Tender Baked Pork Chops Recipe

This recipe for tender baked pork chops is all about bringing out the natural flavors of the pork. The blend of fresh herbs and spices, coupled with a unique mushroom sauce, makes it a sublime dish that is not only tasty but also quite satisfying. Perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion, it's a pork chop recipe that's sure to impress.

Photos of Tender Baked Pork Chops Recipe

Typical ingredients such as olive oil, garlic, thyme, parsley, onions, and mushrooms should be easily found in most pantries. However, you might have to look for cremini mushrooms and red wine vinegar in a supermarket. Cremini mushrooms are a variant of the regular white mushrooms but with a deeper, earthier flavor. The red wine vinegar is a key element of the marinade, providing a tangy flavor that balances the richness of the pork.

Ingredients for Tender Baked Pork Chops

Olive oil: Used for browning the pork chops and giving them a delicious, golden crust.

Red wine vinegar: Adds a tangy kick to the marinade, enhancing the flavors of the pork.

Garlic: Infuses the pork with its distinctive spicy, pungent flavor.

Thyme: An aromatic herb that complements and intensifies the taste of pork.

Parsley: Adds a fresh, slightly peppery flavor to the marinade.

Red pepper flakes: Gives the marinade a bit of heat and spice.

Pork chops: The star of the dish, its rich and fatty flavor is enhanced by the marinade and baking process.

Chicken broth: Used as a base for the mushroom sauce and for baking the pork chops, adding a subtle depth of flavor.

Yellow onion: Adds a sweet and savory taste to the pork chops.

Milk: Gives the mushroom sauce a creamy texture.

White wine: Adds acidity and depth to the mushroom sauce.

Cremini mushrooms: Provides an earthy flavor to the mushroom sauce.

White mushrooms: Combined with the cremini, they add a variety of mushroom flavors to the sauce.

All purpose flour: Used to thicken the mushroom sauce, giving it a rich and creamy consistency.

One reader, Corabelle Hutchinson says:

The tender baked pork chops recipe was a game-changer for me! The marinade made the pork chops so flavorful and juicy. The mushroom sauce was the perfect finishing touch. It's now my go-to recipe for a delicious and impressive dinner. Highly recommend trying it out!

Corabelle Hutchinson

Techniques Required for Tender Baked Pork Chops

How to marinate the pork chops: Whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, thyme, parsley, and red pepper flakes, then pour the marinade over the pork chops and refrigerate for 1 hour, turning the chops after 30 minutes.

How to brown the pork chops: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then brown the pork chops for 3 minutes on each side.

How to make the mushroom sauce: Combine chicken broth, milk, white wine, and mushrooms in a saucepan over medium heat, then add flour and simmer until thickened.

How To Make Tender Baked Pork Chops

Tender, juicy, and mouthwatering, these baked pork chops are marinated in fragrant herbs and served with a creamy mushroom sauce for a filling plate.

Preparation: 20 minutes

Cooking: 1 hour 10 minutes

Marinate Time: 1 hour

Total: 2 hours 30 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

For Pork Chops:

½cupolive oil,plus 1 tbsp for cooking
3tbspred wine vinegar
2garlic cloves,minced
1tbspfresh thyme,chopped
1tbspfresh parsley,chopped
¼tspred pepper flakes,crushed, or more to taste
4boneless pork chops,(4 oz each), ½-inch thick
¼cupchicken broth
½yellow onion,thinly sliced

For Mushroom Sauce:

1cupchicken broth
⅓cupmilk
¼cupwhite wine
4cremini mushrooms,chopped
4white mushrooms,chopped
2tbspall purpose flour

Instructions

Pork Chops:

Whisk together ⅓ cup of olive oil, vinegar, garlic, thyme, parsley, and pepper flakes in a bowl. Place the pork chops in a glass or ceramic baking dish and pour marinade over top.
Marinate in the refrigerator for 1 hour, turning chops after 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Pour the chicken broth in the bottom of a shallow roasting pan.
Remove pork chops from the marinade and shake off excess. Discard any remaining marinade.
Heat the remaining olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the pork chops for 3 minutes on each side. Transfer to the prepared roasting pan and top with onion slices. Cover the pan tightly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.

Mushroom Sauce:

Combine the chicken broth, milk, white wine, and cremini and white mushrooms in a saucepan over medium heat, then cook for 4 to 5 minutes.
Add the flour and bring to a boil, stirring often until thickened. Lower the heat and simmer the sauce until the pork chops are ready.
Remove the pork chops from the oven, then drain and discard the chicken broth. Pour the mushroom sauce over the pork chops, cover, and return to the oven.
Bake for about 30 minutes more until no longer pink in the center. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read 145 degrees F.
Serve warm and enjoy.

