Baked pork chops make a quick and delicious dinner option that the whole family will love. Their hands-off cooking method guarantees uniform results every time.

Before baking, season the pork chops generously on both sides with seasoning, arranging them in an ovenproof baking dish or pan and baking until an instant-read thermometer inserted into their center registers 145 degrees F.

Cooking Time

Baking pork chops takes 20 to 45 minutes when set at 350deg Fahrenheit for one inch thick chops; bone-in ones will need additional time.

Whenever cooking pork chops for dinner, it’s essential that the oven be preheated first. This will help ensure even and safe cooking without burning or overcooking. When making multiple pork chops at once, use an adequate baking pan or sheet so you can keep track of their times without overcrowding the oven.

After taking them out of the oven or pan, it is also wise to allow your pork chops a brief rest period before serving them. This allows the juices in the meat to redistribute evenly throughout, keeping every bite succulent and succulent. Furthermore, during this rest period the pork may continue cooking slightly to reach an internal temperature of at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal safety.

Brine your pork to add moisture and flavor before baking it for best results. A brine is essentially a salty-sugary water solution which soaks into the meat’s structure to infuse flavor; an ideal brine typically comprises of kosher salt, cloves, molasses (the sugar element), water, and will usually stay refrigerated between 30 minutes to several hours after being added to your recipe.

Once the pork has been properly seasoned, it should be seared in a large skillet over medium-high heat until evenly-browned on both sides. Cast iron skillets offer the most even distribution of heat among different pan types.

Many recipes call for you to transfer seared pork chops to an oven-safe baking dish and finish them in the oven, due to the Maillard reaction occurring more rapidly at higher temperatures and the longer cooking time in the oven ensuring your pork chops are cooked thoroughly. When using this method, ensure you start checking their internal temperature with an instant read thermometer prior to reaching your recommended baking time in order to prevent overcooking and dry out of meat.

Temperature

Temperature of baking affects how long it takes for pork chops to cook. Ideally, they should reach an internal temperature of 145 F to ensure juicy and tender pork chops. Time of baking varies based on thickness; use a meat thermometer to check doneness.

Cooking time for an inch-thick cut of pork typically ranges between 20 and 25 minutes, depending on thickness and oven temperatures. Overcooked pork will become dry and tough; to prevent this from happening, use a thermometer to monitor its internal temperature; remove when its temperature reaches 145 degrees.

Once out of the oven, resting your pork chops for several minutes allows the moisture to redistribute and increase their flavor while helping the meat become more evenly browned and crispier.

Many chefs recommend beginning pork chops on the skillet before finishing them in the oven for even cooking, known as reverse searing. This method creates crispier crust while minimizing risks of overcooking meat.

If you opt for pan-searing the pork chops first, preheat your oven at 400 degrees F and allow your skillet to become very hot before adding your chops. It is recommended that you season them with salt 30 minutes prior to cooking so the salt has time to absorb into the meat for extra flavor and enhance its taste.

If you don’t own a thermometer, a simple way to gauge whether your pork chops are done is to gently touch one side with your fingertip and check that it feels soft before springing back to its original form. But keep in mind that carryover cooking occurs, meaning that an accurate thermometer measurement is still essential for accurate pork eating!

Preparation

Pork chops are an extremely versatile cut that can be prepared in various ways to meet any variety of side dishes. From baking them in the oven, pan frying, sauteeing or grilling them – there is no end of ways you can prepare this tender meat! For optimal results use a digital meat thermometer in order to avoid overdoing it and overcooking your pork.

To bake pork chops, choose a baking dish or sheet large enough to accommodate them comfortably and line it with aluminum foil for easier clean-up. To season the pork chops, create a simple rub from olive oil and spices; coat both sides of each pork chop in this mixture before placing on your baking dish or sheet. Alternatively, sear the pork chops before baking for added flavor and an irresistibly crunchy crust!

Timing the baking of pork chops depends on their thickness. As a general guideline, 7 minutes should be allotted per 1/2-inch of thickness for 3/4-inch chops and 15-20 minutes for 1-inch ones. Be sure to monitor them using an instant read thermometer inserted in their thickest part to make sure they reach the recommended temperature before proceeding with baking them.

Ideally, brining bone-in pork chops in salt water for around 30 minutes is recommended when baking them to tenderize and add moisture, making the chops juicier. Furthermore, patting dry before cooking will enhance caramelization of the outside without interfering with caramelization inside and provide better texture overall.

For easy reheating of pork chops, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days in an airtight environment. They may then be microwaved again for several minutes on each side or lightly grilled until hot.

Checking

One of the biggest issues with oven-baked pork chops is their tendency to dry out quickly in the oven, making them unappetizing and dry. One way to combat this problem is using a meat thermometer to check them for doneness – optimal temperatures are around 145 degrees Fahrenheit for doneness testing; you could also press your finger into the center of a chop; it should feel firm but not hard or leather-like when tested; any soft spots indicate underdoneness.

Bake a pork chop for approximately 20 minutes for optimal results. To optimize this timeframe, begin preparing them ahead of time by taking steps like taking them out of the refrigerator 20 minutes prior to baking and seasoning them properly. This gives them time to reach room temperature before beginning their baking journey.

Next, use olive oil to coat the bottom of a medium-heat pan, before heating over medium-high heat. When the pan is hot enough, add the pork chops and sear them on both sides until browned before transferring them to a baking dish or nonstick skillet lining it with foil to avoid oil splatter.

Bake the pork chops until their internal temperature reaches approximately 145 degrees Fahrenheit and let them rest for approximately three minutes before refrigerating them before serving to allow the juices to redistribute evenly across their surface and boost flavor.

Thinner pork chops will need less time in the oven than thicker ones. A meat thermometer is often the best way to tell when a piece of pork is ready; alternatively, pressing your finger into its center may also do. Color can also provide clues as to when a chop has reached doneness – bright pink indicates rawness while darker red indicates complete cooking; although certain methods of preparation can result in pink hues even when rawness remains.

Lisa