How Long Should You Bake Pork Chops For Perfectly Cooked Meat?

Pork chops are a quick and easy dinner staple that can be prepared in a variety of ways. One of the most popular cooking methods is baking pork chops in the oven. Baking helps pork chops cook gently and evenly resulting in juicy, tender meat when done right. But how long should you bake pork chops to ensure they are perfectly cooked without drying out?

The bake time for pork chops depends on several factors

Thickness of the Pork Chops

Thinner pork chops will cook faster than thicker cuts Boneless or bone-in pork chops that are 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 inch thick only need 10-15 minutes total baking time. For standard 3⁄4 to 1 inch chops, bake 15-20 minutes Jumbo chops over 1 inch thick will need 18-25 minutes to fully cook through.

It should take about 7 to 8 minutes for every 1/2-inch of thickness when baking at 400°F.

• 1⁄2 inch chops = 10-12 minutes
• 3⁄4 inch chops = 15-16 minutes
• 1 inch chops = 18-20 minutes
• 1 1⁄2 inch chops = 25-28 minutes

Bone-In vs Boneless

It will take a few minutes longer to cook pork chops with bones than chops without bones of the same thickness. The bone partly shields the meat and slows cooking. Check the meat’s temperature where it’s thickest, not where it meets the bone.

Oven Temperature

Higher oven temperatures cook pork chops faster. At 400°F, chops will bake more quickly than at 350°F. But too high a temperature can overcook and dry them out. 350-400°F is ideal for baking juicy, tender pork chops.

Pre-Searing

Pre-searing or browning chops on the stovetop before baking adds extra flavor and color. But it also means they’ll cook faster in the oven. Reduce bake time by 2-3 minutes for seared chops.

Breading/Toppings

Baked chops coated in breadcrumbs, cheese or sauce toppings will need a few extra minutes to cook through and crisp up. Watch closely near the end of bake time.

How to Tell When They’re Done

An instant-read thermometer provides the best doneness indication. Pork is safely cooked at a minimum internal temperature of 145°F. Let chops rest 3 minutes before serving.

If you don’t have a thermometer, check for visual cues. Pork should show no traces of pink and juices should run clear. Breading or toppings should be browned.

Tips for Perfect Baked Pork Chops

Follow these tips for baked pork chops that come out tender and juicy every time:

• Pat chops dry – Dry surface helps achieve browning for added flavor.

• Use a rimmed baking sheet – Contains any juices and allows air circulation.

• Avoid overcrowding – Space chops apart so they brown evenly.

• Flip halfway – Ensures even cooking on both sides.

• Let rest before cutting – Allows juices to redistribute for moistness.

• Bake at 400°F – Hotter temperature gives the best results.

• Use a meat thermometer – Cook to 145°F for foolproof doneness.

Seasoning Ideas

Beyond just salt and pepper, baked pork chops are delicious seasoned or topped with:

• Fresh or dried herbs – rosemary, thyme, sage, oregano
• Spice rubs – chili powder, smoked paprika, jerk seasoning
• Compound butters – chive, lemon, Parmesan
• Sauces – barbecue, teriyaki, hoisin, mustard
• Salsa, chutney, relish
• Onions, garlic, shallots
• Cheese – cheddar, Monterey Jack, Parmesan

Serve baked pork chops with favorite meal accompaniments like mashed potatoes, rice, roasted veggies and salad for easy, hearty dinners the whole family will love.

Juicy Baked Pork Chop Recipes

Take your pork chop game to the next level with these flavorful baked recipes:

Brown Sugar and Rosemary Baked Pork Chops

The sweet roasted flavor of brown sugar combines with fragrant rosemary in this super simple 5-star recipe.

Prep Time: 5 mins

Cook Time: 20 mins

Total Time: 25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 1⁄4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tsp salt
• 1⁄2 tsp pepper
• 4 bone-in pork chops, 3⁄4-1 inch thick

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.

2. In small bowl, mix brown sugar, olive oil, rosemary, salt and pepper.

3. Rub spice mixture evenly over both sides of pork chops.

4. Place chops on baking sheet and bake 20 minutes, flipping halfway.

5. Remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops

Crispy, cheesy and full of flavor! This easy dinner recipe is a winner.

Prep Time: 5 mins

Cook Time: 15 mins

Total Time: 20 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 1⁄2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1⁄4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1⁄2 tsp garlic powder
• 4 boneless pork chops, pounded 1⁄4 inch thick

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.

2. In shallow dish, mix panko, Parmesan, olive oil, basil and garlic powder.

3. Dip pork chops in beaten egg, then press into breadcrumb mixture.

4. Place on baking sheet and bake 15 minutes until browned and 145°F.

5. Let rest 5 minutes then serve.

The Takeaway

Baking juicy, flavorful pork chops is easy when you follow recipe guidelines. For tender meat, bake bone-in or boneless chops at 400°F for 7-8 minutes per 1⁄2 inch thickness. Pre-sear for added flavor. Cook until temperature reaches 145°F, then let rest before serving. With the right bake time and temp, you’ll have moist, delicious oven-baked pork chops every time.