How Long to Cook Pork Chops at 275°F for Perfectly Juicy Meat

Pork chops can make for a quick, delicious dinner when cooked right. While they can be pan-fried or grilled, baking pork chops in the oven is a foolproof hands-off method. But knowing exactly how long to bake pork chops at 275°F is key to avoiding dry, overcooked meat.

This guide covers how to bake pork chops at 275 degrees including ideal cook times, thickness considerations, carrying over, and more tips for irresistibly juicy oven-baked pork chops every time.

Why Cook Pork Chops at 275°F

Cooking pork chops in a 275°F oven is considered the ideal temperature for achieving tender and moist chops. Here’s why 275°F works so well:

Low enough to prevent overcooking – Pork dries out quickly when cooked over 300°F. The lower 275°F helps chops stay juicy.
High enough for browning – 275°F allows the exterior of the chops to brown nicely for flavor development
Accurate standard oven temp – Most home ovens can consistently hold 275°F (vs. say 225°F for smoking).
Balances cook time – 275°F reduces cook time versus 225°F, but still retains moisture compared to 350°F.
Carryover cooking – The slightly lower oven temp ensures chops don’t overcook during resting.

For the best shot at tender and succulent oven-baked pork chops, 275°F is the sweet spot

How Long to Cook Pork Chops Based on Thickness

The most important factor determining pork chop cook time is thickness. Thinner chops cook faster, while thick chops require more time at 275°F.

For 1-inch thick pork chops, bake at 275°F for approximately 20-25 minutes.

For 1.5-inch thick pork chops, bake at 275°F for 25-30 minutes.

For 2-inch thick pork chops, bake at 275°F for roughly 30-35 minutes.

These time ranges allow the pork chops to cook through without overdoing it. Always rely on an instant-read thermometer to confirm doneness rather than just cook time.

Internal Temperature for Perfectly Done Pork Chops

Regardless of thickness, pork chops should reach an internal temperature of 145°F when tested with an instant-read thermometer.

At 145°F, the chops will be juicy and just slightly pink in the center. For safety, the USDA recommends cooking pork to 160°F minimum, but most chefs agree 145°F is ideal for taste and texture.

Let the chops rest 3-5 minutes before serving as the temperature will continue increasing by about 5°F-10°F during the rest time.

Step-by-Step Guide for Oven-Baked Pork Chops

Follow these simple steps for foolproof juicy oven-baked pork chops every time.

Ingredients:

4 bone-in pork chops, 1.5 inches thick
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried thyme
Salt and pepper

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 275°F.
Pat pork chops dry with paper towels.Brush both sides with olive oil and season liberally with salt and pepper.
In a small bowl, combine minced garlic with thyme and 1 tbsp olive oil. Rub mixture evenly on each pork chop.
Place chops on a baking sheet or roasting pan. Avoid overcrowding.
Bake at 275°F for 25-30 minutes until chops reach 145°F internally.
Let rest 3-5 minutes before serving.

The boneless pork chops and garlic thyme rub add tons of flavor, while the moderate 275°F oven prevents them from drying out.

Tips for Keeping Pork Chops Juicy

Here are some extra tips to ensure your oven-baked pork chops stay succulent and delicious:

Dry thoroughly – Blot pork chops with paper towels before seasoning to prevent steaming.
Use a rack – Elevate pork chops on a rack over a baking sheet so air circulates underneath.
Avoid overcrowding – Give each chop breathing room on the pan; overcrowding causes steaming.
Brine if time allows – Soaking chops in a saltwater brine infuses moisture.
Sear then bake – Browning chops in a hot pan before baking adds flavor.
Let rest – Always let chops rest 5 minutes before cutting to retain juices.
Go for 145°F – Cook until just slightly pink for ideal tenderness.

How Long Do Leftover Pork Chops Last?

Properly stored, leftover oven-baked pork chops will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator. To reheat, bake chops in a 275°F oven until warmed through, about 15 minutes.

Freezing cooked pork chops for longer storage is also an option. Allow chops to cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Frozen pork chops will keep for 2-3 months before quality declines.

Common Pork Chop Baking Questions

What if my pork chops are thinner, like 3/4 inch? For thinner 3/4 to 1-inch chops, reduce bake time to 15-18 minutes at 275°F. They cook faster than thick chops.
Can I bake pork chops at 350°F instead? Yes, you can bake chops at 350°F but watch closely for doneness at around 15 minutes max. The higher heat increases risk of overcooking.
Should I flip pork chops halfway through baking? Flipping isn’t required since the oven’s ambient heat cooks from all sides. Chops will develop a lovely caramelized crust without flipping.
Can I stuff pork chops before baking? Absolutely! Stuffing chops with bread, cheese, spinach or other fillings adds flavor. Just increase bake time 5 minutes or so.
What if my pork chops are still pink when I cut into them? If the internal temp reaches 145°F, they are fully cooked and safe to eat even if slightly pink. The color varies based on pH.

Get Perfectly Baked Pork Chops Every Time

Cooking pork chops in the oven at 275°F delivers incredibly tender, juicy results every time. Follow thickness based cook times, monitor temperature, and avoid overcrowding for the best baked pork chops. In about 30 minutes, you’ll have a delicious dinner ready to enjoy.

Easy Oven Baked Pork Chops (Juicy and Tender)

FAQ

How long to grill pork chops at 275?

For pork chops, you’ll want to start them between 225°F and 275°F and cook them until the internal temperature reaches about 130°F, which can take up to 2 hours.

Is it better to bake pork chops fast or slow?

As with my dad’s pork chops, grilling is a high temperature cooking method. While I recommend cooking low and slow, I emphasize the word slow. This will not be a fast cooking process, so try it when you aren’t rushed. I put them in the oven, covered on the lowest bake setting, which happens to be 170 degrees.

How long to cook pork chops on low heat?

Use low heat. Slow cook pork chops anywhere from two to six hours on low heat.

Is it better to cook pork chops at a higher temperature?

For chops, we like to get our pan screaming hot…then take it down to medium. That first blast of heat helps get a good golden crust. But, if you keep it that high, the chop won’t cook evenly through the middle. Medium heat helps keep the outer edges of the meat tender while the center reaches the perfect temperature.

How long does it take to cook pork chops at 375?

Baking pork chops at 375 degrees F will take slightly less time, about 15 to 25 minutes. As a general rule of thumb, plan on 7 to 8 minutes per 1/2 inch of thickness for pork chops baked at 400 degrees F. This means 3/4-inch chops will take between 10 and 20 minutes. Pork chops baked at 425 degrees F will take between 8 and 18 minutes.

How long do you cook pork chops in the oven?

These baked pork chops are the best oven baked pork chops ever! They are so easy to make, super juicy, and flavorful. Rub them with a few pantry staple spices and pop them into the oven for about 20 minutes and dinner will be ready! Turn your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

How long to cook boneless pork chops?

Since pork chops are lean meat, they will dry out if you leave them in the oven for too long. But don’t worry, here’s an easy way to know exactly how long you should cook your chops. In a 400-degree Fahrenheit oven, boneless pork chops need to cook for 7 minutes per ½ inch of thickness.

How long do you bake breaded pork chops?

When you bake breaded chops, you need a hotter oven to crisp up the crumbs, so 425 degrees F is typical. 1/2- to 3/4-inch-thick chops will take about 20 minutes. At 400 degrees F you can count on 7 to 8 minutes for each 1/2 inch of thickness your pork chops are.