How Long To Cook Pork Chops In The Oven

Pork chops feel like a cozy hug on a chilly night.

Cozy, tasty, and versatile, they’re essential to every family dinner table — or at least the menu board for when your next party rolls around.

Everyone will love the taste and smell.

The kids especially won’t help it but keep coming for more.

However, you may be wondering when you should start cooking to avoid the crash of activities at that party because you’re not sure of the time it takes to cook pork chops.

So, how long am I required to cook pork chops in the oven?

Pork chops take between 20 to 40 minutes to cook properly.

The time variations depend on the thickness of pork chops, temperature, and whether it’s covered with aluminum foil, coating, and stuffings.

When cooking, ensure you monitor their readiness, especially thin ones, to avoid dryness and overcooking, making them chewy and unappetizing. 

Presenting your family and guests with undercooked or overcooked pork chops is the last thing you want.

Therefore, it’s vital to know about timings and other factors that may affect the cooking of pork chops.

This article will look at how long it takes to cook pork chops in the oven under different temperatures, how to make them better before cooking and how long they cook in various states.

How long does it take to cook thin pork chops in the oven?

Thin pork chops are mostly less than ½ inch and boneless.

They take 15-18 minutes to cook, but this time may vary depending on the temperature, darkness of the baking tray, thickness, and other factors.

Therefore, do not rely on time alone to determine if the meat is ready.

To cook, preheat the oven to 425 F, grease the baking tray, then place them on it.

Let the pork chops cook for 7-9 minutes, then flip and continue cooking for another 7-9 minutes.

When ready to serve, let them sit for 3-5 minutes so that they can retain moisture.

How long does it take to cook bone-in pork chops in the oven?

Bone-in pork chops take longer to cook than boneless ones because they are thicker.

The duration for their readiness is 40-45 minutes at 350 F.

However, the time may vary according to the temperature consistency, coating, and whether they’re covered using foil.

Bone in pork chop should take 5 minutes more than boneless ones.

How to tell if pork chops are well cooked without a thermometer

To know if your pork chops are done cooking, use tongs or spatula to check their firmness.

If they’re still soft, it shows that they are raw inside.

However, don’t allow them to become very solid because they may overcook.

Otherwise, you can use the cutting method.

First, remove the pork chops from the heat once they turn golden brown.

Allow them to sit for 10-15 minutes so that fiber can relax.

Moreover, it makes the pork chops tastier and more tender. 

Finally, check the color of the meat by cutting it into the thickest part.

Well-cooked pork chops should be opaque with a faded pink at the center.

How to tell if the pork chops are done using a thermometer

To check the doneness of the pork chops using a thermometer, remove them from the oven using tongs or spatula when they become firm or turn golden brown. 

Insert the meat thermometer into the thickest part to get the overall and accurate results.

The temperature of well-done pork chops should be 160 F.

Otherwise, you may opt for a rare medium cook, which stands at 145 F, also the lowest temperature for properly cooked pork chops.

Furthermore, depending on your preference, you can cook them up to between 150F-155F, which is medium, and medium -well, that ranges at 105F-160F.

How long to cook pork chops in the oven at 350 F

Pork chops take 25-40 minutes to cook well while at 350 F.

Nevertheless, it depends on whether they are bone-in, the thickness, and if they are covered using aluminum foil.

There are different conditions that you can cook pork chops at 350 F.

Let’s look into them.

How long does it take to cook pork chops at 350 F in the oven after searing

Searing pork chops help reduce the cooking time to 15-20 minutes.

Seared pork chops take about 7- 10 minutes less than those that aren’t seared. 

To sear, you can use a stove.

Place your pork chops on the stovetop and sear for 2-3 minutes on both sides until they turn brown.

Ensure you monitor the cooking time keenly to avoid drying out and overlooking.

Check the pork chop doneness 5 minutes before the actual cooking time to determine if you should continue cooking or not. 

How long does it take to cook breaded pork chops in the oven at 350 F?

Breaded pork chops take longer to cook because the coating increases their thickness.

It takes between 30- 40 minutes.

However, it will depend on the thickness of pork chops, temperature consistency, and if they’re covered using aluminum foil.

If you need a more crispy and brown color, you may increase the time or adjust the temperature to about 400 F.

How long do stuffed pork chops cook at 350 F in the oven?

Cooking stuffed pork chops at 350F takes 30-35 minutes to be done.

However, this time may be different depending on the amount of stuffing, the thickness of the pork chops, and temperature consistency.

For best results, use a meat thermometer because it can get into the thickest part.

Check its doneness 4-6 minutes before the specified timing elapsed to avoid overcooking.

How long to cook pork chops at 400 F in the oven

If your pork chops are about 1 inch and bone-in, they may take 27-30 minutes.

The boneless ones take less time, about 25 minutes.

It’s crucial to know that other factors may also affect their readiness so that you can avoid overcooking.

The factors include the temperature consistency, thickness of pork chops, and if it’s coated. 

How long to cook frozen pork chops

Frozen pork chops take longer to cook than those at room temperature.

At 350 F, they take 40-45 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145 F.

Otherwise, you may thaw the frozen pork chops in the microwave for 3-5 minutes, then cook them.

When melted, they’ll take 10 minutes less than when cooked directly from the refrigerator.

Therefore, they may take 30-35 minutes to cook thoroughly.

However, you should monitor it because it may have started cooking while thawing.

Ways to make pork chops better before cooking

Cooking is an art; you can craft your pork chops to be more delicious and juicier.

Seasoning 

Pork chops alone may taste blunt and mild.

However, marinating them in seasoning can give it an extra kick.

Add spices like garlic, pepper, paprika, etc.

Make thick pork chops

Thicker chops are better because they help prevent drying out and overcooking.

If you prefer store-bought pork chops, buy double-cut ones thicker than ordinary cuts. 

Brine before cooking

Brining your meat before cooking makes it tender and juicier because it helps retain fluids.

How long to cook pork chops at 425 F in the oven

Pork chops cook for 20 minutes at 425 F if they are bone-in and 15F-18F minutes when boneless.

Nevertheless, it may take more time depending on the thickness of pork chops and if it is covered with aluminum foil.

To check its readiness, cut a split at the center where you can insert a thermometer. 

Conclusion 

Hopefully, this article has helped you understand how long pork chops take to cook in the oven.

The next time there is a party in your home, you can be sure about the timing so as not to ruin this juicy delicacy by overcooking or undercooking it.

To add the excitement of well-done pork chops, ensure ‌you season moderately.  

FAQs

How do I make tender pork chop? 

To make tender pork chops, use thick meat cuts or, if too tough, hit them with a meat mallet.

Moreover, if you need them too tende, marinate them in marinating acids such as vinegar, wine, and citrus juices. 

Why are my pork chops always tough?

When your pork chops are tough and dry, it is a sign of overcooking.

Ensure that you know what times it takes for them to be ready to avoid overcooking.

Have a meat thermometer to help you know they are ready.

Otherwise, you can cut the meat to check the color after it turns golden brown.

It should be opaque, with pale pink at the center.

How long does it take to cook pork chops in the oven at 325 F?

Pork chops take between 27-30 minutes to cook at 325 F.

To cook evenly, cook for 13-15 minutes, then flip on the other side.

Nevertheless, other factors may affect the doneness of your pork chops.

They include the temperature frequency, thickness of the chops, and whether they are covered.

---