweet potato goes well with the savory pork because it is creamy and slightly sweet. They also have a lot of fiber and vitamins, so they are a healthy choice.
- Fried Apples: If you want a taste of the South, add fried apples to your meal. They go well with the savory pork because of their natural sweetness and slight sourness.
- Fried Tomato Salad: A tomato salad with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh basil can make each bite of the pork chop feel like a new experience because it is light and cool.
Pork chop packages usually have four to eight pieces, which might seem like too many if you’re only cooking for one person. But many grocery stores have a butcher on staff who can cut these bigger packages into smaller pieces for you. Don’t hesitate to inquire about this option.
Pork freezes well. If you want to freeze a big package of pork chops, make sure to re-wrap them in heavy-duty freezer zip-top bags or freezer paper to make them easier to handle. Label and date the package so you know when it was packed. Pork chops, pork tenderloin, and roast can be kept in the freezer for up to 6 months without going bad. Well wrapped ground pork can be safely kept for three months. The best way to thaw frozen pork chops is in the refrigerator in its wrapping. For a one inch pork chop, allow 12-14 hours to fully thaw.
If you want to keep the pork cold, sealed pork can be kept in the fridge for three to four days or until the sell-by date on the package.
The key to juicy, tender pork chops is to avoid overcooking. Since pork is a lean protein, it can dry out quickly. Aim for a baking time of 15-20 minutes at a preheated 400°F oven. Let the meat rest for 10 minutes before cutting it to keep its juices. This lets the juices redistribute inside the meat, making sure a juicy bite.