Nutrition

Calories: 604.87kcal
Fat: 42.88g
Saturated Fat: 7.09g
Trans Fat: 0.09g
Monounsaturated Fat: 23.47g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 4.21g
Carbohydrates: 10.32g
Fiber: 0.78g
Sugar: 3.63g
Protein: 40.42g
Cholesterol: 113.08mg
Sodium: 201.27mg
Calcium: 52.75mg
Potassium: 883.08mg
Iron: 1.85mg
Vitamin A: 19.57µg
Vitamin C: 4.45mg

Technique Tip for Achieving Tender Baked Pork Chops

To ensure your pork chops are tender and juicy, avoid overcooking them. Pork can quickly become tough if cooked for too long. Using an instant-read thermometer is a great way to ensure your pork is cooked to the perfect temperature of 145 degrees F. Also, marinating the pork chops not only adds flavor but also helps to tenderize the meat. The acid in the red wine vinegar helps to break down the proteins in the pork, making it more tender.

Time-Saving Tips for Making This Recipe

Prep ahead: Marinate the pork chops the night before and store them in the refrigerator. This will allow the flavors to infuse, saving you time on the day of cooking.

One-pan method: Use the same skillet for browning the pork chops and making the mushroom sauce to minimize clean-up and save time.

Efficient multitasking: While the pork chops are baking, use that time to prepare any side dishes or set the table to make the overall cooking process more efficient.

Quality ingredients: Use high-quality, fresh ingredients to enhance the flavors, reducing the need for extensive seasoning and saving time in the preparation process.

Sharp knives: Keep your knives sharp to make slicing and chopping ingredients quicker and more efficient.

Substitute Ingredients For Tender Baked Pork Chops Recipe

olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar high smoke point and mild flavor, making it a suitable replacement for olive oil in this recipe.
red wine vinegar - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar provides a slightly milder and fruitier flavor compared to red wine vinegar, which can complement the pork chops well.
garlic cloves - Substitute with 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a substitute for fresh garlic cloves, providing a convenient alternative while still imparting a savory garlic flavor.
fresh thyme - Substitute with dried thyme: Dried thyme can be used in place of fresh thyme, but use it in smaller quantities as the flavor is more concentrated.
fresh parsley - Substitute with dried parsley: Dried parsley can be used as a substitute for fresh parsley, but use it in smaller amounts as the flavor is more concentrated.
red pepper flakes - Substitute with paprika: Paprika can add a mild heat and smoky flavor similar to red pepper flakes, but with a different depth of flavor.
boneless pork chops - Substitute with boneless chicken thighs: Boneless chicken thighs can be used as a substitute for pork chops, offering a tender and flavorful alternative.
chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used as a substitute for chicken broth, providing a similar savory flavor to the dish.
yellow onion - Substitute with white onion: White onion can be used as a substitute for yellow onion, providing a slightly milder flavor while still adding depth to the dish.
chicken broth - Substitute with beef broth: Beef broth can be used as a substitute for chicken broth, adding a rich and savory flavor to the dish.
chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used as a substitute for chicken broth, providing a similar savory flavor to the dish.
milk - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk can add a creamy texture and a hint of sweetness to the sauce, offering a dairy-free alternative.
white wine - Substitute with chicken broth: Chicken broth can be used as a non-alcoholic substitute for white wine, providing a savory liquid for deglazing the pan and adding flavor to the sauce.
cremini mushrooms - Substitute with shiitake mushrooms: Shiitake mushrooms can be used as a substitute for cremini mushrooms, offering a rich and earthy flavor to the dish.
white mushrooms - Substitute with portobello mushrooms: Portobello mushrooms can be used as a substitute for white mushrooms, providing a meaty texture and robust flavor to the dish.
all purpose flour - Substitute with cornstarch: Cornstarch can be used as a gluten-free substitute for all-purpose flour to thicken the sauce, but use it in smaller quantities as it has stronger thickening power.

