How Long Should You Bake Pork Chops?

Eating together brings folks closer. It’s like a magic glue that bonds people in a heartbeat. Studies show that sharing a meal can double the fun and halve the stress. Did you know that families who eat together are more likely to chat, laugh, and feel connected? It’s true—around 75% of friendships grow stronger over food! Imagine the sweet smell of dinner rolls and the clinking of glasses; it’s not just about the food but the memories made. So why not grab a friend, set a table, and see how this simple act can warm the heart and feed the soul?

Nothing brings people together like delectable, show-stopping baked pork chops.

While we enjoy these tender, juicy, and delicious oven-baked delicacies, we can’t help but wonder how long we need to bake them.

Well, let’s find out, shall we?

How long should you bake pork chops?

If you bake your pork chops in the oven at 350 degrees F, covered with aluminum, it will take about 18-25 minutes.

However, it may take 20-30 minutes to bake them uncovered.

USDA’s safe temperature guidelines recommend that you bake pork chops to 145 degrees F, equivalent to medium-rare.

This article will discuss everything you need to know about baking chops at different temperatures.

It will also give you storage tips for baked pork chops as well as provide you with an easy recipe you can try.

How to store baked pork chops

While the best way to cook and eat pork chops is immediately after buying them, you can safely store the leftovers in the fridge without altering their taste.

If you intend to keep them for a few days, allow the leftovers to cool off entirely or at room temperature. 

Keep the leftover pork chops in an airtight container or wrap them entirely in a resealable bag, then place them in the fridge.

The pork chops will stay fresh for up to five days.

If you need to keep them longer, you can freeze your pork chops for up to six months.

Divide your pork chops into smaller portions and store each part separately in a freezer bag.

This helps speed up the thawing process and will be a more accessible ready-to-eat portion.

Before cooking, thaw the frozen pork chops in the refrigerator, not at room temperature.

How to bake pork chops

The time it takes to cook a pork chop depends on its thickness, which can go from as thin as a 1/2 inch to as thick as 2 inches.

Regardless of the size, to achieve a succulent, tender, tasty, and food-safe pork chop, you should bake them to an internal temperature of 145 degrees F, which is medium-rare.

However, you should test this temperature using a meat thermometer. 

In addition to the proper internal temperature, the easiest way to bake perfect pork chops is by using the correct cooking time.

Lastly, your pork chops should rest for about 3-5 minutes before serving.

For a more well-done pork chop, allow it to cook until the internal temperature reaches 150–155 degrees F for medium, 155–160 degrees F for medium-well, and 160 degrees F for well-done.

Oven baked pork chops recipe ingredients

• Pork Chops: For juicy pork chops, it’s best to use thick chops that are at least 1-inch thick. For this recipe, use boneless pork chops, but you can also work with bone-in pork chops

• Olive Oil: Canola oil, avocado oil, and coconut oil can be used interchangeably as well, depending on preference

• Seasonings: Brown sugar, garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This oven-baked pork chop recipe uses a straightforward dry rub that is super flavorful. Feel free to use your preferred spices and seasonings to your liking

How to make pork chops in the oven

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. line a sheet pan with aluminum foil for easy cleanup

• Mix the dry rub ingredients in a small bowl

• Pat dry each pork chop with paper towels. Place the chops on the baking sheet and brush or drizzle them with olive oil. Season chops with the dry rub on both sides

• Bake for about 20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 140 degrees F when you check the thickest part of the chop with a meat thermometer.
• The pork’s internal temperature will rise while the pork rests due to carry-over cooking

• Remove from the oven and let the pork rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving

How to make ahead, store, and reheat baked pork chops

You can fix a large batch of baked pork chops that may last a few days, depending on your family size and how much everyone eats.

