How Long to Bake 1-Inch Thick Pork Chops for Perfectly Cooked Results

Pork chops make for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner. Getting the bake time just right is key to ending up with tender juicy chops that are cooked through but not dried out. When baking 1-inch thick boneless or bone-in pork chops follow these guidelines to help ensure your pork chops are perfectly cooked every time.

Factors that Affect Pork Chop Bake Time

Several factors impact how long pork chops need to bake, including:

• Thickness – Thicker chops take longer. 1-inch chops bake longer than 1/2-inch chops.

• Bone-in vs Boneless – Bone-in chops take a bit longer since the bone partly insulates the meat

• Temperature – Higher oven temps cook faster but can dry out the chops.

• Prep Method – Chops seared before baking cook faster than raw chops.

• Breadcrumbs/Stuffing – Breaded or stuffed chops take longer.

• Quantity – More chops in the oven may require more time.

How Long to Bake 1-Inch Thick Pork Chops

Use these guidelines for baking boneless or bone-in 1-inch pork chops:

At 350°F

• Raw 1-inch chops: Bake for 25-30 minutes

• Pan-seared 1-inch chops: Bake for 20-25 minutes

At 375°F

• Raw 1-inch chops: Bake for 20-25 minutes

• Pan-seared 1-inch chops: Bake for 15-20 minutes

At 400°F

• Raw 1-inch chops: Bake for 15-20 minutes

• Pan-seared 1-inch chops: Bake for 10-15 minutes

At 425°F

• Raw 1-inch chops: Bake for 10-15 minutes

• Pan-seared 1-inch chops: Bake for 8-12 minutes

How to Tell When Pork Chops Are Done

Using an instant-read thermometer is the best way to test doneness. Insert it into the thickest part of the chop without touching bone. Pork is safely cooked when it reaches:

• 145°F – The USDA recommended safe minimum internal temperature. At this temp, the pork will have a very slight pink tint.

• 160°F – The pork will be white throughout but more prone to dryness.

After removing chops from the oven, let them rest for at least 3 minutes before serving. The temperature rises about 5°F during resting.

Tips for Baked Pork Chop Perfection

Follow these tips for the best baked pork chops:

• Pat dry – Drying the chops helps them brown better.

• Use a pan – A rimmed baking sheet with a wire rack allows air circulation.

• Don’t crowd – Avoid overlapping to allow even cooking.

• ** Preheat oven** – Heating oven first prevents overcooking.

• Rest chops – Letting chops rest ensures juicy meat.

• Check temperature – Use a thermometer for perfect doneness.

• Avoid undercooking – Cook to the USDA safe 145°F minimum.

Common Pork Chop Baking Mistakes

It’s easy to over or undercook pork chops. Here are some common errors:

• Overcrowding – Chops too close together steam rather than brown.

• Too high heat – High temps over 400°F can dry out the meat.

• Inadequate preheating – Oven should be fully heated before baking.

• Overcooking – Cooking beyond 145°F makes pork dry and tough.

• Undercooking – Not reaching 145°F can cause foodborne illness.

• No resting – Skipping resting results in drier chops.

• No thermometer – Guessing doneness leads to over/undercooking.

How Long to Bake 2-Inch Thick Pork Chops

For extra thick 2-inch pork chops, the bake time needs to be increased. Follow these estimates:

At 350°F

• Raw 2-inch chops: Bake for 45-50 minutes

• Pan-seared 2-inch chops: Bake for 40-45 minutes

At 375°F

• Raw 2-inch chops: Bake for 40-45 minutes

• Pan-seared 2-inch chops: Bake for 35-40 minutes

At 400°F

• Raw 2-inch chops: Bake for 25-30 minutes

• Pan-seared 2-inch chops: Bake for 20-25 minutes

At 425°F

• Raw 2-inch chops: Bake for 20-25 minutes

• Pan-seared 2-inch chops: Bake for 15-20 minutes

Thicker chops benefit from a digital meat thermometer to prevent over or undercooking. Check that the center of the pork chop reaches the safe 145°F, allowing extra oven time if needed.

Cooking for a Crowd? How Long to Bake Multiple Pork Chops

For baking a larger quantity of 1-inch chops, keep these tips in mind:

• Use multiple pans or racks to avoid crowding.

• Stagger chops so they aren’t directly on top of each other.

• Add a few extra minutes to the bake time.

• Use the upper and lower racks to speed cooking.

• Check each chop’s internal temperature.

• Let chops rest 5 minutes before serving a crowd.

With the right prep and bake time, you can successfully get a whole batch of pork chops cooked to juicy perfection.

Delicious Recipes for Baked Pork Chops

Now that you know how long to bake 1-inch pork chops, try these tasty recipes:

Panko Breaded Pork Chops

Coating chops in panko breadcrumbs gives a crispy crunch when baked. These stay crispy even when sauced or topped with veggies.

Brown Sugar Garlic Pork Chops

Browned butter, garlic, and brown sugar make a decadent crust on these 5-star pork chops.

Baked BBQ Pork Chops

Brushing with bold BBQ sauce and baking results in saucy, finger-licking chops.

Parmesan Herb Crusted Pork Chops

A Parmesan, breadcrumb, and herb topping kicks up the flavor on these chops.

Pork Chops with Apples and Onions

Baked alongside apples and onions, these chops are extra juicy and flavorful.

Pork Chops with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Smothered in a garlic mushroom cream sauce, these chops are irresistible.

With the right time and temperature, you can achieve tender, juicy pork chops every time you bake them. Follow these guidelines for perfectly cooked 1-inch or 2-inch thick boneless or bone-in pork chops.