How Long To Bake Thin Cut Boneless Pork Chops For Perfectly Juicy Results

As a busy home cook, I’m always looking for quick and easy weeknight dinner options. Thin cut boneless pork chops are a great choice when you want a fast meal that still feels special. The trick is getting them cooked just right – juicy and flavorful without drying them out. After testing different methods, I’ve found that baking thin pork chops in the oven for 15-20 minutes at 375°F (190°C) produces ideal results every time.

Why Go For Thin Cut Boneless Chops?

There are a few reasons I like using thin cut boneless pork chops

• They cook faster than thicker chops making them ideal for weeknights. A 1/2 inch thick chop bakes in just 15 minutes.

• With the bone removed you get more edible meat per chop. No worrying about navigating around bones.

• Boneless chops are more uniform in thickness and shape. This allows for even cooking.

• Pound for pound, boneless chops are often cheaper than bone-in. More bang for your buck!.

• You can easily slice boneless chops into strips for stir-fries or dice them up for kebabs or stews. Very versatile.

For these reasons, thin cut boneless pork chops have become a regular rotation in my meal planning.

Keys For Perfect Oven-Baked Chops

Through trial and error, I’ve learned a few tricks to ensure pork chops come out moist and full of flavor when baked in the oven:

1. Preheat Properly

It’s important to fully preheat your oven before putting the chops in. I recommend preheating to 375°F which provides even, consistent heat. If you put chops into a cold oven and then turn it on, they’ll overcook on the outside before the inside is done.

2. Use A Meat Thermometer

Don’t rely solely on cook times. Invest in an instant read thermometer and bake until the chops register 145°F. This ensures they are cooked through but still tender and juicy. Well done pork chops are dry and tough.

3. Avoid Crowding

Make sure chops have space between them on the baking sheet. Crowding will cause uneven cooking.

4. Let Rest Before Serving

As with all meat, pork chops need to rest for 5 minutes after baking. This allows juices to redistribute so they don’t leak out when you cut into the chop.

Follow these tips and your thin pork chops will turn out perfect every time! Now let’s get into the step-by-step method.

Step-By-Step Method For Oven Baked Thin Pork Chops

Ingredients:

• 4 thin cut boneless pork chops (1/2 inch thick, 4 oz each)
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.

2. Pat the chops dry with paper towels. Pork chops will not brown properly if wet.

3. Coat both sides of the chops with olive oil. This helps them brown and seals in moisture.

4. Season the chops on both sides with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

5. Arrange the chops in a single layer on the baking sheet. Leave at least 1 inch space between chops.

6. Bake for 15-17 minutes, until a thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the chops reads 145°F.

7. Remove from oven and tent loosely with foil. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

That’s all it takes! In less than 30 minutes, you can have perfectly cooked, juicy oven-baked pork chops on the table.

The seasoning I use is simple but packs a punch. Smoked paprika adds sweet smokiness while garlic powder provides a savory aroma. Feel free to experiment with other herbs and spices too.

While baking, the chops will brown slightly and develop a nice crust. Be sure to flip halfway through for even color on both sides. If your chops are thicker than 1/2 inch, extend the baking time until they reach the 145°F mark.

This method leaves you with tender, succulent pork that is juicy throughout. Kids and adults alike will devour these chops straight from the oven. Serve them with roasted vegetables or potatoes for an easy weeknight meal.

Cooking Extra Thin Pork Chops In The Oven

If you managed to find some extra thin chops that are 1/4 inch thick or less, the method needs to be adjusted slightly. These thinner chops will overcook if baked for the full 15 minutes.

For extra thin pork chops, I recommend:

• Bake at 400°F instead of 375°F
• Bake for just 8-10 minutes
• Flip halfway through
• Check temperature after 8 minutes
• Pull from oven at 140°F and let carryover cooking bring them to 145°F

The hotter oven temperature ensures browning and color development on such thin chops. And reducing bake time prevents them from drying out.

You can also pan sear extra thin chops for 1-2 minutes per side to quickly cook them through. Just make sure to use a meat thermometer for best results.

Testing Pork Chops For Doneness

Speaking of meat thermometers, these inexpensive devices are a cook’s best friend when baking pork chops. Without one, it’s nearly impossible to tell precisely when they are done to a safe internal temperature.