• Making ahead – Season the pork chops and store them in a resealable plastic wrap or an airtight container in the refrigerator overnight. When ready to cook, remove the chops from the fridge 30 minutes before baking to bring them to room temperature before placing them in the oven

• Storing – You can store leftover pork chops in an airtight container or wrap them completely in a resealable plastic bag in the refrigerator for 2-3 days

• Reheating – Reheat your baked pork chops in a preheated 300 degrees F oven. Place the meat in an oven-safe container and add a few tablespoons of broth. Cover with aluminum foil and reheat until the pork chops are warm through for about 10-12 minutes

How long to bake pork chops at different temperatures

Different cuts of pork chops may require individual temperature levels when baking.

Similarly, all ovens have different calibrations, which is why you should keep a keen eye on your pork chops after 15 minutes of baking. 

How long to bake pork chops at 400

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F for boneless center-cut pork chops and bake for 25 minutes.

For bone-in pork chops that are about 1-inch thick, preheat the oven to 475 degrees F.

Roast evenly by flipping the pork chops once until they cook through, about 25 minutes.

How long to bake pork chops at 425

The best way to keep your pork chops from drying out is to bake them at high temperatures for a shorter time.

At 425 degrees F, 1-inch thick boneless pork chops take 15-20 minutes to cook.

How long to bake a thick pork chop

Preheat an oven to 400 degrees.

Sear the pork chops for 2 minutes on each side.

Transfer the skillet immediately to the oven and cook until the internal temperature of the chop reaches 145 degrees, for about 15 minutes. 

The best way to guarantee juicy and doneness is by checking the chop’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer.

Let the chops rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

How long to bake small pork chops

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and bake the pork chops for 15 to 20 minutes, or until pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees F.

How long to bake thin pork chops at 350

Baking pork chops with 1-inch thickness at 350 F takes about 25-30 minutes.

However, the duration may be about 20 to 25 minutes for much thinner pork chops.

How long to bake thin pork chops at 425

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.

Place the pork chops on a greased baking tray and put them in the center of the oven.

Continue baking for approximately 7 to 8 minutes.

Why you’ll love baked pork chops

Pork chops are a fun and an inexpensive dish to make.

They’re also an easy favorite for both kids and adults.

In addition to that, other reasons why you’ll love baked pork chops include:

• Perfect for when you’re on crunchtime – Baked pork chops are not only delicious, but they’re simple and easy to make. If you’re having a busy day and need a quick dinner, baked pork chops will roughly take about 30 minutes to be ready from start to finish

• Excellent source of lean protein – Like pork loin or pork tenderloin, pork chops are rich in lean protein. Lean protein can help lower blood cholesterol, minimizing the risk of high blood pressure and other related issues

• Richly flavored dish – Baked pork chops are unbelievably delicious as they’re juicy, tender, and flavorsome. You can gently brush the extra sauce they give off during baking over the chops, elevating the flavor a notch higher

• It’s inexpensive – Generally, pork, including pork chops, is much more affordable than other proteins. Similarly, baked pork chops require ingredients that can easily fit into your grocery budget

• They taste better the next day – Reheating your leftover baked pork chops for the next day’s lunch is always a tastier quick fix minus the prepping

• They are so forgiving – Baked pork chops work well with a variety of seasonings and can be spiced to your liking

• Easy to clean – Baked pork chops only require a baking pan lined with aluminum foil. This makes the cleaning process seamless and less tasking

FAQs

Q: What’s the secret to tender and juicy pork chops?

A: The secret to succulent, juicy, and tender pork chops starts with the type of chops you buy.

Oven-baked pork chops require at least one-inch thickness as thinner ones tend to dry when baked.

Ensure you don’t overcook your meat by checking the internal temperature with a thermometer and allowing it to rest before serving.

Q: Should you bake pork chops covered or uncovered?

A: If you want your pork chops tender and with a crispy coating, it’s best to bake them in the oven uncovered.

However, if you don’t want to brown, but you’re going for succulence, juiciness, and a shorter cook time, cover the pork chops.

In conclusion

Basic as it may sound, the amount of time taken to bake pork chops will depend on the size of your pork chops.

It may also depend on your preferred method of cooking, covered or uncovered. 

Whatever method you choose, ensure the internal temperature gets to 145 degrees F to prevent the risk of food poisoning, as undercooked chops can carry bacteria.

---