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

Pork chops make for a quick, easy, and delicious dinner But getting them cooked just right can be tricky. Undercook them and you risk food poisoning from bacteria Overcook them and you end up with dry, tough pork that’s hard to chew.

So how long do you need to bake 1-inch thick pork chops to end up with juicy, tender meat infused with flavor? Follow this guide for foolproof baked pork chops every time.

Factors That Affect Pork Chop Bake Time

Several factors impact how long pork chops need to cook in the oven

• Bone-in vs boneless Bone-in pork chops take longer to cook since the bone continues to radiate heat and cook the meat even once out of the oven Boneless cook faster since there’s no bone.

• Thicker vs. thinner chops: The thicker the pork chop, the longer it needs to bake. Thinner chops cook faster.

• Oven temperature: Higher oven temperatures cook pork chops faster than lower temperatures.

• Pan seared or not: Giving pork chops a quick sear before baking shaves off a few minutes of oven time.

• Breaded or stuffed: Breading or stuffing pork chops adds extra insulation that increases baking time.

Keep these factors in mind when determining bake time for your pork chops.

How Long to Bake 1-Inch Thick Boneless Pork Chops

For boneless pork chops 1-inch thick, bake at 400°F for 14-16 minutes. This high oven temperature crisps and browns the exterior while keeping the inside juicy.

Reduce bake time by 2 minutes if you pan sear the chops first. And add 2-3 minutes for breaded boneless chops.

Boneless chops should reach an internal temperature of 145°F as measured by an instant read thermometer before removing from the oven.

How Long to Bake 1-Inch Thick Bone-In Pork Chops

Bone-in pork chops take 18-20 minutes to bake at 400°F when 1-inch thick. The bone conducts heat and releases moisture, so bone-in chops need a little extra oven time.

If pan searing bone-in pork chops prior to baking, reduce oven time by 2 minutes. And allow 2-4 extra minutes for larger bones or stuffed bone-in chops.

Bone-in pork chops are done baking when the internal temperature hits 145°F.

Is it Better to Bake Pork Chops at 350°F or 400°F?

400°F is ideal for achieving a crisp, caramelized exterior on pork chops while keeping the inside tender and juicy. The higher heat rapidly browns and sets the outer portion.

Baking at 350°F cooks pork chops slower and more gently. This can work well for thicker chops over 2-inches so the inside has time to cook through before the outside dries out.

So for most 1-inch thick pork chops, 400°F is recommended. But you can go as low as 350°F if concerned about drying out or desiring extra tenderness.

How to Bake Pork Chops for Maximum Juiciness

Follow these tips in addition to proper bake time and temperature for the most flavorful, tender baked pork chops:

• Pat the pork chops dry before baking to help browning occur.

• Use a baking sheet rather than baking dish so the bottom crisps up.

• Avoid poking or cutting the chops during cooking so juices stay inside.

• Salt the pork chops before baking to boost flavor and tenderness.

• Brush chops with oil to enhance browning and caramelization.

• Let chops rest 3 minutes after baking so juices redistribute inside the meat.

How to Tell When Pork Chops are Done

It can be tricky knowing exactly when pork chops finish baking, but these techniques will help:

• Use an instant read thermometer to check for 145°F internal temperature. This is the only sure way to guarantee safety and doneness.

• Cut into the center and check color. The inside should be white or very faintly pink when done.

• Press on the center with tongs or a fork. The meat should feel firm vs. squishy when finished baking.

• Watch for clear juices to emerge when slicing into the pork chop. Pink juices means it needs more time.

The pork chops are ready once meeting these criteria. Allow to rest 3 minutes before serving.

How Long to Bake Frozen Pork Chops

For baking frozen pork chops, they’ll need extra time in the oven:

• 1-inch thick frozen pork chops = 45-60 minutes at 350°F

• 2-inch thick frozen pork chops = 60-75 minutes at 350°F

The low temperature helps thaw and cook the pork through gently and evenly. Check often and rely on an instant read thermometer to determine doneness.

Common Pork Chop Baking Questions

Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about baking pork chops:

How long do you bake thin pork chops?

Thin pork chops around 1/2-inch thick only need 7-10 minutes to bake at 400°F since they cook fast.

Should you flip pork chops when baking?

Flipping halfway through is optional. Chops come out well baked on one side only. Flipping may help them cook evenly.

Do you put water in the pan when baking pork chops?

Water is not needed and can create steaming versus browning. Dry baking is best for maximum flavor.

Can you overbake pork chops?

Yes, baking too long dries out the pork. Use a meat thermometer and don’t exceed the recommend bake times for juicy chops.

How long does it take to bake 2-inch thick pork chops?

Double the thickness, double the time. So 2-inch chops need 30-40 minutes in the oven until reaching 145°F internally.

The Takeaway on Baking 1-Inch Thick Pork Chops

For boneless pork chops, allow 14-16 minutes of bake time at 400°F. Bone-in chops need around 18-20 minutes at 400°F when 1-inch thick. Rely on an instant read thermometer to check for doneness instead of appearance.

A few simple guidelines will remove the guesswork and result in mouthwateringly moist, tender pork chops baked to perfection.