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Let’s be honest—getting dinner on the table quickly (and without complaints) can feel like a small miracle. That’s why these Easy Baked Pork Chops with Maple-Dijon Glaze are a total game-changer for busy weeknights. Juicy, oven-baked pork chops drenched in a sweet and tangy maple-Dijon glaze? Yes, please! Best of all, even picky eaters tend to raise their forks in approval—ask us how we know! With only one baking dish and zero stovetop splatter, this recipe is a clean-up dream, too. Whether it’s your first time cooking pork chops or you’re just looking for a no-fuss flavor bomb, this family-friendly favorite delivers deliciously every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- 👩🍳 Quick & Easy: Just 10 minutes of prep and 25 minutes to bake. No fancy techniques required.
- 🍁 Sweet Meets Savory: The maple and Dijon mustard glaze hits all the right notes.
- 🧼 Minimal Cleanup: One baking dish means less mess and more Netflix time.
- 👨👩👧 Kid-Approved: Even your toughest critics will ask for seconds.
- 🧊 Freezer-Friendly: Make a double batch and freeze for an effortless future dinner.
Easy Baked Pork Chops with Maple-Dijon Glaze
Juicy, oven-baked pork chops meet a sweet-and-savory maple-Dijon glaze in this easy weeknight dinner the whole family will love—yes, even your picky eaters! Bonus: No frying pan spatter in sight.
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- 1 tbsp (15ml) olive oil
- 1½ tsp (6g) salt
- ½ tsp (1g) black pepper
- ¼ cup (60ml) pure maple syrup
- 2 tbsp (30g) Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp (5ml) apple cider vinegar
- ½ tsp (1g) dried thyme
- Cooking spray (for greasing baking dish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Pat the pork chops dry (because nobody wants soggy sear!) and place them evenly in the baking dish.
- Rub each chop with olive oil, then sprinkle both sides with salt and black pepper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, and dried thyme.
- Drizzle the maple-Dijon glaze over the pork chops, using a spoon or basting brush to coat again as if you’re painting a meaty masterpiece.Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for about 20–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- For that lightly caramelized, golden-on-top finish, broil for the last 2–3 minutes—just keep one eye on it so it doesn’t go from golden to “oops.”
- Let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes before serving. (Trust us. The juices need a moment to zen.)
Notes
- Bone-in chops add flavor and help keep things juicy. If you’re using boneless, reduce bake time by 3–5 minutes.
- Want more zing? Add an extra teaspoon of Dijon or a pinch of chili flakes to the glaze.Your taste buds, your rules.
- You can double the glaze if your family is the “sauce-on-everything” type—we are, too.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with creamy mashed potatoes and roasted green beans for a classic comfort dinner.
- Serve over rice with steamed broccoli for a quick, well-rounded meal kids will actually eat.
- Make it a fun DIY family dinner: Let kids drizzle extra glaze and top with crispy fried onions or chopped apples.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store leftover pork chops in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze (glaze and all) for up to 2 months. Reheat gently for best texture and flavor.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1 Amount Per Serving: Calories: 367Total Fat: 21gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 132mgSodium: 115mgCarbohydrates: 1gFiber: 0gSugar: 1gProtein: 40gNutrition information is automatically calculated by a third-party tool and is an estimate only. Exact values may vary based on the specific ingredients and brands used. Please consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist for precise information if needed.
Expert Tips & Variations:
- Use bone-in pork chops for maximum moisture and tenderness. Boneless works in a pinch—just cut baking time by 3–5 minutes.
- Double the maple-Dijon glaze if your crew loves extra sauce for dipping or drizzling.
- For more zing, add a pinch of red chili flakes or an extra teaspoon of Dijon mustard.
- Want to make it fall-themed? Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a handful of diced apples over the top before baking.
Serving Suggestions:
🥖 Crusty Bread: To soak up every last drop of that luscious glaze.
🥗 Fresh Salad: Try a peppery arugula salad or a simple Greek salad to keep things light and balanced.
🍷 A Glass of White Wine: A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or buttery Chardonnay complements the sweet and savory flavors beautifully.
FAQ’s
Absolutely! Just reduce the cooking time to about 18–20 minutes and check for doneness. Boneless chops tend to cook faster and dry out quicker, so keep an eye on them near the end.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature hits 145°F (63°C). Let them rest for 5 minutes after baking—that’s how you lock in all those juicy flavors.
You can use honey or brown sugar in place of maple syrup, though the flavor will be slightly different. Maple syrup provides a unique richness and depth we highly recommend.