Presenting Tender Baked Pork Chops

Elevate the pork chops: Place the tender baked pork chops on a clean, white plate, ensuring they are positioned neatly and attractively.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle a few sprigs of fresh parsley over the pork chops to add a pop of color and a touch of freshness.
Drizzle with mushroom sauce: Carefully spoon the rich and flavorful mushroom sauce over the pork chops, ensuring it cascades elegantly down the sides.
Add a touch of elegance with microgreens: Sprinkle a few delicate microgreens around the plate to add a touch of sophistication and visual appeal.
Incorporate a side of roasted vegetables: Serve the pork chops alongside a medley of beautifully roasted seasonal vegetables for a well-rounded and visually stunning presentation.
Use a minimalistic approach: Embrace simplicity by allowing the natural beauty of the dish to shine through, focusing on clean lines and minimal adornments.
Consider the plate shape and size: Choose a plate that complements the dish, ensuring that it provides ample space for the pork chops and accompaniments without appearing crowded.
Emphasize symmetry and balance: Arrange the elements on the plate with precision, ensuring a harmonious balance of colors, textures, and flavors.
Highlight the pork chops as the focal point: Position the pork chops at the center of the plate, drawing attention to the star of the dish while maintaining an elegant overall presentation.
Use high-quality serving utensils: Select polished and refined serving utensils that complement the sophistication of the dish and add a touch of luxury to the presentation.

Essential Tools for Making Baked Pork Chops

Oven: An essential appliance for baking and roasting the pork chops to perfection.
Glass or ceramic baking dish: Used for marinating the pork chops and ensuring even flavor distribution.
Shallow roasting pan: Ideal for baking the pork chops and creating a moist cooking environment.
Skillet: Used for browning the pork chops before they are baked, adding a delicious crust and flavor.
Saucepan: Essential for preparing the mushroom sauce, allowing for even heating and stirring of the ingredients.
Instant-read thermometer: Used to ensure the pork chops are cooked to the perfect temperature, guaranteeing they are safe to eat.

Storing and Freezing Baked Pork Chops

Allow the pork chops to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container or wrapping them tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This will help prevent any moisture from entering and keep the pork chops fresh for longer.
Store the cooled pork chops in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to place them in the coldest part of the fridge, usually the back, to maintain their quality and freshness.
If you want to freeze the pork chops for later use, wrap each chop individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, making sure to remove as much air as possible. Then, place the wrapped chops in a freezer-safe bag or container, labeling it with the date and contents.
Frozen pork chops can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply thaw the chops overnight in the refrigerator and reheat them in the oven or microwave until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
To maintain the quality of the mushroom sauce, store it separately from the pork chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, you may need to add a little bit of chicken broth or milk to thin out the sauce if it has thickened during storage.
If you want to freeze the mushroom sauce, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or bag. Label the container with the date and contents, and store it in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, simply thaw the sauce overnight in the refrigerator and warm it up on the stovetop, stirring occasionally and adding a little bit of liquid if needed to achieve the desired consistency.

How To Reheat Leftover Baked Pork Chops

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover pork chops in a baking dish and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps to retain the moisture in the meat, preventing it from drying out.
For a quicker option, use the microwave. Place the pork chops on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the meat to become tough.
If you want to add a little extra flavor to your reheated pork chops, try pan-frying them. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the pork chops and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until heated through and slightly crispy on the outside.
For a moist and flavorful option, try reheating your pork chops in a slow cooker. Place the pork chops in the slow cooker and add a little chicken broth or water to keep them moist. Cook on low for 1-2 hours, or until heated through.
If you have leftover mushroom sauce, you can use it to reheat your pork chops. Place the pork chops in a baking dish and pour the sauce over them. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps to keep the pork chops moist and infuses them with extra flavor.

Random Fact About Baked Pork Chops

The pork chops in this recipe are marinated in a flavorful mixture of olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, thyme, parsley, and red pepper flakes, which helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with delicious flavors. The mushroom sauce adds a rich and savory element to the dish, complementing the pork chops perfectly. This recipe is a great way to enjoy a comforting and satisfying meal with tender, juicy pork chops.

Is This Pork Chop Recipe Economical for Home Cooking?

The tender baked pork chops recipe is moderately cost-effective for a household. The use of common ingredients like olive oil, garlic, and pork chops keeps the cost reasonable. However, the addition of red wine vinegar and white wine may slightly increase the overall cost. The dish offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures, making it a worthwhile investment. On a scale of 1-10, I would rate this recipe an 8 for its taste and simplicity. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $25-$30, making it a budget-friendly option for a satisfying meal.

Are Baked Pork Chops Healthy or Unhealthy?

