How to Cook 1 Inch Thick Pork Chops in the Oven for Juicy, Tender Results

Cooking 1 inch thick pork chops in the oven can seem intimidating Will they dry out and toughen up? Or will you nail it and be rewarded with juicy, flavorful chops? Fret not – with a few simple tricks, you can easily bake pork chops to perfection right in your home oven

As recipe developers and food bloggers, my colleague and I have baked our fair share of pork chops over the years. After much trial and error we’ve landed on a foolproof method for oven-baked chops that turns out tender and juicy every single time.

In this detailed guide I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to cook 1 inch thick pork chops in the oven from start to finish. You’ll learn how to select the right chops, prep and season them, tips for baking, determining doneness, and even how to troubleshoot common issues.

Let’s dive in!

Choosing the Right Chops

The first step to stellar oven-baked pork chops is selecting chops that are actually 1 inch thick. This thickness prevents the lean pork from drying out and allows you to achieve that luscious, juicy interior.

Here are a few things to look for when buying pork chops for baking:

• Minimum thickness of 1 inch – Thinner chops will overcook and dry out in the oven. Go as thick as you can find.

• Bone-in chops – The bone adds flavor and moisture. Boneless chops can work but monitor them closely for doneness.

• Good marbling – This intramuscular fat keeps the chops tender and juicy. Go for chops with thin streaks of white fat throughout.

• Minimal trimming – Trimmed chops mean less juicy meat. Opt for chops with some fat around the edges.

• Unenhanced – Avoid “enhanced” pork chops which are injected with saltwater. This dilutes flavor and makes seasoning tricky.

• Pasture-raised – While pricier, pasture-raised pork has superior flavor and tenderness. Worth a splurge!

Ask your butcher for the thickest bone-in pork chops they have. Ideally 1 1⁄4 to 1 1⁄2 inches works wonderfully.

Prepping Pork Chops for the Oven

Prepping your chops before baking is essential for even cooking and ideal flavor. Follow these simple steps:

• Pat dry – Blot chops with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Wet meat won’t brown as well.

• Season generously – Use 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 teaspoon kosher salt per chop. Pepper and other spices are great too.

• Rest at room temp – Let sit 20-30 minutes so the seasoning penetrates and chops cook evenly.

• Preheat oven – Crank oven to 375°F. Use a digital thermometer to confirm temperature.

Proper prep sets you up for the very best results. Now it’s time to bake!

Baking Thick Pork Chops

When it comes to the actual baking, there are a few techniques I swear by for perfectly cooked 1 inch pork chops:

• Sear first – I always quickly sear my chops before baking. It adds flavor and promotes browning.

• Use a thermometer – Take the guesswork out of doneness by using an instant read thermometer. Shoot for 145°F.

• Bake low and slow – Low heat between 325-375°F prevents overcooking. Slow baking keeps them tender.

• Tent with foil – Covering retains moisture as they bake. Uncover towards the end for browning.

Follow these simple steps for baking:

1. In an oven-safe skillet, quickly sear chops 2-3 minutes per side over medium-high heat until browned.

2. Transfer skillet to oven and bake at 375°F for 8-12 minutes until thermometer reads 145°F, tenting with foil.

3. Rest chops 5 minutes before serving. The temperature will rise slightly as they rest.

And that’s it! With this method, your chops come out of the oven juicy, tender, and full of flavor.

Determining Doneness

Cooking 1 inch pork chops to a safe internal temperature is crucial. Undercooked pork is dangerous to consume. But overcooked pork dries out quickly.

Use these techniques to determine doneness:

• Instant read thermometer – Insert into thickest part of chop. Temperature should reach 145°F.

• Cut into center – If thermometer unavailable, cut into chop. Meat should be slightly pink.

• Touch test – Meat should feel firm but still have a hint of bounce when poked.

• Rest time – Always let rest 5 minutes before cutting in. Temperature rises around 5°F.

Investing in a good digital meat thermometer takes the guesswork out of determining doneness. This tool is invaluable for perfect pork chops every time.

Troubleshooting Pork Chop Baking Issues

Here are some common issues that can happen when baking 1 inch pork chops along with troubleshooting tips:

Dry, tough chops – They cooked too long. Use thermometer for doneness. Tent with foil earlier. Reduce oven temp.

Raw interior – Chops too thick for bake time. Increase time in 2-3 minute increments. Check temp sooner.

Not browning – Moisture prevents browning. Pat chops very dry before searing. Remove foil towards end of baking.

Curled chops – This happens as connective tissue contracts. Slice membrane before cooking or pound gently before baking.

With practice, you’ll be able to perfectly bake 1 inch pork chops to juicy perfection every time. Don’t be afraid to play around with oven temps and times to find what works best in your oven.

Flavor Variations

Once you’ve nailed down the basics, it’s fun to incorporate different flavors into your oven-baked pork chops. A few ideas:

• Marinate chops in a bold mixture of oil, vinegar, garlic, herbs before baking.

• Coat chops in a spicy dry rub of smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, and brown sugar.

• Glaze chops while baking with a sweet and tangy mixture of ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, or honey.

• Stuff chops with a bread crumb filling made with garlic, parmesan cheese, parsley, and lemon zest.

• Top baked chops with a flavorful pan sauce made from the fond left behind in the skillet.

Let your imagination run wild when it comes to flavor profiles!

What to Serve with Pork Chops

A properly cooked pork chop is stellar on its own. But pair it with the right side dishes and you have a spectacular meal. Here are some sensational sides to serve:

• Creamy mashed potatoes
• Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, broccoli, or carrots
• Buttery sautéed mushrooms or onions
• Garlic green beans
• Crisp potato wedges or roasted new potatoes
• Fresh green salad or spinach salad
• Skillet applesauce
• Warm rolls or biscuits

For a pop of brightness, add a tangy sauce like mustard, chimichurri, or even just a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. With so many options, you could enjoy oven-baked pork chops several times a month and never tire of them.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Like most meats, leftover baked pork chops keep well for 3-4 days refrigerated. They also freeze beautifully for up to 4 months. Here are some storage tips:

• Allow chops to cool completely before storing.

• Refrigerate in an airtight container. Cover boneless chops in sauce or broth to prevent drying out.

• Wrap chops well and freeze in freezer bags. This prevents freezer burn.

To reheat leftovers:

• Oven – Bake chopped on a lined pan at 300°F for 15 minutes until hot.

• Skillet – Pan fry over medium heat for 3-5 minutes per side until warmed through.

• Microwave – Microwave on half power for 2-3 minutes. Check for hot spots.

With proper storage, you can enjoy leftover baked pork chops all week long!

Mastering 1 Inch Thick Pork Chops

That covers everything you need to know to cook juicy, tender 1 inch pork chops in the oven! Here’s a quick summary of the techniques:

• Select appropriately thick, bone-in chops – ideally 1 inch or greater

• Prep chops with salt, pepper, herbs and let sit out before baking

• Sear chops in an oven-safe skillet before baking

• Bake chops gently at 325-375°F until they reach 145°F internally

• Allow chops to rest before serving to lock in juices

• Troubleshoot any issues and adjust method as needed

• Play with flavors like marinades, rubs, stuffings, and glazes

• Pair your masterfully cooked chops with complementary side dishes

With this guide, you can approach baking thick pork chops with total confidence. Your friends and family will be amazed at the tender, juicy chops you serve up.

What are you waiting for? Go grab some nice thick pork chops and get baking! We’d love to hear about your oven-baked pork chop endeavors. Ask any questions below or share your own tricks for perfect chops.