Pork Chop Recipes

Baked Ranch Pork Chops | pork chop recipes

Let’s be honest, pork chops don’t always get the love they deserve. I’ve been guilty of calling them ‘the boring cousin of steak’ more than once. But trust me on this one—these baked ranch pork chops will change your mind. They’re juicy, full of flavor, and take almost no effort at all. I love quick pork chop recipes because life doesn’t always give us an hour to spend at the stove. This one is a keeper for weeknights when you’re tired but still want something that feels home-cooked. And yes, it totally falls into that secret club of keto pork chop recipes, which makes it even better. Think of it as the middle ground between comfort food and smart eating. I’ve used this recipe as part of my pork chop dinner ideas rotation, and it always comes through—whether I’m cooking just for myself or for friends who show up hungry. So if you’ve been looking for recipes for pork chops that are foolproof and flavorful, this is it.

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Table of Contents

  • 1) Key Takeaways
  • 2) Easy Baked Ranch Pork Chops Recipe
  • 3) Ingredients for Baked Ranch Pork Chops
  • 4) How to Make Baked Ranch Pork Chops
  • 5) Tips for Making Baked Ranch Pork Chops
  • 6) Making Baked Ranch Pork Chops Ahead of Time
  • 7) Storing Leftover Baked Ranch Pork Chops
  • 8) Try these pork recipes next!
  • 9) Baked Ranch Pork Chops Recipe
  • 10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

  • Baked ranch pork chops bring flavor with little effort.
  • This recipe works for weeknights and special dinners.
  • The seasoning mix makes the pork juicy and savory.
  • You only need a few pantry ingredients.

2) Easy Baked Ranch Pork Chops Recipe

I’ve had my fair share of pork chop disasters. Dry, tough, chewy—you name it. The kind where you push it around your plate and wonder why you didn’t just order pizza. But once I stumbled on baked ranch pork chops, everything changed. Suddenly, I had one of those pork chop recipes that felt like it belonged in my regular rotation. Flavorful, quick, and with the kind of juiciness that makes you forget past kitchen flops.

What I love most about this recipe is that it checks so many boxes. It’s part of my pork chop dinner ideas collection, it counts as one of those quick pork chop recipes, and it also slides into the keto pork chop recipes category. That’s like hitting the jackpot for versatility. And since the ingredient list is short, you won’t find yourself wandering grocery aisles at 9 pm looking for something obscure.

For me, cooking needs to feel approachable. When I say this recipe is easy, I mean it. Mix, rub, bake, done. That’s it. And when you sit down to eat, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make it sooner. This isn’t just about getting dinner on the table—it’s about enjoying pork recipes that actually make you smile.

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3) Ingredients for Baked Ranch Pork Chops

Pork Chops: Choose bone-in chops about an inch thick. They stay juicier than thinner cuts and stand up well to the oven’s heat. I’ve tried boneless before, but they don’t have the same richness.

Olive Oil: It gives the chops a nice sheen and helps the seasoning stick. Plus, it adds a subtle flavor that feels natural in pork recipes.

Dry Ranch Seasoning Mix: The real star of this dish. It gives the pork that tangy, herby punch that feels like comfort food without the fuss.

Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: These little pantry heroes deepen the flavor and make the whole kitchen smell irresistible.

Smoked Paprika: A hint of smokiness goes a long way. It balances the ranch seasoning and makes every bite more interesting.

Salt and Black Pepper: Simple, but don’t skip them. They sharpen the other flavors and bring the pork chops to life.

Fresh Parsley: Optional, but I like the color it adds. A sprinkle over the top makes the dish feel like you tried harder than you actually did.

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4) How to Make Baked Ranch Pork Chops

Step 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F. While it heats, line a baking sheet with foil or parchment. This makes cleanup a breeze, and trust me, you’ll thank yourself later.

Step 2. Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. It may sound unnecessary, but it helps create that golden crust. I skipped this once and ended up with steamed meat instead of roasted flavor.

Step 3. Rub the chops with olive oil. Think of it as giving them a quick spa treatment. The oil locks in moisture and makes the seasoning cling like it was meant to be there.

