To cook pork chops in the oven, the time depends on their thickness, whether they are bone-in or boneless, and the oven temperature. Here are the general guidelines:
- For 1-inch thick boneless pork chops, bake at 425°F for 15 to 20 minutes until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F, then let rest for 3-5 minutes
- For bone-in pork chops about 3/4 inch thick, baking at 350°F takes about 20 to 30 minutes, at 375°F about 15 to 25 minutes, and at 400°F about 10 to 20 minutes. At 425°F, expect 8 to 18 minutes
- A common rule is to bake pork chops at 400°F for about 7 to 8 minutes per 1/2 inch of thickness. For example, 1-inch thick chops would take about 14 to 16 minutes
- To ensure the pork chops are cooked safely and remain juicy, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 145°F, then allow the meat to rest for a few minutes before serving
- Thicker and bone-in chops generally take longer, while thinner or boneless chops cook faster. Starting with chops at room temperature and baking at a higher temperature (around 400-425°F) helps retain juiciness and develop a nice crust
In summary, for typical 1-inch thick pork chops, baking in a preheated oven at 400-425°F for about 15-20 minutes is ideal, checking with a thermometer to reach 145°F internally, followed by resting before serving.