Baked BBQ Pork Chops

Baked BBQ Pork Chops are tender, juicy, and smothered in homemade barbecue sauce. They are so easy to make for a weeknight family dinner!

You’re going to want to drink this barbecue sauce. It’s a little tangy, a little sweet, and goes deliciously on top of these pork chops. If BBQ isn’t your style, you may want to try Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops or even Italian Pork Chops. All are delicious!

Juicy Baked BBQ Chops

Sometimes life gets crazy. Getting us through the chaos are easy dinner recipes that cater to weeknights.

I’m talking simple meals that are still really, really yummy. Case in point: these juicy baked BBQ pork chops that bake up sticky-sweet in just 30 minutes.

BBQ always makes me think of summer. However, these oven BBQ Pork Chops are so tasty, I’ll make this recipe any time of the year, whenever we’re craving some good BBQ.

The possibilities are endless when it comes to leftover sauce, too. Slather it over Baked BBQ Chicken, spread it over sandwiches, drizzle it over pizza, or use it for dipping!

I’d love to hear your favorite way to repurpose BBQ sauce in the comments.

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

Busy parents, prepare to fall in love with these barbecue pork chops. This recipe is crazy-easy to pull together on a school night, but that’s just one more reason to love it. These saucy chops are:

• Loaded with flavor. This fail-proof recipe turns out simple, saucy, and succulent pork chops, smothered in homemade BBQ sauce. The sweet and smoky flavors are next level!
• Baked in the oven. Juicy oven-baked BBQ Pork Chops are a healthier option than Pan-fried Pork Chops, with less mess.
• Good for picky eaters. Who can resist a tender pork chop topped with sweet BBQ sauce? Not many people, kids included!

Making BBQ Pork Chops in the oven

This recipe is as quick as stirring up the BBQ sauce ingredients, slathering it onto the pork chops, and popping everything into the oven!

PREP. Preheat oven to 425°F.

SAUCE. Combine ketchup, water, vinegar, sugars, mustard, pepper, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Let simmer for 15 minutes.

BAKE. Season pork chops with salt and pepper and place on a baking sheet. Cover each with 2 tablespoons of bbq sauce. Bake for 15-20 minutes.

Ingredient Tips

Pork chops. This recipe uses 1-inch thick boneless pork chops. When baked at 425°F they should only take about 15-20 minutes to cook through.

Adjust the length of the bake time according to the different types of pork chops used. Pork chops are cooked properly when they reach an internal temperature of 145°F.

In my oven, I have found the following cook times to work well:

• Boneless. At 425°F bake ½ inch chops for 8-10 minutes, 1-inch chops for 15-20 minutes, or 1½-inch chops for 20-25 minutes. 
• Bone-In. At 425°F bake ½ inch bone-in pork chops for 10-15 minutes, 1-inch chops for 18-22 minutes, or 1½-inch chops for 25-30 minutes.

Apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar has acidity as well as sweetness. I find this really compliments the flavors of the sauce. Red or white wine vinegar will also work.

Yellow mustard. Use brown mustard or spicy mustard for extra heat.

Recipe Tips

Check for doneness. The pork chops are done when there is no pink in the middle. The thickest part of the pork chop should reach an internal temperature of 140ºF.

Let the chops rest for a few minutes which allows the internal temperature to rise to a perfect 145°F.

Extra sauce. I recommend brushing on extra sauce after the pork chops have cooked. Is too much BBQ sauce even a thing? This sauce is also super tasty on chicken and ribs. Yum!

Grilled BBQ pork chops. When grilling pork chops use medium-high heat. Turn them frequently to get an even grill/char on each side.

Basting with the BBQ sauce will help keep them moist while cooking. Use a meat thermometer to check that the pork chops are done.

Marinated pork chops. To prep these pork chops the day before, refrigerate overnight in the BBQ sauce to really soak up the flavors.

Temperature. The best oven-baked pork chops are cooked at high temperatures, 400-425ºF.

Foil cover. Some cuts of pork call for covering so that they don’t dry out or brown too quickly. These thin chops, however, don’t need covering!

Storing Info

STORE. Keep any leftover BBQ sauce in an airtight jar or container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Store pork chops in an airtight container, Ziploc, or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap.

Reheat leftover barbecue pork chops in the oven at 350ºF, covered in foil, and brushed with leftover sauce to seal in the moisture. I find these sometimes taste even better the following day!

FREEZE. BBQ pork chops freeze well for easy defrosting whenever you feel like a quick BBQ dinner. Wrap the chops in heavy-duty foil or plastic wrap, or seal them in a zip-top bag and freeze for 2-3 months.

Thaw the pork chops in the refrigerator the night before, then reheat as usual before serving. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 140ºF when reheated.

Recipe FAQ

For more favorite Pork Chops, try:

• Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops
• Smothered Pork Chops
• Italian Pork Chops
• Fried Pork Chops
• Slow Cooker Pork Chops

Adapted from Allrecipes.com