Busy-Day Pork Chops

4 bone-in or boneless pork chops
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup ketchup
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish large enough to hold the pork chops in a single layer.

Season the pork chops: Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.

Sear the pork chops (optional): In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. This step adds flavor but can be skipped if you’re short on time.
Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, soy sauce, honey, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, smoked paprika, and onion powder until well combined.

Bake the pork chops: Place the pork chops in the prepared baking dish. Pour the sauce over the top, ensuring each chop is well coated. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Serve: Remove the pork chops from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Spoon the sauce from the baking dish over the top of the chops.