Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, or spray a baking dish.

Prepare the Pork Chops: Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Tenderize (Optional): Place pork chops between two pieces of plastic wrap and very gently pound using a rolling pin or flat side of a meat mallet (do not flatten, just tenderize them). About 3-4 gentle pounds will do. 

Place them on the prepared baking sheet. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Let set a room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.

Mix Seasonings: In a small bowl, combine the onion powder, garlic powder, brown sugar, paprika, and dried thyme.

Season the Pork Chops: Rub the olive oil onto both sides of the pork chops. Sprinkle the dry rub to cover both sides of the pork chops. Use a basting brush again to spread it all over the meat.

Bake for about 10-15 minutes up to 20-25 minutes*, or until the internal temperature of the pork chops reaches 143°F (63°C). See the doneness guide in the notes.

Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the pork chops from the oven and let them rest for a 5 minutes before serving. This allows carryover cooking. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your juicy oven-baked pork chops!

*Adjust cooking times as needed depending on the thickness of your pork chops and your desired level of doneness.