This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
This baked pork chop recipe delivers a tender, juicy, and perfectly seasoned pork chop that cooks in just 15 minutes. It’s a comforting single serving meal that’s easy to make yet elegant enough to double for a small dinner party.
Need more single serving dinner ideas ready in under 30 minutes? Try our flavorful Chicken Shawarma, rich and creamy Fettuccine Alfredo, hearty Pepper Steak, or low-carb Chicken Marsala.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in no time, making it perfect for busy days.
- Flavorful: Seasoned with a simple, bold blend of spices that enhances every bite.
- Healthy Option: Lean pork is high in protein and a nutritious choice.
- Easily Doubled: Whether it’s a special occasion or you’re cooking for more, this recipe scales up effortlessly.
RELATED: Easy Slow Cooker Recipes For One
Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this easy baked pork chop recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
- Pork Chop: Use a boneless pork chop that’s 1/2 to 3/4-inch thick. Thinner cuts can dry out in the oven, affecting the flavor and texture.
- Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds a rich, authentic flavor, but lighter olive oil works well too if that’s your preference.
- Seasonings: A flavorful mix of kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder enhances the natural taste of the pork.
How To Bake One Pork Chop
These step-by-step photos and instructions help you visualize how to make this easy pork chop recipe. See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a small baking sheet with foil or parchment paper and lightly grease it.
- Rub olive oil evenly over both sides of the pork chop.
- In a small bowl, mix the salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper. Sprinkle the seasoning blend on both sides of the pork chop.
- Place the pork chop on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
Pro Tip: Avoid overbaking to keep the pork chop juicy. Baking too long can dry it out.
- Remove the pork chop from the oven, cover it with foil, and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Expert Tips
- Season Well: Pork is lean and naturally mild, so seasoning with salt and spices is key to boosting its flavor and texture.
- Bring to Room Temperature: Let the pork sit out for about 10 minutes before cooking. This helps it cook evenly.
- Avoid Overcooking: Overcooked pork becomes tough and dry. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (62.8 °C), as recommended by the USDA.
- Let It Rest: After baking, cover the pork chop and let it rest for 10 minutes. This ensures a juicier, more tender result.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your baked pork chop with these flavorful sides to create a well-rounded and satisfying meal:
- Sauteed Green Beans: Lightly sautéed with garlic, these green beans add vibrant color and a crisp, flavorful contrast to the tender pork chop.
- Sweet Potato: Creamy and slightly sweet, a sweet potato pairs perfectly with the savory pork.
- Fried Apples: Add a touch of Southern comfort with fried apples. Their sweet and tangy flavor complements the pork beautifully.
- Fresh Tomato Salad: A simple tomato salad with olive oil and fresh basil provides a refreshing, light side to balance the meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most grocery stores sell pork chops in packs of 4 to 8, but many have an in-house butcher who can divide these larger packages into smaller portions for you. Just ask at the meat counter.
The pork chop is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F, as recommended by the USDA. Use a meat thermometer for the most accurate result.
To freeze pork chops, wrap them in heavy-duty freezer bags or freezer paper in single portions. Label and date the packages to keep track. Fresh pork chops can be frozen for up to 6 months, while ground pork is best used within 3 months. Thaw frozen pork chops in the refrigerator; for a 1-inch chop, allow 12-14 hours to fully defrost.
Fresh pork chops can be safely stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Be sure to check the sell-by date on the package and use it before that time.
Bake pork chops at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F. Let the pork rest for 10 minutes after baking to retain its juiciness.
Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:
RELATED: 15 Easy Dessert Recipes For One
If you’ve tried this single serve pork chop recipe or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.
Also, if you take a picture please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) we’d love to see it!
Baked Pork Chop For One
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 boneless pork chop (½-inch thick)
- ½ tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅛ teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a small baking sheet with foil or parchment paper and lightly grease it.
- Rub olive oil evenly over both sides of the pork chop.
- In a small bowl, mix the salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper. Sprinkle the seasoning blend on both sides of the pork chop.
- Place the pork chop on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
- Remove the pork chop from the oven, cover it with foil, and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Season Well: Pork is lean and naturally mild, so seasoning with salt and spices is key to boosting its flavor and texture.
- Bring to Room Temperature: Let the pork sit out for about 10 minutes before cooking. This helps it cook evenly.
- Avoid Overcooking: Overcooked pork becomes tough and dry. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (62.8 °C), as recommended by the USDA.
- Let It Rest: After baking, cover the pork chop and let it rest for 10 minutes. This ensures a juicier, more tender result.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
I am happy I found this site. I am single and many times I just nibble my way through the day. Your recipes are so easy to cook. I appreciate not having to cut a recipe in half or in fourths. I have made several recipes and really enjoyed them. So easy.
So happy to have found a website for singles. No more dividing 1/4 cups in half, etc. YEAH! Haven’t tried a recipe yet as I just found you. All look great.
I’m so happy you found us and hope you find many new recipes to try.
Five stars for flavor, absolutely delicious. My chop was 3/4 of an inch thick and I baked it at 400° convect for 30 minutes. Done very nicely to medium and very moist. However did not Brown. Next time I will either pre sear it in a hot Skillet or bake at 425°. The Taste was so good there will be a next time
The pork chop was moist and delicious thank you for the recipe every recipe I made from this website has been delicious and easy to make
Thank you!
Absolutely PERFECT! I’m so glad I decided to use your recipe for my 2 pork chops as opposed to someone else’s I saw online.
Terrific recipe.
Very flavorful, juicy and tender. A definite addition to our tiny family’s meals.