Oven Roasted Cajun Honey-Butter Pork Chops
Juicy, tender pork chops roasted in a baking dish, then finished with a honey-butter pour and a quick broil for that caramelized color.
The honey-butter broiler finish works like a fast “glaze set.” You’re not cooking the pork more—you’re caramelizing the top in 1–2 minutes for that glossy, restaurant-style color while the inside stays juicy at 145°F.
The brown sugar in the Cajun rub acts like a browning booster and flavor balancer. It helps the seasoning cling and caramelize, and it smooths out the Cajun heat so the pork tastes bold, not harsh.
FAQs
How long do you oven roast pork chops at 425°F?
For 1-inch chops, roast about 12–14 minutes (boneless) or 14–18 minutes (bone-in), then pull at 145°F internal and rest 5 minutes.What temperature should pork chops be cooked to?
Cook pork chops to 145°F internal in the thickest part, then rest 5 minutes for juicy results.Why are my oven roasted pork chops dry?
Most common causes: overcooking past 145°F, using thin chops, skipping the rest, or not using a thermometer.Do I need to cover pork chops when baking?
No. Leaving them uncovered helps browning. Covering can steam them and soften the texture.Is it better to bake pork chops at 350°F or 425°F?
425°F gives quicker cook time and better browning, which helps keep pork chops juicy when you pull them at 145°F.Can I use bone-in pork chops for this recipe?
Yes. Bone-in chops are more forgiving and often stay juicier; they just take a little longer.Can I use boneless pork chops for this recipe?
Yes. Boneless chops cook faster—start checking temp around 12 minutes at 425°F for 1-inch thickness.What thickness of pork chops works best for juicy baked pork chops?
Use 1 to 1¼-inch thick chops. Thinner chops dry out faster and are harder to time.Do I have to flip pork chops in the oven?
Not for this method. Roasting at 425°F in a baking dish works without flipping.Why do you rest pork chops after baking?
Resting 5 minutes keeps juices in the meat. Cutting immediately releases juice and dries the chop out.What does Slap Ya Mama seasoning taste like on pork chops?
It’s Cajun-style: savory, spicy, and salty. It gives pork chops a bold, smoky, “crispy edge” flavor in the oven.Can I substitute another Cajun seasoning for Slap Ya Mama?
Yes, but taste varies. Many Cajun blends have different salt levels, so start lighter and adjust next time.Do I need to add salt if I’m using Cajun seasoning?
Usually no. Cajun seasonings are often salty already, so extra salt can push the dish over the edge.Why add brown sugar to the seasoning?
Brown sugar helps with browning and balances Cajun spice. It also helps the honey-butter finish taste rounded.How do you caramelize honey on pork chops without burning it?
Broil for 1–2 minutes max, keep the rack upper-middle, and watch nonstop. Honey burns fast.Can I skip the broiler step?
Yes. The chops will still taste great. The broiler is mainly for caramelized color and a glossy finish.Can I make honey-butter pork chops less sweet?
Yes. Reduce honey slightly (for example, use 2 tbsp honey instead of 2¼) and keep the butter the same.What sides go best with Cajun honey-butter pork chops?
They pair well with yellow jasmine rice and veggies and a fresh cucumber tomato salad to balance the richness.How do I store leftover baked pork chops?
Cool, then store airtight in the fridge for 3–4 days.How do I reheat pork chops without drying them out?
Reheat gently: oven 300°F until warmed through, or air fryer 350°F for 3–5 minutes. Avoid microwaving too hot/too long.
Make it
Oven Roasted Cajun Honey-Butter Pork Chops
Juicy, tender pork chops roasted in a baking dish, then finished with a honey-butter pour and a quick broil for that caramelized color.
Yield
6 pork chops (about 6 servings)
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
12–18 minutes + 1–2 minutes broil
Total Time
25–30 minutes
Ingredients
Pork Chops
6 center-cut pork chops, 1 to 1¼-inch thick (bone-in or boneless)
1½ tbsp neutral oil (avocado or canola)
Seasoning
2¼ tsp Slap Ya Mama Cajun Seasoning (use 1½ tsp if salt-sensitive)
1½ tsp smoked paprika
1½ tsp garlic powder
¾ tsp onion powder
¾ tsp black pepper
1½ tsp brown sugar
Honey-Butter Finish
4½ tbsp butter, melted
2¼ tbsp honey
Instructions
Preheat the oven
Heat oven to 425°F.
Place a rack in the middle position.
Dry the pork chops
Pat chops very dry with paper towels (this helps browning and keeps the texture right).
Oil + season
Rub chops with 1½ tbsp oil.
In a small bowl, mix: Slap Ya Mama, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and brown sugar.
Season both sides evenly, pressing seasoning into the meat.
Roast in a baking dish
Place chops in a baking dish in a single layer (snug is fine).
Roast at 425°F until the thickest chop hits 145°F:
Boneless, ~1-inch: 12–14 minutes
Bone-in, ~1-inch: 14–18 minutes
Start checking a few minutes early. Ovens vary and pork dries out when overcooked.
Rest
Remove dish from oven and rest chops 5 minutes.
Honey-butter pour
Stir together melted butter + honey.
Pour the mixture over the chops (spoon it over the top so every chop gets coated).
Broil for caramelized color
Move oven rack to upper-middle (not directly under the broiler).
Turn broiler on high and broil 1–2 minutes, watching closely, until the tops look caramelized.
Pull immediately once the color is right. Honey burns fast.
Kelvin’s Notes (so they stay juicy)
145°F is the target, then rest. Overcooking is the reason pork chops turn dry.
Snug in a baking dish works, but keep them in a single layer. Stacking will steam them.
Broil is for color, not extra cooking. Treat it like a finishing torch.
What to Serve With
Yellow jasmine rice and veggies
Cucumber tomato salad
Storage & Reheating
Fridge: Store in an airtight container 3–4 days.
Reheat (best): Oven 300°F until warmed through, or air fryer 350°F for 3–5 minutes.
Add a tiny brush of butter after reheating if needed.
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