The Best Ways to Bake Thin Pork Chops
Baking thin pork chops in the oven can give you a tender, juicy, and healthy protein for your dinner. Use a tasty rub, breadcrumb coating, or herb topping to impress your family and friends.
Thin pork chops are usually boneless and very lean, so they cook quickly. Most cooks prefer to pan sauté them or grill them briefly, which gives the cook a bit more control since they are easily visible and readily accessible when using these methods. Luckily, thin pork chops lend themselves to many cooking methods, including baking. You can still have tender pork chops in the oven while freeing up your stovetop to prepare other healthy foods at the same time.
Read More: What are the Health Benefits of Pork Chops?
Tips for Cooking Thin Pork Chops in the Oven
- Do not use pork for scallopini, those are meant for sautéing or frying, not oven baking
- Do use thin pork loin chops that are at least 1/2 inch thick
- Always trim extra fat off your chops
- For chops that are 1/2 inch thick, bake on a center rack at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 to 25 minutes - all ovens are calibrated differently, so keep an eye on them after 15 minutes of baking
- The USDA considers pork done when the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit - test this using a meat thermometer
- After removing your pork chops from the oven, let them rest for 3 minutes
- Some recipes will recommend you brine your pork chops before baking - if your chops have been injected with a salt solution, there is no need to brine. The label on your pork chops will let you know
Thin Pork Chops in the Oven with a Rub
Using a rub is a tasty and fast way to prepare your boneless thin pork chops in the oven. To make a sweet and spicy rub: In a small bowl, add 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper, and 1 tablespoon brown sugar. Place your pork chops on a parchment paper lined baking sheet and brush with olive oil. Sprinkle the rub over both sides of each pork chop and bake for 20 to 25 minutes.
Thin Pork Chops in the Oven with a Breadcrumb Coating
A typical breadcrumb coating is a 3-step process using flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs. If you're buying thin sliced pork loin chops, then you may need a time-saver. Brush each chop with olive oil. In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup of seasoned breadcrumbs and 1/4 cup of finely grated parmesan cheese. Coat each chop thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture. Place thin sliced pork chops on a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes.
Read More: How to Reduce Carbs in Breadcrumbs
Thin Pork Chops in the Oven with an Herb Topping
You may have a plethora of dried herbs in your pantry, but don't know how to use them. Dried herbs add a flavorful coating to thin pork chops. In a small bowl, combine 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt. Place thin sliced pork chops on a parchment paper lined baking sheet and brush both sides with olive oil. Sprinkle the herb topping on both sides of each chop. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes.
Thin Pork Chops Sheet Pan Dinner
Sheet pan dinners are all the rage and help you feed a family with minimal effort. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut 1 pound of red potatoes into 1/2 inch pieces and place on baking sheet. Add 2 cups of frozen or fresh green beans next to the potatoes.
Drizzle vegetables with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Prepare thin sliced pork chops using one of the above methods and place pork chops next to the potatoes and green beans. Bake for 25 minutes and check the temperature of the pork to ensure it has reached a minimum temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
Read More: How Much Protein is in Pork?