Juicy & Effortless: The Ultimate Pork Chop Sheet Pan Dinner Recipe
Product links may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Jump to Recipe
Pork chops are, in my humble opinion, a truly underrated cut of meat. They possess an incredible versatility that allows them to shine in a multitude of dishes, whether you prefer them sweet alongside applesauce or bursting with savory herbs and spices. Many people shy away from cooking pork chops due to past experiences with dry, tough results. However, with the right technique and a flavorful marinade, you can transform them into a tender, juicy, and utterly delicious meal in under 30 minutes.
This Pork Chop Sheet Pan Dinner recipe is designed to simplify your cooking routine without sacrificing flavor. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you’re craving something beyond the usual chicken breast. Imagine succulent bone-in pork chops, perfectly roasted alongside vibrant broccoli and tender red potatoes, all coated in a rich, tangy, and slightly sweet marinade. Best of all, it all cooks on a single sheet pan, meaning minimal cleanup and maximum enjoyment. Get ready to add this amazing sheet pan meal to your regular rotation!
Why You’ll Love This Sheet Pan Pork Chop Dinner
There are countless reasons why this sheet pan pork chop recipe will quickly become a family favorite. It combines convenience, flavor, and wholesome ingredients into one easy package:
- Effortless Preparation: From marinating to roasting, the steps are straightforward and suitable for cooks of all skill levels. Most of the work involves chopping vegetables and whisking together a simple marinade.
- Minimal Cleanup: The beauty of a sheet pan dinner is the incredibly easy cleanup. Everything cooks on one pan, reducing the stack of dishes and allowing you more time to relax after your meal.
- Incredibly Flavorful: The unique marinade made with chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and brown sugar infuses the pork chops with a delightful balance of savory, sweet, and tangy notes, ensuring they are anything but bland.
- Juicy & Tender Pork Chops: Marinating the pork chops is key to keeping them moist and tender during cooking, preventing the dreaded dry pork chop. Following the recommended internal temperature ensures perfect doneness.
- Wholesome & Balanced Meal: This recipe includes lean protein from the pork chops and nutrient-rich vegetables like broccoli and potatoes, making it a complete and satisfying meal that’s good for you.
- Customizable: Easily swap out vegetables or adjust seasonings to suit your family’s preferences or whatever you have on hand in your pantry and fridge.
Ingredients for This Delicious One-Pan Meal
This tasty sheet pan dinner comes together with a handful of common ingredients, many of which you likely already have in your kitchen. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the rich flavors and perfect textures:
- Chicken broth: This is a secret weapon for keeping the pork chops incredibly juicy. It adds moisture to the marinade, helping the meat absorb flavor and stay tender throughout the cooking process.
- Worcestershire sauce: A pantry staple for a reason! Worcestershire sauce provides a deep umami flavor and a hint of tang that enhances the savory profile of the marinade. It truly adds complexity to the dish.
- Ketchup: Don’t underestimate the power of ketchup in a marinade! It brings a lovely sweetness, a touch of acidity, and helps to create a beautiful caramelized glaze on the pork chops as they bake.
- Brown sugar: This ingredient balances the tang from the ketchup and Worcestershire sauce, contributing to the sweet and savory glaze. It also aids in caramelization, giving the chops and veggies a nice golden-brown finish.
- Olive oil: Used both in the marinade and for tossing the vegetables, olive oil helps to distribute flavors, aids in even cooking, and ensures the vegetables crisp up nicely.
- Thick bone-in pork chops: For the juiciest results, choose bone-in pork chops that are at least 1-inch thick. The bone helps to insulate the meat, preventing it from drying out, and thicker chops are more forgiving during cooking.
- Fresh broccoli: Adds a wonderful pop of color, essential nutrients, and a slightly crisp texture when roasted. Cut into bite-sized florets for even cooking.
- Red potatoes: These potatoes hold their shape well and develop a creamy interior and a slightly crispy skin when roasted. Feel free to use any other potato variety you enjoy, such as Yukon Gold or even small sweet potatoes.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the natural flavors of the pork and vegetables. Adjust to your taste preferences.
How to Make the Best Pork Chop Sheet Pan Dinner
Creating this delicious and easy sheet pan dinner is a breeze. Follow these simple steps for perfectly cooked, flavorful pork chops and tender-crisp vegetables every time:
Step 1: Marinate the pork chops. In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon of the olive oil. This creates a wonderfully balanced marinade. Transfer this mixture to a large gallon-sized plastic bag or a spacious bowl. Add your thick bone-in pork chops to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least one hour. For maximum flavor and tenderness, you can even marinate them overnight. The chicken broth in the marinade is crucial here, as it helps keep the pork incredibly moist and juicy during cooking.
Step 2: Preheat the oven. Once your pork chops have had ample time to marinate (at least an hour), preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is ideal for roasting both the pork and vegetables simultaneously to perfection.
Step 3: Prepare the vegetables. While the oven preheats, lightly spray a large sheet pan with nonstick spray. Add your diced red potatoes and bite-sized broccoli florets to the pan. Drizzle with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and season generously with a dash of salt and pepper. Toss everything together until the vegetables are evenly coated in the oil and seasonings. This ensures they roast beautifully and develop great flavor.
Step 4: Assemble the sheet pan. Arrange the marinated pork chops on the sheet pan, nestling them among the seasoned vegetables. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan, as this can steam the vegetables instead of roasting them. Drizzle any remaining marinade from the bag or bowl evenly over the top of the pork chops and vegetables. This not only adds more flavor but also helps create a delicious glaze.
