Effortless Italian Dressing Baked Pork Chops: A Weeknight Delight

Looking for a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful dinner option? Look no further than these baked pork chops marinated in Italian dressing! This recipe is a weeknight winner, requiring minimal prep time and delivering maximum taste. The Italian dressing acts as both a marinade and a sauce, infusing the pork chops with a tangy, herbaceous flavor that’s simply irresistible. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that even the pickiest eaters will enjoy.

## Why This Recipe Works

* **Simple Ingredients:** You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry and refrigerator. This recipe relies on the power of Italian dressing to do most of the work.
* **Quick Prep Time:** Marinating takes just a few minutes, and the baking process is straightforward. You can have dinner on the table in under an hour.
* **Flavorful and Tender Pork Chops:** The Italian dressing tenderizes the pork chops and infuses them with a delicious blend of herbs, vinegar, and oil.
* **Versatile:** This recipe can be easily adapted to your preferences. Add extra spices, vegetables, or a touch of sweetness to customize the flavor.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Pork chops are an affordable protein source, making this a great option for feeding a family on a budget.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **4-6 Pork Chops:** Choose boneless or bone-in pork chops, about 1-inch thick. Boneless chops will cook faster, while bone-in chops tend to be more flavorful.
* **1 cup Italian Dressing:** Use your favorite brand of bottled Italian dressing. Experiment with different varieties, such as zesty Italian or creamy Italian, to find your preferred flavor.
* **1 tablespoon Olive Oil:** This helps to prevent the pork chops from sticking to the baking dish.
* **1 teaspoon Garlic Powder:** Enhances the savory flavor of the dish.
* **1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder:** Adds depth and complexity to the flavor profile.
* **1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper:** For a touch of spice.
* **Optional:** Paprika, red pepper flakes, dried oregano, dried basil, lemon juice.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

### 1. Marinate the Pork Chops

In a large resealable bag or a shallow dish, combine the Italian dressing, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Add the pork chops to the marinade, making sure they are fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours. The longer the pork chops marinate, the more flavorful and tender they will become. However, avoid marinating for longer than 4 hours, as the acid in the dressing can start to break down the pork chops and make them mushy.

### 2. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature allows the pork chops to cook through evenly without drying out.

### 3. Prepare the Baking Dish

Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil. This will prevent the pork chops from sticking to the dish and make cleanup easier. You can also line the baking dish with parchment paper for even easier cleanup.

### 4. Arrange the Pork Chops

Remove the pork chops from the marinade and place them in the prepared baking dish in a single layer. Discard the remaining marinade.

### 5. Bake the Pork Chops

Bake the pork chops for 20-25 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accurate doneness. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the pork chops. For thicker chops, you may need to add a few extra minutes of cooking time.

### 6. Let Rest and Serve

Once the pork chops are cooked through, remove them from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful pork chops.

## Tips for Perfect Baked Pork Chops

* **Choose the Right Pork Chops:** Look for pork chops that are about 1-inch thick and have a good amount of marbling (fat). Marbling adds flavor and helps to keep the pork chops moist.
* **Don’t Overcook:** Overcooked pork chops will be dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the pork chops are cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
* **Let Rest:** Letting the pork chops rest for 5 minutes before serving allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful pork chops.
* **Use a Meat Thermometer:** A meat thermometer is the best way to ensure that your pork chops are cooked to the perfect temperature. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the pork chop, making sure not to touch any bone.
* **Pound the Pork Chops:** If your pork chops are uneven in thickness, you can pound them to an even thickness before marinating. This will help them cook more evenly.
* **Don’t Crowd the Pan:** Make sure to arrange the pork chops in a single layer in the baking dish. If the pan is overcrowded, the pork chops will steam instead of bake, which will result in less browning.

## Variations and Add-Ins

* **Add Vegetables:** Toss some vegetables, such as broccoli florets, sliced carrots, or bell peppers, with the Italian dressing and bake them alongside the pork chops. This makes for a complete and easy one-pan meal.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a little bit of heat.
* **Add Sweetness:** Add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the marinade for a touch of sweetness.
* **Use Different Herbs:** Experiment with different dried herbs, such as oregano, basil, thyme, or rosemary, to customize the flavor.
* **Add Lemon Juice:** A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds a bright and zesty flavor to the pork chops.
* **Breaded Pork Chops:** For a crispy coating, dredge the marinated pork chops in breadcrumbs before baking.

## Serving Suggestions

These Italian dressing baked pork chops are delicious served with a variety of side dishes, including:

* **Mashed Potatoes:** A classic pairing that’s always a hit.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Broccoli, carrots, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus are all great options.
* **Rice:** White rice, brown rice, or wild rice are all good choices.
* **Quinoa:** A healthy and protein-packed side dish.
* **Salad:** A fresh salad provides a light and refreshing contrast to the richness of the pork chops.
* **Pasta:** Serve with a simple pasta dish tossed with olive oil, garlic, and herbs.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

You can easily prepare these pork chops ahead of time. Simply marinate the pork chops as directed and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook, remove the pork chops from the refrigerator and bake as directed. This is a great option for busy weeknights when you don’t have a lot of time to cook.

## Storage Instructions

Leftover baked pork chops can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

## Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)

* Calories: 300-400
* Protein: 30-40g
* Fat: 15-25g
* Carbohydrates: 5-10g

*Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*

## Recipe Card

**Yields:** 4-6 servings
**Prep time:** 10 minutes
**Marinating time:** 30 minutes – 4 hours
**Cook time:** 20-25 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 4-6 Pork Chops (boneless or bone-in, about 1-inch thick)
* 1 cup Italian Dressing
* 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
* 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
* 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder
* 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
* Optional: Paprika, red pepper flakes, dried oregano, dried basil, lemon juice

**Instructions:**

1. In a large resealable bag or a shallow dish, combine the Italian dressing, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Add the pork chops to the marinade, making sure they are fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
2. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
3. Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
4. Remove the pork chops from the marinade and place them in the prepared baking dish in a single layer. Discard the remaining marinade.
5. Bake the pork chops for 20-25 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accurate doneness.
6. Once the pork chops are cooked through, remove them from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Enjoy your delicious and easy Italian dressing baked pork chops!