Ever tried making pork chops and ended up with them being either too raw or as dry as the Sahara Desert?
This used to be my story. I didn’t like it when my pork chops were not juicy enough.
The meat was always flavorless and had no real texture to it.
So I began experimenting with cooking times in the oven, and baking became easier.
Baking pork chops isn’t rocket science.
Yet, it can be confusing when you’re unsure what temperature to use or how long your meat should bake for.
So, how long should you bake pork chops?
It takes anywhere between 20 and 40 minutes to bake pork chops.
However, various factors affect the meat’s cooking time, such as its thickness and temperature.
Yet, no matter the variables, pork chops always need to cook for between 20 and 40 minutes.
This article explores how long it takes to bake pork chops in the oven.
Additionally, it provides a simple step-by-step method for preparing juicy pork chops that are juicy and delicious.
How Long Does it Take to Bake Pork Chops in the Oven?
If you’re using a meat thermometer, cook them for 20 minutes per pound at 250 degrees Fahrenheit (120 degrees Celsius).
Ensure you let the Oven preheat for 10 minutes before putting your pork chops on it.
You don’t want to risk burning the outsides before getting them cooked through.
However, pork chops require different baking times depending on their thickness, the temperature, and the type of meat.
Thicker pork chops will take longer than thinner ones to cook through.
So, adjust your timing accordingly.
Thinner pork chops may only need a few minutes in the Oven.
However, thicker ones may require even an hour.
Check on your chops periodically; cover them with aluminum foil if they begin to brown too quickly to prevent undercooking.
How to Know Your Baked Pork Chops are Ready?
While baking pork chops, they should cook thoroughly.
Use an instant-read thermometer to check whether they’re ready.
It’ll provide the most accurate temperature reading and let you know when your pork chops are well cooked.
There are a few different ways you can tell if your pork chops are well cooked:
- The juices that run out of the chop should be clear and not pinky-red. If pink streaks run down the chop’s sides, it’s probably overcooked. Therefore, reduce time or increase the temperature slightly.
- Insert the fork into one of the meaty parts and press down. If there is no resistance, then your pork chop is done.
- The meat should have a nice crispy crust but not burnt or dark.
What is the recommended baking time for pork chops at 350 F?
Bake pork chops uncovered at 350°F for 20-25 minutes.
When covered, bake them for approximately 18-22 minutes.
As a result, they’ll be juicy, tender and flavorful.
What is the recommended baking time for pork chops at 400F?
Boneless pork chops will take 25 minutes to cook thoroughly at 400 F.
A 1-inch thick pork chop will take between 27 and 30 minutes to cook well.
On the other hand, thicker bone-in pork chops take much longer.
What is the recommended baking time for pork chops at 425F?
At 425 degrees Fahrenheit, bake the pork chops for 15 to 20 minutes.
To ensure even browning, bake them on a rack.
The internal temperature should be 150 degrees Fahrenheit on an instant digital thermometer.
Pork chops get crispy and meaty after they’ve been in the oven for a while.
For best results, cook the pork chops until they are well done without drying them out too much.
Simple Recipe for Baking Delicious Pork Chops
You can broil pork chops, right?
If you want to make it even better, try baking this meat; it’ll be tender and delicious.
This recipe will show you how to get your chops just right, so they’ll satisfy even the most discerning carnivore.
What You Need
- Four pork chops, boneless (about 1 inch thick)
- Olive oil (1 tbsp.)
- Brown sugar, 1½ tbsp
- Sweet or smoked paprika, 2 tsp
- Onion powder, one tsp
- Dried thyme, one tsp
- Salt, one tsp
- Black pepper, half a teaspoon
Instructions
- Take your pork chops out of the fridge about 20 minutes before you intend to cook them. This will allow them to come up to room temperature. Moreover, it’s easier for them to sear in their juices once placed on the pan.
- Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F. If you have a convection oven, set it on convection mode; if not, adjust the heat setting accordingly.
- Place your pork chops on a large, nonstick piece of foil or parchment paper to help keep them from sticking. You can also use a silicone baking mat. However, this mat is not recommended because it’s not very durable and can lose its stickiness over time. Plus, it’s not nearly as easy to clean up after use as foil or parchment paper is.
- Cut a slit down the center of each pork chop, so they will be easier to cook evenly. Season both sides with one teaspoon of salt.
- Rub olive oil on each side of pork chops before placing them on top of parchment paper or foil. This way, they won’t stick together during the cooking process.
- Put all the remaining ingredients in a bowl and stir to combine. Rub this spice mixture on each side of the pork chops.
- Bake for 10 minutes. Flip the chops over for another 10 minutes or until they’re done. The thinner the pork chop, the quicker it will cook. However, pork chops with bone-in slices cook slower. Cooking pork chops too long will cause them to dry out.
