Bone-in pork chops can be intimidating for home cooks to make. But with the right techniques, you can achieve incredibly moist, flavorful chops right from your own kitchen. This complete guide will teach you everything you need to know for cooking succulent bone-in pork chops to perfection every time.
Why Choose Bone-In?
The bone contributes tremendous moisture and flavor when cooking pork chops. It acts as a natural tenderizer, keeping the meat juicy Bone-in chops also retain their shape better than boneless. For the best texture and taste, bone-in is the way to go.
When selecting bone-in chops at the store, choose ones that are at least 1 inch thick. Thinner cuts can dry out quickly. Plan on approximately one chop per person. Look for evenly sized chops from the loin or rib area for the most tender options.
Helpful Cooking Tips
Follow these useful tips for achieving delicious bone-in pork chops
- Brush with oil – Coating the chops in oil prevents sticking and aids browning
- Season generously – A flavorful spice rub or marinade boosts taste
- Sear before baking – Quickly searing locks in moisture and flavor
- Don’t overcook – Use a meat thermometer and stop at 145°F
Proper seasoning and searing are vital preparation steps. Monitoring temperature ensures the pork stays tender and juicy.
Easy Oven-Baked Method
This simple technique results in irresistible oven-baked bone-in pork chops.
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in pork chops, 1 inch thick
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- Spice rub or marinade
Instructions:
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Coat chops with oil and generously season both sides
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In a hot skillet, sear chops 2 minutes per side
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Transfer to baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 8-12 minutes depending on thickness
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Bake until internal temperature reaches 145°F
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Rest 5 minutes before serving
Searing quickly browns the outside while the oven gently cooks the inside. Check temperature early and often to prevent overcooking.
Baking Tips for Moist Chops
- Brush chops with oil or melted butter before baking
- Flip chops halfway through baking
- Tent with foil to prevent over-browning
- Let rest 5-10 minutes before cutting
These simple baking tips help keep bone-in pork chops incredibly moist and flavorful.
Sensational Pan Sauces
Take your chops to the next level with these easy homemade pan sauces:
- Apple cider – Simmer apple cider, thyme, sage into a sauce
- Mustard cream – Sauté shallots, garlic, white wine, chicken broth, Dijon and cream
- Cherry balsamic – Cook down cherries, balsamic, brown sugar for a glaze
- Mushroom herb – Sauté mushrooms, chicken stock, rosemary, parsley
Drizzle your favorite sauce over the rested chops for added deliciousness.
Grilling Juicy Bone-In Chops
Grilling is another excellent cooking method. Follow these tips:
- Marinate 1 hour prior
- Grill over medium heat
- Flip only once during cooking
- Move to indirect heat if flare-ups occur
- Remove from grill at 145°F
- Tent and let rest 5 minutes
The hot grill sears the outside while keeping the inside moist. Avoid charring by monitoring temperature and flipping only once.
Helpful Pork Chop Pointers
- Pat chops dry before seasoning to help flavors stick
- Flip only once during cooking to prevent moisture loss
- Allow juices to redistribute during resting period
- Slice against the grain for tender bites
These handy pointers will lead to perfect bone-in pork chops every time.
Amazing Recipe Ideas
Take your bone-in chops to the next level with these creative recipes:
- BBQ Pork Chops – Smoky BBQ sauce, garlic, cumin, chili powder
- Pork Chop Schnitzel – Breaded and fried, served with lemon
- Cider Braised Pork Chops – Braised with apple cider, thyme, mustard
- Pork Chops Parmesan – Herb crusted, topped with tomato sauce and Parmesan
- Skillet Pork Chops and Apples – Pan fried with sautéed apples and onion
The possibilities are endless for dressing up delicious bone-in pork chops!
The Key To Juicy, Flavorful Pork Chops
One key to success is choosing the right pork chops. For this cooking technique, go for bone-in pork chops that are 1 inch thick. Theyll quickly overcook and be dry and tough if theyre too thin or boneless. Thicker pork chops will take longer to cook, so plan for this. Bone-in chops add flavor and retain moisture, resulting in a juicy pork chop.
What Kind of Pan To Use
We need to heat the pan very well because we are going to sear the pork chops on the stove and then finish them in the oven. A cast-iron skillet is ideal. This will ensure that the chops get nicely browned with a crisp crust and rich flavor. An ovenproof stainless steel pan is the second best option. Never use a nonstick skillet for this technique.
If youre just cooking for one or two, this recipe is easy to scale down. Serve these pork chops with homemade applesauce, garlicky mashed potatoes, and green beans.
- Room temperature meat—To get a good sear, make sure your chops are at room temperature before cooking. This will take about 20 minutes.
- Just the right amount of time—the cook time depends on how thick the chops are. It will take less time in the oven if they are less than 1 inch thick. It will take more time if they are more than 1 inch thick.
- Ideally, use a cast-iron skillet—if you can, do so. That way, you can cook the pork chops on the stove and then move them to the oven without having to switch pans.
- Be careful not to get oil burns when you add the pork chops to the pan and flip them. It will be very, very hot, and the oil will sputter a lot. You can avoid getting too close to the pan if you use tongs with long handles.
“I used 1-inch-thick pork chops, and they were perfectly cooked following these instructions. I cooked the pork chops in a cast-iron skillet. Making and cooking it only takes 15 minutes, but you should plan for an extra 20 minutes at room temperature and 4 minutes to let it rest. ” —Diana Rattray.
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- 4 (1-inch thick) bone-in pork chops
- Fine salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon of high-heat oil, like corn, canola, safflower, or grapeseed oil
The Best Pork Chop You’ll Ever Make (Restaurant-Quality) | Epicurious 101
FAQ
Is it better to bake or pan fry pork chops?
What is the best way to cook pork chops without them drying out?
Is it better to bake pork chops at 350 or 400?
Can you cook pork chops in the oven?
Yes, you can cook pork chops in the oven. Cooking pork chops in the oven can yield a tender and juicy meat. To prepare, brine bone-in pork chops and then sear them first before finishing them off in the oven. Use bone-in cuts as they are fattier, juicier, and more tender.
How to cook bone-in pork chops?
To cook bone-in pork chops, remove them from the refrigerator 30 minutes prior to cooking and let them come to room temperature. Preheat oven to 400°F. Pat the pork chops dry with a paper towel, then brush both sides with olive oil. Bake in the oven until tender and juicy.
How long to cook boneless pork chops?
Boneless pork chops need to cook in a 400-degree Fahrenheit oven for 7 minutes per ½ inch of thickness. Since pork chops are lean meat, they will dry out if left in the oven for too long.
What happens if you cook pork chops in the oven?
When cooking pork chops in the oven, the residual heat from the skillet sears the other side of the pork chops, while the heat of the oven cooks them through. The result is a pork chop that is golden and crusted on the outside, and perfectly tender and juicy in the middle. This method ensures a perfectly cooked pork chop every time.