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!.
Pork chops make for a quick and easy dinner, but getting the cook time just right can seem tricky, especially when working with 1-inch thick chops. Undercook them and you’ll end up with dry, tough meat Cook them too long and they’ll be parched Follow these tips for baking 1-inch pork chops in the oven so they turn out juicy, flavorful and cooked to perfection every time.
Why Go for 1-Inch Thick Chops?
While you can find pork chops in a range of thicknesses from thin cutlets to 2-inches or more, 1-inch provides the ideal thickness for even cooking and the best texture. Thinner chops tend to overcook and dry out very quickly. Thicker cuts run the risk of not cooking through fully.
With a 1-inch thickness, you get the benefits of both
- Thick enough to stay tender and moist when cooked properly
- Thin enough to cook through fully without charring the outside
The uniform 1-inch size also makes it easier to calculate cook times compared to varying thicknesses. For all these reasons, 1-inch pork chops are a prime choice for juicy, flavorful oven-baked dinners.
Average Oven Bake Time for 1-Inch Chops
When baking 1-inch pork chops in the oven, they will generally take:
- 12-15 minutes at 400°F
This time can vary slightly based on your specific chops and oven performance. To adapt the bake time as needed:
- For bone-in chops, add 2-3 extra minutes
- For thicker parts of the chop, add 1-2 minutes
- For thinner ends, subtract 1-2 minutes
Rely on an instant read thermometer for the best doneness indicator
Step-by-Step Method for Juicy Oven Baked Chops
Follow these simple steps for foolproof juicy pork chops every time:
1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Chops
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Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with foil or use an oven-safe skillet.
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Pat chops dry thoroughly with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper and any other spices or herbs.
2. Sear the Chops (Optional)
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For deeper flavor, heat 1 Tbs. oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Once hot, sear chops 2-3 minutes per side until nicely browned.
3. Transfer to Oven and Bake
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Place seared chops on prepared baking sheet/skillet and bake 12-15 minutes.
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For bone-in or thicker chops, bake 15-18 minutes. Check often to avoid overcooking.
4. Test for Doneness
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Temperature is the best test for doneness. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chop. It should reach 140-145°F.
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Let rest 5 minutes before serving. The temperature will climb slightly as it rests.
Following this reliable oven method results in a tender, juicy interior with flavored, browned exterior every time.
Choosing the Right Temperature
While 400°F is ideal for achieving a nice crust while cooking through, pork can safely bake at oven temps between:
- 350-425°F — Adjust bake time up or down.
Higher temperatures yield faster cooking so monitor closely to avoid overbaking.
For convection ovens, reduce temperature by 25°F since the airflow decreases cook time.
Doneness Tips for Juicy Pork
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Always rely on an internal reading for doneness, not color. Pork is safe to eat at 145°F.
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Resist cutting in too early. Juices will leak out, resulting in dry meat.
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Let chops rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing to retain moisture.
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Slightly undercooking and letting the temperature rise during resting helps prevent overdrying.
Mastering these techniques is key for mouthwateringly tender and juicy oven-baked pork chops every time.
Cooking 1-Inch Thick Chops on the Stovetop
While the oven yields wonderful results, you can also pan-fry 1-inch pork chops on the stovetop:
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Heat 1 Tbs oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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When hot, add chops and cook 4-5 minutes per side until deeply browned.
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Reduce heat to medium and cook another 8-10 minutes, flipping once halfway through.
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Test temperature to confirm they reach 140-145°F internally.
The combination of searing and gentle cooking produces juicy, caramelized chops.
Serving Suggestions for Perfect Pork Chops
Baked pork chops pair deliciously with a variety of sides. Consider:
- Herb-roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes
- Sauteed or roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, broccoli, or zucchini
- Fresh green salad or roasted beet salad
- Rice pilaf or creamy polenta
- Applesauce or roasted apples
Sides that provide color, texture, and flavor contrast beautifully with juicy, savory pork chops straight from the oven.
Get Creative with Seasonings and Sauces
While salt and pepper deliver classic flavor, don’t be afraid to branch out with spices, herbs, sauces, and marinades. Options include:
- Italian – rosemary, oregano, garlic, Parmesan
- Mexican – cumin, chili powder, lime
- BBQ – smoky barbecue sauce or dry rub
- Thai – coconut milk, red curry paste, fish sauce
- Mediterranean – olives, tomatoes, feta, basil
The simple pork chopcanvas also plays nicely with sweet glazes, chutneys, or fragrant herb mixes.
Mastering Juicy, Tender Oven-Baked Pork Chops
Perfectly baked 1-inch pork chops offer a quick and satisfying dinner. With the proper time and temperature guidelines provided here, you can achieve chops that are browned on the outside and deliciously juicy on the inside every time. Experiment with exciting new seasonings and side dishes for endless recipe ideas.
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.
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.
Easy Oven Baked Pork Chops (Juicy and Tender)
FAQ
How long do I bake 1 inch pork chops at 400 degrees?
Is it better to bake pork chops at 350 or 400?
How long to cook 1 inch pork chops at 350?
At what temperature is a 1 inch pork chop done?
How long do you cook pork chops in the oven?
To achieve a perfectly cooked pork chop in the oven, it is essential to follow certain guidelines. **On average, pork chops should be baked at 425°F (220°C) for 12-15 minutes**. However, this time can be adjusted depending on the thickness of the chops.
How long do you cook pork chops at 425?
**On average, pork chops should be baked at 425°F (220°C) for 12-15 minutes**. However, this time can be adjusted depending on the thickness of the chops. For thin-cut chops, a cooking time of 10-12 minutes may suffice, while thicker cuts may require 15-20 minutes. How can I determine if the pork chops are done?
How long to cook boneless pork chops?
Since pork chops are lean meat, they will dry out if you leave them in the oven for too long. But don’t worry, here’s an easy way to know exactly how long you should cook your chops. In a 400-degree Fahrenheit oven, boneless pork chops need to cook for 7 minutes per ½ inch of thickness.
How long do you bake breaded pork chops?
When you bake breaded chops, you need a hotter oven to crisp up the crumbs, so 425 degrees F is typical. 1/2- to 3/4-inch-thick chops will take about 20 minutes. At 400 degrees F you can count on 7 to 8 minutes for each 1/2 inch of thickness your pork chops are.