- Once the meat reaches 145°F (63°C), the pork chops are ready, so remove them from the heat. Allow the meat to rest for 10 minutes before slicing it into individual portions for serving.
Tips and Tricks for Baking the Succulent Pork Chops
Juicy pork chops are one of life’s great pleasures.
The following tips and tricks will help you make juicy pork chops at home:
- Season your pork with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor. However, it should not be overpowering. Seasoning will help keep your meat juicy throughout the cooking process. You can use herbs and spices, such as rosemary, thyme, and cumin.
- Don’t overcook or undercook your pork chops. Undercooked pork chops will be tough and chewy, while overcooked meats can be dry or flavorless. While baking pork chops, monitor the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to allow it to stay at 145°F (63°C). If you’re using a digital thermometer, set it to alert you when the meat has reached this temperature.
- Score the meat before seasoning it. This will help keep the meat from sticking to the pan or grill, which can cause it to burn.
- You can start with bone-in pork chops. However, leave the bones in if you want them lighter in color. Bones contain collagen that helps keep the meat moist. Therefore, removing them means the pork chop will cook up more evenly and less dry than if you remove them completely.
- Cook the pork chops on low heat. Low heat will help you get those delicious juices without overcooking them. If you put them on high heat for too long, they’ll burn before getting done well.
- High-temperature baking is recommended. This way, the outsides will caramelize and seal in the juices.
Baked Pork Chops Recipe Variations
You can get creative with your pork chop recipe, which is incredible.
Here are some of our favorite ways to make them:
Baked Pork Chops with Broccoli and Garlic
This one’s a classic, and it’s easy to make.
Add broccoli florets and garlic salt to the marinade before baking the chops for about 15 minutes at 425°F.
They’ll come out golden brown and crispy on the outside, tender on the inside.
Baked Pork Chops with Cranberry Sauce
Adding a little sweetness to pork chops makes a big difference.
Mix up a simple cranberry sauce, then pour it over the chops when they’re done baking.
The sauce will soak into every nook and cranny of the pork chop when it’s done cooking.
This will give the pork chop a perfect sweet-and-saucy flavor that works well with everything from mashed potatoes to rice pilafs.
In addition, there are other variations you can use.
For instance,
- Use a dry rub and mesquite wood chips. You can also use maple syrup instead of honey for a sweet flavor.
- Use bacon grease as part of the cooking process. It adds a lovely smoky flavor that can be combined with other ingredients like rosemary and thyme if desired.
- Use a different type of pork chop, like ribeye or loin chops.
Final Word
Pork chops need between 20 and 40 minutes to be well cooked in an oven.
This may seem like a long time, but it gives them ample time to brown and be ready.
You can use a meat thermometer.
Ensure the internal temperature reaches 150 degrees Fahrenheit before removing the pork chops from the oven.
This way, you can ensure that all sides are fully browned and cooked well.
How Long Should You Bake Pork Chops?
Equipment
- Toast oven
Ingredients
- 4 pork chops boneless
- 1 tbsp. Olive oil
- 1½ tbsp Brown sugar
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp Onion powder
- 1 tsp Dried thyme
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 a teaspoon Black pepper
Instructions
- Take your pork chops out of the fridge about 20 minutes before you intend to cook them. This will allow them to come up to room temperature. Moreover, it’s easier for them to sear in their juices once placed on the pan.
- Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F. If you have a convection oven, set it on convection mode; if not, adjust the heat setting accordingly.
- Place your pork chops on a large, nonstick piece of foil or parchment paper to help keep them from sticking. You can also use a silicone baking mat. However, this mat is not recommended because it’s not very durable and can lose its stickiness over time. Plus, it’s not nearly as easy to clean up after use as foil or parchment paper is.
- Cut a slit down the center of each pork chop, so they will be easier to cook evenly. Season both sides with one teaspoon of salt.
- Rub olive oil on each side of pork chops before placing them on top of parchment paper or foil. This way, they won’t stick together during the cooking process.
- Put all the remaining ingredients in a bowl and stir to combine. Rub this spice mixture on each side of the pork chops.
- Bake for 10 minutes. Flip the chops over for another 10 minutes or until they’re done. The thinner the pork chop, the quicker it will cook. However, pork chops with bone-in slices cook slower. Cooking pork chops too long will cause them to dry out.
- Once the meat reaches 145°F (63°C), the pork chops are ready, so remove them from the heat. Allow the meat to rest for 10 minutes before slicing it into individual portions for serving.
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I have a true passion for cooking and experimenting with new ingredients, and I have been creating and perfecting recipes for friends and family for years.
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