How Long To Bake Pork Chops — at Every Oven Temperature
Dig into juicy, perfectly cooked pork chops every single time.
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While there are a number of ways to cook pork chops for dinner, baking is arguably the easiest path to perfection. The hands-off cooking method cooks pork chops gently and evenly without the need for extra fat, resulting in juicy, healthier pork chops that pair well with practically any side dish. Here’s everything you need to know about how long to bake pork chops.
Is It Better to Bake Pork Chops at 350°F or 400°F?
The best temperature for baking pork chops depends on how thick they are, how you’ve prepared them and your personal preferences.
Baking pork chops at 350°F will result in more gently cooked and tender pork chops, but it will take more time. This temperature is ideal for thicker chops (between 1 and 2 inches) as well as pan-seared chops, since the lower, slower baking ensures that the pork cooks all the way through.
Baking pork chops at 400°F will result in a slightly crisper, more caramelized exterior. It’s the ideal temperature for breaded pork chops, because the hotter temperature will crisp up the crumbs, as well as complete sheet pan meals, since 400°F is the best temperature for roasting most vegetables.
How Long To Bake Pork Chops
Similar to determining the best temperature for baking pork chops, how long it takes to bake them depends on whether they're boneless or bone-in, how thick they are and whether you’ve given them a headstart on the stovetop.
The recommendations below are for 3/4-inch bone-in pork chops. Reduce the bake time if starting with thinner or boneless chops, which cook more quickly. Increase the bake time for thicker pork chops, as well as breaded or stuffed pork chops.
How Long to Bake Pork Chops at 350°F
Baking pork chops at 350°F will generally take 20 to 30 minutes.
How Long to Bake Pork Chops at 375°F
Baking pork chops at 375°F will take slightly less time, about 15 to 25 minutes.
How Long to Bake Pork Chops at 400°F
As a general rule of thumb, plan on 7 to 8 minutes per 1/2 inch of thickness for pork chops baked at 400°F. This means 3/4-inch chops will take between 10 and 20 minutes.
How Long to Bake Pork Chops at 425°F
Pork chops baked at 425°F will take between 8 and 18 minutes.
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Should You Sear Pork Chops Before Baking?
Searing pork chops before baking them in the oven is optional, but a great choice when you want to enhance the color or flavor of your finished chops. A quick sear (about 1-2 minutes per side) over very high heat will give your pork chops a nice, browned crust. Searing pork chops before baking also reduces the overall time needed in the oven. Be sure to check seared pork chops a few minutes early, taking their temperature with an instant read thermometer to determine doneness.
Do You Cover Pork Chops When Baking?
In most cases, you don’t need to cover pork chops when baking them. In fact, baking them uncovered promotes browning, which enhances their overall flavor. If, however, your pork chops have developed a dark exterior but haven’t reached a food-safe internal temperature, you can cover them loosely with foil as they continue baking. Similarly, very lean pork chops can benefit from being covered while in the oven — the foil can help them retain moisture as they bake.
Is a Little Pink in Pork Chops Okay?
Yes, pork chops that have been cooked to 145°F may still have a slightly pink interior and are safe to eat. They’re also juiciest at this temperature. It’s worth noting that this only applies to pork chops. When you’re cooking ground pork, the internal temperature required for food safety increases to 160°F — and no pink color should remain.
How To Know When Pork Chops Are Done
The most accurate way to tell when pork chops are done is to use an instant read thermometer. They’re done when they reach 145°F. Per the USDA, you’ll want to rest the pork chops for 3 minutes before slicing and serving. We recommend removing the pork chops from the oven when they reach 140°F so that they don’t overcook and dry out. A process called carryover cooking will allow their temperature to climb to 145°F during the 3-minute rest period. For food safety, always check the temperature with your instant read thermometer after the rest period (and before slicing and serving), to ensure the pork chops have reached 145°F and are safe to eat.
Baked Pork Chop Recipes
Put your new knowledge to good use with these tasty pork chop recipes.
Charles Masters
Spinach-and-Cheese Pork Chops with Polenta
In this easy 5-star recipe, pork chops are seasoned with rosemary, seared until golden and then smothered with spinach and cheese before baking. As they bake, you'll whip up a simple pan sauce to pair with the pork before serving.
Yunhee Kim, 2011, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.
Pork Chops with Tomato Jam and Fried Leeks
Juicy pork chops, savory tomato jam and crispy leeks combine to create a flavor-packed dinner in just 30 minutes. Plus, the jam is endlessly versatile: spread it onto burgers or serve with a cheese plate.
Armando Rafael
Healthy Breaded Pork Chops
Coating them in panko, spraying with cooking spray and then baking on a wire rack ensures these pork chops are impossibly crispy-crunchy. A tangy mustard sauce is the perfect creamy complement.
Christopher Testani
Pork Chops Saltimbocca
What's not to love about pork chops wrapped in prosciutto and smothered with melty cheese? Tucking sage leaves under the crispy prosciutto also makes for a pretty presentation.
Related links:
Our Favorite Pork Chop Recipes
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