At What Temperature To Bake Pork Chops?

Baked pork chops are a staple dinner favorite for many families, and with a little know-how, they can be simple to make. In this post, we will delve into the details of baking the perfect pork chops by learning about the right temperature, as well as the time you will need to bake them.

Pork chops can be baked at different temperatures, depending on the thickness of the meat you will be using. Here are the different baking temperatures for baking pork chops:

  • 450° F - bake for 14-16 minutes
  • 400° F - bake for 17-19 minutes
  • 375° F - bake for 22-25 minutes
  • 350° F - bake for 30-35 minutes

We will elaborate more about the right baking temperatures and ways how to keep your favorite meat dish tender and extra juicy. We'll also see different ways of preparing this tasty dish. Keep reading as we also share some tips and tricks to perfecting this scrumptious dinner meal.

Baked pork chops in sweet honey glaze, served in grill iron skillet with fresh thyme, rye bread and cherry tomatoes, close up, At What Temperature To Bake Pork Chops?

At What Temperature To Bake Pork Chops?

Pan Fried Pork Chops with Thyme, Garlic and Butter in a cast iron skillet

Pork chops are cuts of meat that have been taken from the pig's loin. This cut is quite versatile as you can typically ask your butcher to give you thick, thin, bone-in, or boneless, depending on the recipe you would like to make.

You can fry, grill, or bake these chops and you'll surely get delicious, juicy meat that you'll definitely enjoy.

Since pork chops can be cut in many different ways, the cooking temperatures and time will vary differently. However, most butchers typically cut their chops to about 1 to 1 1/2 inches thick if you tell them that you will be baking them.

For reference, here are the suggested baking times for pork chops cut at 1 1/2 inches thick:

  • 450° F - bake for 14-16 minutes
  • 400° F - bake for 17-19 minutes
  • 375° F - bake for 22-25 minutes
  • 350° F - bake for 30-35 minutes

Generally speaking, the USDA highly suggests that pork chops should be cooked at an internal temperature of 145° F to ensure that it is safe for consumption. This temperature should kill harmful bacteria that can be the source of food-borne illnesses.

You can use a meat thermometer, like the one below, to properly check the temperature of your pork chops.

Check out this meat thermometer on Amazon.

How Long To Bake Bone-in Pork Chops?

Bone-in pork chops generally take a lot longer to cook because this cut tends to have more fat and the bone tends to absorb more energy than the meat while it is cooking. However, a lot of cooks prefer this cut because it is juicier and it looks great when laid out for presentation.

When baking bone-in pork chops, it is best to brine them before baking. It takes a little extra prep time, but it will make sure that your chops will have the moisture it needs while baking. It will also make your pork chops seasoned really well.

Because the bone is still attached to the meat, you should give your pork chops a little extra time to bake. It's also good to sear the pork chops beforehand to give them the browning that it needs.

A 1 or 1 1/2 thick bone-in pork chop can be cooked in a 400° F oven for 6-10 minutes on each side. Add a minute or two of extra cooking time for each side if you are using thicker pork chops. After baking, make sure to let the pork chops rest before cutting to let the juices return to the meat.

How Thick Should Pork Chops Be?

Roasted pork steaks, cutlets with bones and thyme on black baking sheet, top view.

Pork chops can be bought in different thicknesses. Depending on the kind of dish you will be cooking, you can get pork chops cut thin or thick.

If you're planning to have crispy fried pork chops, then make sure to get thinly sliced pork chops. These chops are about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick, and you can get them bone-in or boneless.

Pork chops with this thickness are perfect for shallow or deep frying, and they cook relatively fast. These pork chops are perfect to stock in your freezer for a quick dinner meal.

One of the best ways to cook thin pork chops is to simply dredge them in seasoned flour and pan-fry them. If you prefer your pork chops to be a little bit heartier, go ahead and coat them in beaten eggs and some breadcrumbs. Cook them for about 4-8 minutes, or until the pork chops are cooked through.

If you prefer heavier and fattier chops, then go for thick pork chops. These cuts are typically 1 to 1 1/2 inches thick, and just like thin pork chops, they are available bone-in or boneless. Pork chops this thick are generally cooked on the grill, baked, pan-seared, or broiled.

An excellent way to make thick pork chops juicy and flavorful is by brining them. Leaving the chops in a brine mixture allows the meat to absorb seasoning and it helps lock in the moisture of the meat while cooking.

When cooking thick pork chops, the meat thermometer is an important tool that you will need to make sure they are safe for consumption.

What Is The Best Way To Cook Pork Chops?

A lot of cooks will definitely say that pork chops can be cooked every which way you'd like. The versatility of this cut and the number of ways it can be cooked is one of the reasons why it is always a favorite.

However, a classic favorite when cooking pork chops is searing and baking. This method allows the chops to be tender and juicy and searing it gives the chops a beautiful golden brown color. Cooking pork chops using this method is pretty fool-proof and you can do this quickly for a weeknight meal.

When searing pork chops, it is best to use an oven-safe cast iron skillet that you can immediately put inside the oven after searing. It makes cooking pork chops easier, plus it helps retain the heat of cooking because of the pan's quality. If you're not planning to bake your pork chops, these skillets are still great for regular pan-frying.

Get this oven-safe cast iron skillet on Amazon.

Another favorite method of cooking pork chops is by grilling them. This way of cooking pork chops gives them that smoky, charred flavor that lends to a very savory dish.

While you can definitely use any type of grill that you have at home, a lot of cooks enjoy using charcoal grills. These grills add a layer of smoky flavor to the meat.

Check out this portable charcoal grill on Amazon.

Types of Pork Chop Cuts

Organic Pork meat chop set over american classic butcher knife or cleaver with spices and rosemary and red pepper on black slate table top view.

You can find pork chops in just about every butcher counter and supermarket. However, if you are looking for a specific cut that corresponds to a method of cooking, then you might find yourself a little overwhelmed.

Here are some top cuts of pork chops that your butcher might offer you.

Loin Chops or Porterhouse Chops

Pork Loin Chops with Tomatoes and Mushrooms in a Cast Iron Skillet

These are center-cut loin chops with a T-shaped bone. You'll find that one side of the chops consists of the loin, and the other side is the tenderloin.

These chops can be a little bit more expensive than others, but these are definitely great choices if you are planning to grill, bake, or broil the pork chops.

New York or Center-cut Chops

This cut is from the top loin, and they are always boneless. If you're looking for a pork chop cut that you can stuff or bake, then this is a great cut to buy. You can also fry this cut, but it might take a while since they are typically cut thickly.

Sirloin Chops

Pork sirloin with provenzal herbs

This type of pork chop typically comes from the back end of the loin. This cut is usually tougher than its counterparts. Because of this, it is one of the least expensive choices you'll find at the butcher.

Sirloin chops are great for slow braising because they will definitely make the meat more tender.

Rib Chops

Barbecue ribs with sauce on a cutting board.

Rib chops are probably one of the choice cuts you'll find everywhere. They are tender, center-cut chops and you will typically see a curved rib bone on the side. You can definitely get these chops either thick or thin, and they are great for pan-frying, grilling, or broiling.

Final Thoughts

Pork chops definitely rank high in the best dishes to make for dinner because of their versatility and deliciousness. They are very easy to prepare and go great with many different sides, making them the perfect main dish.

Regardless of what kind of pork chops you choose, cooking them will be a breeze and will surely be a delight for you and your family.

Looking to cook more pork chop dishes? Here are some articles that can help you:

How Long to Cook Pork Chops in a Dutch Oven

What To Cook In A Convection Oven: 21 Awesome Ideas

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