Barbecue Pork Chops in the Oven

Ready to bring a little sizzle to your weeknight dinner without breaking a sweat? These baked pork chops deliver big barbecue flavor from the oven—no grill required. The tender, juicy chops are slathered in a simple homemade barbecue sauce that comes together with just a handful of pantry staples and almost zero effort. This is the kind of meal that makes you look like a kitchen wizard, even if all you did was toss everything in a pan and let the oven do the magic. Get ready to impress yourself and everyone else at the table.

Ingredients for Barbecue Pork Chops in the Oven

• Pork loin chops: The pork provides the main protein in the dish and becomes tender and flavorful as it bakes.
• Worcestershire sauce: This sauce adds depth and a savory and umami flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the pork.
• Vinegar: The vinegar introduces acidity to help tenderize the meat and balance the sweetness in the sauce.
• Brown sugar: Brown sugar sweetens the sauce while also helping create a caramelized glaze on the chops as they cook.
• Pepper: Pepper brings a subtle heat and enhances the other spices in the dish, adding complexity to the flavor.
• Chili powder: This spice blend provides a mild kick and complements the smokiness of the paprika.
• Paprika: Paprika adds a warm, smoky flavor and contributes a rich red color to the sauce.
• Ketchup: Ketchup forms the base of the sauce and offers sweetness, tanginess and a thick consistency that coats the pork chops.
• Hot water: The water thins the sauce slightly, ensuring it evenly covers the chops and penetrates the meat during cooking.

Directions

Step 1: Arrange the pork chops

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Arrange the pork loin chops in a large cast-iron or ovenproof skillet, overlapping them slightly if needed.

Step 2: Make the sauce

In a medium bowl, combine the Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, pepper, chili powder, paprika, ketchup and hot water. Stir until the brown sugar is dissolved and the mixture is well-blended. Pour the sauce evenly over the pork chops, making sure each chop is well-coated.

Step 3: Bake the pork chops

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Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake, uncovered, for 20 minutes. Carefully turn the pork chops over with tongs and then continue baking for an additional 20 minutes or until the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145° and the sauce has thickened.

Christine Ma for Taste of Home

Barbecue Pork Chops in the Oven Variations

• Add a smoky flavor: Replace the paprika with smoked paprika and a dash of liquid smoke for a deeper, smokier flavor.
• Make it spicy: Stir a teaspoon of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper into the sauce to give the pork chops an extra kick.
• Experiment with herbs: Sprinkle fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme or oregano into the sauce to add an aromatic element to the dish.
• Use a different protein: Substitute chicken thighs or bone-in chicken breasts for the pork chops, adjusting the cooking time as needed to ensure the meat is fully cooked.

How to Store Barbecue Pork Chops in the Oven

First allow your leftover barbecued pork chops to cool to room temperature. Place the chops and any remaining sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to three days.

Can you freeze oven-barbecued pork chops?

Oven-barbecued pork chops freeze well. Once they have cooled to room temperature, store them in a freezer-safe container or wrap them tightly in aluminum foil and place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to three months and should be thawed in the refrigerator before reheating.

How do you reheat oven-barbecued pork chops?

To reheat oven-barbecued pork chops, place them in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil to prevent them from drying out. Reheat in a 350° oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until they are warmed through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but make sure to use a lower power setting to keep the meat tender and avoid overcooking.

Barbecue Pork Chops in the Oven Tips

Christine Ma for Taste of Home

What are some good side dishes to serve with this recipe?

To complete your oven-barbecued pork chops meal, consider serving them with a variety of flavorful side dishes. Classic choices like creamy mashed potatoes or buttery cornbread pair perfectly with the rich sauce. For a touch of freshness, a crisp coleslaw or a side salad works well. Roasted vegetables and a tangy potato salad are also great options to round out the meal.

Can you make oven-barbecued pork chops with store-bought barbecue sauce?

Yes, you can easily make barbecue pork loin chops in the oven with store-bought barbecue sauce. Simply replace the homemade sauce ingredients with your favorite bottled barbecue sauce, pouring it over the pork chops before baking. This shortcut saves time while still delivering deliciously flavorful and tender pork chops.

Can you cook oven-barbecued pork chops in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook oven-barbecued pork chops in a slow cooker for an even more hands-off approach. Simply follow the same steps for preparing the pork chops and sauce. Place everything in the slow cooker instead of a skillet. Cook on low for six to eight hours or on high for three to four hours until the pork chops are tender and the sauce has thickened. This method infuses the meat with even more flavor and ensures it stays moist and juicy.