Here are some visual signs that pork chops may be fully cooked:

• Meat has turned from pink to white throughout

• Juices run clear when chop is pierced with a knife

• Exterior looks nicely browned

However, none of these cues are completely reliable. Pork can turn white before reaching 145°F if overcooked. And if undercooked, juices may still have a pinkish tint at 145°F.

That’s why an instant read thermometer is so valuable for accurately determining doneness. Simply insert the probe into the thickest part of the chop for a few seconds.

![Digital instant read thermometer inserted in pork chop][]

For thin boneless pork chops, aim for 145°F and allow a 3 minute rest. If reheating leftovers, heat to 140°F. This foolproof method works every time.

Seasoning Ideas For Oven Baked Pork Chops

While I love using garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt and pepper, there are endless ways to flavor pork chops before baking:

• Italian seasoning – oregano, thyme, basil, rosemary
• Chili powder and cumin
• Jerk seasoning – allspice, thyme, brown sugar
• BBQ rub – brown sugar, chili powder, cumin, paprika
• Lemon pepper – lemon zest, black pepper, thyme
• Cajun seasoning – cayenne, garlic, onion, oregano

Or simply coat chops in a marinade up to 8 hours before baking:

• Soy sauce, honey, garlic
• Apple cider vinegar, olive oil, mustard
• Balsamic vinegar, basil, garlic
• Fruit juices – orange, apple, pineapple

Let your tastebuds guide you – pork pairs well with sweet, spicy, herby and tangy flavors.

Choosing The Right Pork Chops

Not all pork chops are created equal. To ensure the best results when baking, look for:

• Uniformly thin chops – They’ll cook evenly. Avoid chops with varying thickness.
• Medium to light pink color – Bright pink indicates freshness. Avoid chops that look pale or gray.
• Some marbling – This keeps the chops juicy and tender. Chops with white fat streaks taste best.
• Minimal bone – For boneless chops, watch for chunks of bone left behind.
• Good smell – Raw pork should have very little odor. Pass on foul smelling packages.

Shop for thin cut boneless pork chops at your grocery store’s meat counter or butcher section for the freshest selection.

Storing and Handling Raw Pork Chops

To safely handle raw pork chops:

• Store chops on the bottom shelf of the fridge, wrapped tightly. Use within 2 days of purchase.
• Place chops on a plate or bowl before thawing in the fridge. This catches any drips.
• Never leave pork chops out at room temperature for more than 2 hours total before cooking.
• Wash hands, utensils and surfaces after handling raw pork.

Following these tips prevents bacteria from spreading and allows for safe consumption of cooked pork chops. Discard any chops that have developed an off smell or slimy texture.

Serving Suggestions For Oven Baked Pork Chops

Here are some delicious ways to complete your easy oven baked pork chops meal:

• Roasted potatoes – Russet or sweet potatoes tossed in oil and spices
• Garlic green beans – Sauteed with olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper
• Baked apples – Core and fill with cinnamon, brown sugar, raisins
• Wild rice pilaf – Cooked in broth with mushrooms and almonds
• Tossed salad – Mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, vinaigrette
• Skillet cornbread – Cast iron pan baked cornbread with kernels of corn

With a vegetable side dish, some oven baked chops make a satisfying dinner in about 30 minutes. Round out the meal with a crisp salad or fruit dessert.

Leftover Pork Chop Ideas

Like most meat, leftover baked pork chops really shine when repurposed into something new. Here are some tasty ways to use them up:

• Chop salad – Dice and add to greens with cheese, tomatoes, beans
• Breakfast hash – Dice and combine with potatoes, onions, eggs
• Quesadillas – Dice and stuff into tortillas with cheese
• Fried rice – Slice and stir into rice with frozen vegetables
• Tacos – Shred and pile into warmed corn tortillas
• Soup – Shred and add to chicken noodle or minestrone

Get creative with leftovers to cut down on food waste while enjoying pork chops twice.

Perfectly Baked Pork Chops Are Simple With This Method

For my busy family, thin cut boneless pork chops have become a go-to for fast, fuss-free dinners. By following the tips I’ve outlined here for baking chops in the oven, you can be assured of serving a tasty, juicy entree every time.

Preheat properly, use a meat thermometer, don’t crowd, and let rest – these are the keys to pork chop success! Vary the seasonings to keep dinners exciting and vibrant.