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To brine:
1. Dissolve 1/4 cup of salt and 1/4 cup of sugar in 2 cups of water. You can add herbs like thyme, rosemary, or garlic for extra flavor.
2. Submerge the pork chops in the brine for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator. For thicker chops, you may want to brine them for a bit longer.
3. Rinse the pork chops thoroughly and pat them dry before seasoning.
Brining helps to lock in moisture, making sure the pork chops remain tender even when baked at higher temperatures.
### **Step 2: Seasoning the Pork Chops**
Seasoning is where you can get creative! Here are some flavor combinations you can try, or feel free to mix and match based on your preferences:
– **Classic Herb Rub**: Use garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper for a simple, aromatic rub. You can add a little olive oil to help the seasoning stick.
– **Sweet and Spicy**: Combine brown sugar, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper for a balance of sweet heat.
– **Smoky BBQ**: For a smoky flavor, mix smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This gives the pork chops a delicious BBQ flavor without the grill.
– **Mustard and Herb**: Mix Dijon mustard with rosemary, thyme, garlic, and olive oil. The mustard provides a tangy, creamy base that pairs beautifully with the herbs.
Make sure to rub the seasoning generously on both sides of the pork chops. If you have time, let them sit for 15–20 minutes to absorb the flavors before baking.
### **Step 3: Preparing the Baking Dish**
For a simple, one-pan meal, use a baking dish large enough to fit all of your pork chops comfortably. You can line the dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil to prevent sticking.
For added flavor, place sliced onions, garlic, and fresh herbs in the bottom of the dish. This will create a flavorful bed for the pork chops and infuse them with more aroma as they bake.
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## Baking the Pork Chops
Now that your pork chops are prepped, it’s time to bake them! Follow these steps for juicy, perfectly baked pork chops:
### **Step 1: Preheat the Oven**
Preheat your oven to **375°F (190°C)**. This temperature allows the pork chops to cook evenly without drying out. For thicker cuts, you may need to bake at a slightly lower temperature to ensure the meat cooks through without becoming tough.
### **Step 2: Bake the Pork Chops**
Place the seasoned pork chops in the preheated oven. If you’re using bone-in pork chops, they may take a little longer to cook, typically around **25–30 minutes** for thick cuts. Boneless chops usually take about **20–25 minutes**.
To check for doneness, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the pork chops should reach **145°F (63°C)**. This ensures they’re cooked through but still juicy and tender.
For an extra crispy crust, you can broil the pork chops for 1–2 minutes at the end of the cooking time. Keep a close eye on them while broiling to prevent burning.
### **Step 3: Let the Pork Chops Rest**
Once the pork chops are done, remove them from the oven and let them rest for **5–10 minutes**. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making them more tender and flavorful.
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