Alton Brown Baked Pork Chops Recipe is made with bone-in pork chops, olive oil, brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and butter. This recipe creates juicy, tender pork chops with a flavorful spice crust. It takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes to prepare and serves 4.
Alton Brown Baked Pork Chops Recipe Ingredients
- 2–3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 bone-in pork chops, at least 1–1½ inches thick
- 4 tablespoons salted butter, optional
How To Make Alton Brown Baked Pork Chops Recipe
- Bring to Room Temperature: Let pork chops rest at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before baking.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish or rimmed baking sheet lined with foil and sprayed with non-stick spray.
- Make the Spice Rub: In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Season the Chops: Pat pork chops dry and rub seasoning evenly over both sides.
- Prepare for Baking: Place seasoned chops in the prepared dish and drizzle with remaining olive oil.
- Bake the Chops: Bake for 15–25 minutes, depending on thickness. Start checking at 10–12 minutes for thinner chops.
- Broil for Finish: Broil on high for 2–3 minutes until crisp and golden.
- Check Temperature: Remove when internal temperature reaches 145ºF. Let rest for 3–5 minutes before serving.
- Optional Butter Top: For extra richness, top each chop with 1 tablespoon butter immediately after baking.

Recipe Tips
- Use Thick Chops: Choose pork chops at least 1 inch thick to keep them juicy.
- Dry Before Seasoning: Patting dry ensures the rub sticks and promotes browning.
- Use a Thermometer: Check for doneness to avoid overcooking.
- Finish with Butter: Melting butter on top adds moisture and richness.
- Rest Before Serving: Letting the meat rest helps retain juices.
What To Serve With Baked Pork Chops
These pork chops pair well with mashed potatoes, roasted green beans, sautéed apples, cornbread, or a simple green salad. For drinks, try apple cider or a light white wine.
How To Store Baked Pork Chops
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat gently in the oven.
Baked Pork Chops Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 360
- Total Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Sodium: 676mg
FAQs
Can I use boneless pork chops?
Yes, but reduce cooking time as they cook faster than bone-in.
What if I don’t have paprika?
Smoked paprika or chili powder can be substituted for a similar flavor.
Is butter necessary?
No, it’s optional, but it adds extra richness and flavor.
Can I grill these instead?
Yes, just adjust cooking time and use indirect heat.
What’s the best way to reheat them?
Warm gently in a 300ºF oven covered with foil until heated through.
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Alton Brown Baked Pork Chops Recipe
Description
Juicy bone-in pork chops with a flavorful spice rub, baked to perfection and optionally topped with butter.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Let pork chops rest at room temp for 20–30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Prepare baking dish with foil and non-stick spray.
- Mix brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pat chops dry and rub seasoning over both sides.
- Place in dish, drizzle with olive oil.
- Bake for 15–25 minutes depending on thickness.
- Broil for 2–3 minutes until edges are crisp and golden.
- Remove when internal temp is 145ºF. Let rest 3–5 minutes.
- Optional: Top with 1 tablespoon butter each right out of the oven.