Step 5: Bake and broil. Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 18 minutes. The exact cooking time may vary based on the thickness of your pork chops and your oven. The most accurate way to check for doneness is with a meat thermometer; the internal temperature of the pork chops should reach 145°F (63°C). Once the chops are nearly done, turn on your oven’s broiler and broil for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the pork develops a nice caramelized crust and the vegetables are slightly crispy and browned. Keep a close eye on it during broiling to prevent burning.
Step 6: Rest and serve. Remove the sheet pan from the oven. It’s crucial to let the pork chops rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in incredibly tender and moist chops. Serve immediately and enjoy your perfectly cooked, hassle-free dinner!
Expert Tips for Perfect Pork Chop Sheet Pan Dinners
Achieving a truly outstanding sheet pan dinner is easy with a few simple tips:
- Choose the Right Pork Chops: Opt for bone-in pork chops that are at least 1 to 1.5 inches thick. Thicker chops are much less likely to dry out and remain juicier. While boneless chops can be used, reduce the cooking time slightly and monitor their temperature closely.
- Don’t Overcrowd Your Pan: This is a golden rule for sheet pan dinners! If you pack too many ingredients onto one pan, they will steam instead of roast, leading to soggy results. Use two sheet pans if necessary to ensure everything has enough space to cook evenly and crisp up nicely.
- The Importance of a Meat Thermometer: A reliable meat thermometer is your best friend when cooking pork chops. Insert it into the thickest part of the chop, avoiding the bone. Pork is safe and most delicious when cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), followed by a 3-minute rest. This ensures juicy, tender results every time.
- Cut Vegetables Evenly: For consistent cooking, make sure your potatoes and broccoli are cut into similar, bite-sized pieces. This prevents some vegetables from being undercooked while others are overcooked.
- Rest Your Pork Chops: After baking, always let the pork chops rest for at least 5-10 minutes before cutting into them. This allows the muscle fibers to relax and reabsorb the juices, ensuring a tender and moist chop.
- Broiler for Finish: The broiler is fantastic for adding a final touch of caramelization and crispiness to both the pork and vegetables. Just be sure to watch it closely, as broilers can quickly go from perfect to burnt.
Variations and Substitutions
This sheet pan dinner is wonderfully adaptable! Feel free to customize it based on your preferences or what you have available:
- Vegetable Swaps:
- Sweet Potatoes: Replace red potatoes with diced sweet potatoes for a sweeter, earthier flavor.
- Bell Peppers & Onions: Add sliced bell peppers (any color) and red onion wedges for more vibrant flavors and colors.
- Asparagus or Green Beans: These can be added during the last 10-15 minutes of baking, or you can use them instead of broccoli.
- Brussels Sprouts: Halved Brussels sprouts roast beautifully alongside the pork.
- Carrots: Chopped carrots add a nice sweetness and texture.
- Marinade Enhancements:
- Garlic & Herbs: Mince a few cloves of fresh garlic and add a teaspoon of dried Italian herbs, rosemary, or thyme to the marinade for an aromatic boost.
- Spicy Kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce in the marinade can add a subtle heat.
- Smoky Flavor: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika for a hint of smoky depth.
- Pork Chop Alternatives:
- Boneless Pork Chops: If using boneless, reduce baking time and ensure they reach 145°F.
- Chicken Thighs: For a poultry option, use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. They also cook well on a sheet pan and benefit from a similar marinade.
- Cheese Topping: In the last few minutes of broiling, sprinkle a little shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese over the vegetables for an extra layer of flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This Pork Chop Sheet Pan Dinner is a complete meal in itself, but you can always elevate it with a few simple additions:
- A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for brightness and color.
- A side salad with a light vinaigrette.
- Crusty bread to soak up any extra juices.
Storage and Reheating
Leftovers of this delicious sheet pan dinner are fantastic and make for easy meal prep!
- Storage: Allow any cooled leftovers to cool completely. Store the pork chops and vegetables in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat the pork chops gently to prevent them from drying out. You can reheat them in the microwave in short bursts, or in a preheated oven (around 300°F/150°C) until warmed through. The vegetables can be reheated alongside the pork or separately.
More Delicious Pork Chop Recipes
If you’re now a fan of perfectly cooked pork chops and looking for more creative ways to prepare them, you’re in luck! Here are some other fantastic pork chop recipes that you will undoubtedly enjoy, each offering a unique flavor profile and cooking method:
Cheddar Crusted Sheet Pan Pork Chops: A cheesy twist on the classic sheet pan dinner, these chops are coated in a savory cheddar crust for extra flavor and texture.
Brown Sugar Glazed Pork Chops: Indulge in the sweet and sticky perfection of these glazed pork chops, ideal for those who love a touch of sweetness with their savory meal.
BBQ Ranch Pork Chops: For a truly effortless and flavorful meal, these slow cooker pork chops combine the zesty kick of ranch with classic barbecue sauce for melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
Pork Chop Sheet Pan Dinner
Pin Recipe
Comment
Print Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp chicken broth
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 4 tbsp ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 4 medium thick bone-in pork chops
- 3 cups fresh broccoli, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 ½ lbs red potatoes, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Dash salt and pepper
Instructions
- To a small bowl, add the chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, and 1 tbsp of olive oil. Whisk well and add to a large gallon-sized plastic bag or a large bowl. Add the pork chops and let marinate in your refrigerator for at least one hour.
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
- Spray a large sheet pan with nonstick spray. To the sheet pan, add the broccoli, potatoes, a dash of salt and pepper, and the remaining 2 tbsp olive oil. Stir to coat the vegetables in the oil and seasonings.
- Place the marinated pork chops on the sheet pan around the vegetables, then drizzle the remaining marinade over the top of the pork chops and the vegetables. Bake for 18 minutes then turn the broiler on and broil for an additional 3 minutes. Enjoy!
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.