This dish features pork chops bathed in a zesty ranch marinade enriched with garlic powder and olive oil. The tender meat absorbs a robust blend of flavors, resulting in a delicious, comforting meal ideal for busy weeknights. It’s a delightful mix of simplicity and taste that promises a satisfying dinner for the whole family.

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I’ve recently been experimenting with a recipe for baked ranch pork chops that turned out to be a real winner. I start off with 4 pork chops, each about 1 inch thick (around 6 oz), and then coat them with a 1 packet dry ranch seasoning mix.

I mix in 1/2 cup water and 2 tablespoons olive oil to help create a light, tasty sauce while cooking. I sometimes add 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder for an extra kick if I’m in the mood, along with a bit of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

This dish is not only a great protein-packed dinner option but also really budget friendly. With its balanced nutrition and straightforward preparation, it’s become one of my go-to recipes for a quick weeknight meal.

Its simplicity and flavors make it a definite hit if you’re into easy pork chop dinners. Enjoy your delicious and no-fuss meal!

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s simple enough to whip up on a busy weeknight, and it always delivers on taste. The pork chops soak up that ranch flavor real well and the seasoning really makes them pop. I also appreciate how easy it is to check the temperature and know they’re right, so I’m always confident it’s cooked perfectly. Plus, the whole process doesn’t take too long, which means I can still enjoy a tasty dinner without a ton of effort.

Ingredients

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Pork chops are a great protein source that helps build muscle and satisfy hunger.
Dry ranch seasoning mix packs a tangy mix of herbs and spices for rich flavor.
Water helps keep the pork chops moist while cooking evenly on all sides.
Olive oil adds healthy fats and boosts moisture, giving the dish a rich, smooth taste.
Garlic powder is an optional ingredient that brings a subtle, aromatic heat to the meal.
Salt enhances natural flavors, balancing taste and drawing out the pork’s best notes.
Freshly ground black pepper adds a spicy kick that livens up every bite you take.

Ingredient Quantities

4 pork chops (about 1 inch thick, roughly 6 oz each)

1 packet dry ranch seasoning mix (1 oz)

1/2 cup water

2 tablespoons olive oil

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

How to Make this

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1. Preheat your oven to 400°F so it’s ready when you are.

2. Place the pork chops in a baking dish large enough so they don’t overlap.

3. In a small bowl mix the dry ranch seasoning, water, olive oil, garlic powder (if using), salt and pepper.

4. Stir the mixture well until it’s nicely blended with no lumps.

5. Pour the mixture evenly over the pork chops making sure each piece is coated good.

6. Let the pork chops sit for about 10 minutes so they absorb the flavors.

7. Put the dish in the oven and bake for 25 minutes.

8. After 25 minutes, if you like, flip the pork chops and bake for an extra 5 minutes for even browning.

9. Check that the internal temperature reaches 145°F using a meat thermometer.

10. Remove from oven, let them rest for 3 to 5 minutes, and then serve up a delicious dinner.

Equipment Needed

1. Oven – You need this to preheat to 400°F and bake the pork chops.
2. Baking dish – Make sure it’s large enough so the pork chops don’t overlap.
3. Small bowl – For mixing the dry ranch seasoning and other liquids.
4. Measuring cup and spoons – These are essential for measuring water, olive oil, and seasoning accurately.
5. Whisk or fork – Use one to stir the mixture until no lumps remain.
6. Meat thermometer – To check that the pork chops reach an internal temp of 145°F.

FAQ

How long do I need to bake the pork chops? Bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 25-30 minutes. Make sure to flip them halfway through so they cook evenly and check the internal temperature is around 145°F.

Do I really need to use the packet of ranch seasoning? The ranch mix gives a nice flavor boost but if you dont have it you can substitute with your own blend of herbs and spices, though the taste may not be exactly the same.

Can I adjust the thickness of the pork chops? Yes, you can use thicker or thinner chops. Just keep in mind that thicker chops will need more time and thinner ones will cook quicker so adjust the baking time accordingly.

Is it okay to omit the garlic powder? Absolutely, the garlic powder is optional. If you like the garlic flavor you can add a little extra, but its fine to skip it if its not your thing.

What sides go best with these chops? These pork chops go great with mashed potatoes, a green salad, or even roasted veggies. They also taste awesome with a side of rice if you prefer.

Baked Ranch Pork Chops Recipe Substitutions and Variations

If you cant find pork chops, try using thick chicken breast fillets. Just make sure you adjust the cooking time accordingly
If you run out of dry ranch seasoning mix, you can mix dried parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste
You can replace the water with a light chicken or veggie broth to add extra flavor to the dish
If you dont have olive oil, vegetable or canola oil works just fine
For the garlic powder, using a clove of fresh minced garlic will do the trick if you dont have the powder

Pro Tips

1. If you got extra time, let the pork chops sit with the marinade for about 20 minutes so they get soaked up with more flavor—trust me, it makes a big difference.
2. Make sure your oven actually reaches 400°F by checking with an oven thermometer if you have one. Ovens can be kinda off sometimes.
3. When you’re cooking, don’t skip the meat thermometer step. I know it seems basic, but checking that it reads 145°F is what makes sure your pork chops are safe and super juicy.
4. After you pull them from the oven, let your chops rest for a few minutes. I know waiting is hard, but that extra time helps keep all the yummy juices locked in.