They are the most juicy, tender, and flavorful pork chops I’ve ever baked. They are also very simple to make—just a few simple spices and ingredients are all you need.
These pork chops baked in the oven are our favorite way to make dinner. They’re easy to make and always come out juicy and delicious.
Say goodbye to dry, flavorless pork chops. Here are some simple things you can do to make sure your pork chops are juicy, tender, and full of flavor. These baked pork chops are a mouthwatering meal that you’ll want to add to your recipe collection.
To make this recipe, you can use pork chops with or without bones. It tastes best with thick-cut pork chops. Serve with mashed potatoes and a salad. If you’d rather make a one-pan meal, roast the potatoes and vegetables together in the same pan. You’ll find all the details below!.
Boneless pork chops can make for a quick delicious dinner when baked in the oven. Getting the right bake time is key to ensuring the chops come out juicy tender and full of flavor. Baking at a high temperature like 450°F helps create a nice sear on the outside while keeping the inside moist. But exactly how long should you bake boneless pork chops at 450°F for optimal doneness?
Determining Bake Time Based on Thickness
The most important factor in deciding bake time for boneless pork chops is thickness. Thinner chops will cook faster, while thicker chops need more time in the oven. Here are general guidelines based on thickness:
- 1/2 inch thick – Bake for 10-12 minutes
- 3/4 inch thick – Bake for 12-14 minutes
- 1 inch thick – Bake for 14-16 minutes
- 1 1/2 inches thick – Bake for 18-22 minutes
For chops in the 1 to 1 1/2 inch range, the most common thickness, aim for 14-22 minutes at 450°F. Always rely on an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness rather than just bake time.
Internal Temperature for Perfectly Cooked Chops
Regardless of thickness or bake time boneless pork chops are done cooking when they reach an internal temperature of 145°F. This ensures they are completely cooked through while still maintaining juiciness.
Use an instant-read digital thermometer to check the temperature when the bake time is up Insert it into the thickest part of the chop without touching any bone
If the chops are not yet at 145°F, return them to the oven for 2-3 more minutes until cooked through. Let the chops rest for 5 minutes before serving so the juices can redistribute.
Seasoning and Searing for Added Flavor
To take your baked boneless pork chops to the next level, be sure to season them well and sear them before baking. Here are a few tips:
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Season ahead: Rub chops with seasoning or marinate up to 24 hours before baking. Try spices like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano or chili powder.
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Sear the chops: Heat oil in a skillet over high heat. Add chops and sear for 1-2 minutes per side to caramelize the outside.
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Make a sauce: Deglaze the skillet after searing with chicken broth or wine to make a pan sauce for serving.
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Coat with a rub: Applying a spice rub partway through baking will form a tasty crust.
Helpful Tips for Keeping Chops Juicy
The high heat of 450°F oven can lead to dry pork chops if you aren’t careful. Follow these tips for foolproof juicy boneless pork chops:
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Pat the raw chops dry before seasoning to help browning during searing.
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Avoid overcrowding chops in the baking pan, which steams rather than sears them.
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Brush chops with olive oil or melted butter before baking to keep them moist.
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Bake chops on a wire rack set over a baking sheet so air circulates underneath.
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Tent chops loosely with foil towards the end of bake time if they brown too quickly.
Pairings and Garnishes for Baked Boneless Chops
Boneless pork chops are very versatile and pair well with a wide variety of flavors. Consider these recipe ideas:
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Chops stuffed with cheese, spinach and sun-dried tomatoes
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Herb-crusted chops served with lemon wedges
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Chops brushed with bbq sauce and garnished with crispy onions
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Chops baked with apples, fennel, garlic and rosemary
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Chops served with sautéed apples and pan gravy
With the right bake time and temperature, boneless pork chops make for a fast weeknight dinner or easy entrée. For 1-inch thick chops, bake for 16-18 minutes in a 450°F oven until cooked through and juicy inside with a nice sear outside.
Frequently Asked Questions About Baking Boneless Pork Chops
Cooking boneless pork chops perfectly can feel like a challenge. Here are answers to some common questions:
Should boneless pork chops be baked with the bone side up or down?
It doesn’t make a difference – bone side up or down works equally well. Focus instead on evenly spacing the chops in the pan.
What temperature should the oven be for baking boneless pork chops?
Aim for an oven temperature between 400°F to 450°F which gives a good balance of browning on the outside while cooking through.
What causes pork chops to curl when baking?
This natural contraction happens because the connective tissue shrinks at high heat. Prevent it by slicing the connective membrane before cooking.
Can you bake boneless pork chops from frozen?
Yes, add a few extra minutes to the bake time. Thaw first for more even cooking. Brush with oil so they don’t dry out.
What is the minimum Internal temp for fully cooked pork?
Pork needs to reach 145°F internally to be safe to eat. Always use a meat thermometer to verify doneness.
Should you cover boneless pork chops when baking?
Covering retains moisture, but leave them uncovered at the end for browning. Tent loosely with foil if needed.
With the right time and temperature, baking is a great hands-off way to cook boneless pork chops. Refer to this guide for tips on maximizing flavor and juiciness.
How to Bake Pork Chops
- Use paper towels to dry the pork chops, and then rub them with olive oil.
- A simple mix of brown sugar, paprika, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper should be rubbed on the pork chops. As the pork chops bake, the brown sugar helps the seasoning turn into a caramel.
- Put pork chops without bones in the oven and cook them for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are done.
- After cooking, let the pork chops sit on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
The full recipe with ingredient amounts and instructions can be found at the end of this post.
How Long to Bake Pork Chops
Setting the oven to high heat for a shorter time is the best way to keep your pork chops from drying out. I bake my pork chops at 425° F. At this temperature, 1-inch thick boneless pork chops take between 15-20 minutes to cook.
After your pork chops have cooked for about 12 minutes, you will want to check on them often. It is easy to over cook pork chops if you don’t keep an eye on them. They will cook quickly at the end.
You can use an instant read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork chops. This is the most accurate way to check that they are cooked through.
The USDA recommends that you cook pork chops to an internal temperature of at least 145° F and then allow the meat to rest for at least 3 minutes, for food safety. I cook my pork chops to an internal temperature of 145-150° F. After removing the pan from the oven, let the meat rest for about 5 minutes. The temperature of the meat will continue to rise about 5 degrees due to carryover cooking.