Step 4. Mix ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Then sprinkle the mix over both sides of the chops. Don’t be shy—it’s where all the flavor comes from.

Step 5. Place the chops on the baking sheet and slide them into the oven. Bake for about 20 minutes, maybe a little longer if they’re thick. I like to check with a meat thermometer—145°F is the sweet spot for juicy chops.

Step 6. Let them rest for five minutes after baking. This part is hard, I know. But it lets the juices settle, so every bite is worth the wait.

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5) Tips for Making Baked Ranch Pork Chops

I’ve made these enough times to learn a few tricks. First, don’t crowd the pan. If the chops are too close, they steam instead of roast. Give them space, and you’ll get that nice caramelized edge.

Another tip: if you want a little extra color, pop them under the broiler for two minutes after baking. It’s like giving the pork chops a quick tan, and the results are delicious. Just don’t walk away—they go from golden to burnt faster than you’d expect.

Lastly, ranch seasoning can be salty depending on the brand. Taste the mix before you add more salt. I learned this the hard way, and one batch ended up as a salt lick. Keep it balanced, and you’ll have one of the best pork chop recipes on your table.

6) Making Baked Ranch Pork Chops Ahead of Time

Sometimes I plan ahead, sometimes I don’t. Luckily, this recipe works both ways. If you want to prep it, you can season the pork chops a few hours in advance and keep them in the fridge. It helps the flavors settle in and makes the cooking even easier later.

Another option is baking them fully, then reheating gently. I like to do this when I know I’ve got a busy night coming up. Wrap them in foil and pop them into a low oven until warmed through. They stay surprisingly tender.

If you’re the type who loves meal prep, these pork chops fit right in. Cook them once, and you’ve got protein for several meals. Slice them up for salads or layer them into sandwiches. It’s one of those pork chop dinner ideas that stretches beyond dinner itself.

7) Storing Leftover Baked Ranch Pork Chops

Leftovers don’t last long in my house, but when they do, I tuck them into an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to three days. They reheat best in the oven, wrapped in foil, at a low temperature. That way, they stay juicy instead of drying out.

If you’d rather freeze them, go for it. Wrap each chop tightly, then store them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll hold up for about two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. It’s not quite the same as fresh, but it’s still better than most takeout.

Sometimes I even chop the leftovers into bite-sized pieces and toss them into pasta or soups. It’s an easy way to keep things interesting without feeling like you’re eating the same dinner twice.

8) Try these pork recipes next!

9) Baked Ranch Pork Chops Recipe

Baked Ranch Pork Chops | pork chop recipes

Let’s be honest, pork chops don’t always get the love they deserve. I’ve been guilty of calling them ‘the boring cousin of steak’ more than once. But trust me on this one—these baked ranch pork chops will change your mind. They’re juicy, full of flavor, and take almost no effort at all. I love quick pork chop recipes because life doesn’t always give us an hour to spend at the stove. This one is a keeper for weeknights when you’re tired but still want something that feels home-cooked. And yes, it totally falls into that secret club of keto pork chop recipes, which makes it even better. Think of it as the middle ground between comfort food and smart eating. I’ve used this recipe as part of my pork chop dinner ideas rotation, and it always comes through—whether I’m cooking just for myself or for friends who show up hungry. So if you’ve been looking for recipes for pork chops that are foolproof and flavorful, this is it.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time22 minutes
Total Time32 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keywords: keto pork chop recipes, Pork Chop Dinner Ideas, pork chop recipes, Pork Recipes, quick pork chop recipes, recipes for pork chops
Servings: 4 servings
Author: Camila

Ingredients

  • 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp dry ranch seasoning mix
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. This helps them get that golden finish.
  3. Rub both sides of the chops with olive oil.
  4. Mix ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
  5. Sprinkle the mixture evenly on both sides of the pork chops and rub it in gently.
  6. Place the chops on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil.
  7. Bake for 20-22 minutes, depending on thickness, until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
  8. Let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if you like.

10) Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 pork chop, Calories: 310, Protein: 28 g, Carbs: 2 g, Fat: 20 g, Sodium: 480 mg

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