This baked pork chop recipe has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. On the positive side, pork chops are a good source of lean protein, and the recipe includes garlic, thyme, and parsley, which offer various health benefits. The mushrooms in the sauce provide additional nutrients like vitamin D and antioxidants.

However, there are some concerns:

The recipe uses a significant amount of olive oil, which is high in calories.
The marinade and sauce contain red wine vinegar and white wine, which add acidity and flavor but also contribute to the overall alcohol content.
The sauce includes milk and flour, which may not be suitable for those with lactose intolerance or gluten sensitivity.
The sodium content might be high due to the use of chicken broth.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Reduce the amount of olive oil used in the marinade and for browning the pork chops. Instead, use a cooking spray or a smaller quantity of oil.
Replace the red wine vinegar with a lower acidity option like apple cider vinegar or lemon juice.
Use low-sodium chicken broth to reduce the overall sodium content.
Opt for a gluten-free flour alternative, such as almond flour or cornstarch, to thicken the sauce.
Incorporate more vegetables into the dish, such as sautéed spinach or roasted bell peppers, to increase the nutrient density.
Serve the pork chops with a side of quinoa or brown rice for added fiber and complex carbohydrates.

Editor's Thoughts on This Delicious Pork Chop Recipe

The recipe for tender baked pork chops with mushroom sauce is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The marinade infuses the pork chops with a rich, herbaceous taste, while the mushroom sauce adds a creamy and earthy element. The cooking method ensures the pork chops remain tender and juicy, making for a satisfying and comforting dish. The use of fresh herbs and quality ingredients elevates the overall taste, making it a wonderful choice for a special dinner or a cozy family meal.

Enhance Your Tender Baked Pork Chops Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of garlic and chives, topped with melted butter.

Roasted Vegetables: Colorful medley of roasted vegetables, including carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini, seasoned with herbs and olive oil.

Fruit Salad: Refreshing fruit salad with a mix of seasonal fruits, such as strawberries, pineapple, and kiwi, drizzled with a honey-lime dressing.

Alternative Recipes Similar to Baked Pork Chops

Savory Beef Stew: This hearty beef stew is perfect for a cozy night in. Packed with tender beef, carrots, and potatoes, it's a comforting meal that will warm you up from the inside out.

Citrus Grilled Chicken: This zesty grilled chicken is bursting with flavor from a marinade of citrus juices and herbs. It's the perfect dish for a summer barbecue or a quick weeknight dinner.

Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Dip: This creamy and indulgent dip is a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. With a blend of spinach, artichokes, and cheese, it's the perfect appetizer for any occasion.

Appetizers and Desserts to Serve With This Recipe

Appetizers:

Savory Stuffed Mushrooms: Create a mouthwatering appetizer by stuffing mushrooms with a flavorful mixture of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs. Bake until golden and bubbly for a delicious start to any meal.

Crispy Zucchini Fritters: Whip up a batch of crispy zucchini fritters for a light and tasty appetizer. Serve with a side of tangy dipping sauce for a perfect combination of flavors and textures.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and velvety chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder for an elegant and decadent dessert experience.

Strawberry Cheesecake: Savor the creamy and luscious strawberry cheesecake, with a buttery graham cracker crust and a vibrant strawberry topping for a delightful and refreshing treat.

Why trust this Tender Baked Pork Chops Recipe:

This recipe guarantees succulent pork chops by marinating them in a flavorful blend of olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, fresh thyme, and fresh parsley. The addition of a savory mushroom sauce made with chicken broth, milk, white wine, and cremini mushrooms elevates the dish to a whole new level. The meticulous cooking process ensures tender, juicy pork chops with a delectable crust. Trust in the quality of the ingredients and the expertise behind this recipe for a truly unforgettable dining experience.

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FAQ:

Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?

Yes, you can definitely use a different type of meat for this recipe. The marinade and cooking method can work well with chicken, beef, or even lamb chops.

Can I substitute the wine in the mushroom sauce?

Absolutely! If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute it with additional chicken broth or a splash of balsamic vinegar for a tangy flavor.

How can I tell if the pork chops are cooked through?

The best way to ensure the pork chops are cooked through is by using an instant-read thermometer. When inserted into the thickest part of the chop, it should read 145 degrees Fahrenheit.

Can I prepare the marinade and pork chops in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the marinade and marinate the pork chops in advance. This can actually enhance the flavor. Just be sure to refrigerate them while marinating.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh ones?

While fresh herbs provide the best flavor, you can use dried herbs if that's what you have on hand. Just remember to use about one-third of the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh ones.