How Long to Bake Thick Cut Pork Chops for Perfectly Cooked Meat

With a few simple tricks, you can make juicy and tender baked pork chops. Of all the pork chop recipes we’ve shared, this baked version is the one I use the most. The pork turns out incredibly delicious, tender, and juicy.

You can bet that I’ll use this baked pork chop recipe whenever I have pork chops in the house. It’s easy, and the pork turns out so well.

Thick cut pork chops make for an incredibly satisfying entree. The thick bone-in chops have substantial heft and meatiness, providing plenty of juicy pork flavor in every bite when cooked properly. However, the thickness poses a challenge, requiring more time in the oven to reach the ideal internal doneness without drying out. Underbake a thick chop and the center will be disappointingly raw and tough. Bake too long and you’ll end up with an overcooked, dried out hockey puck. So what is the optimal bake time for nice and thick pork chops?

Factors That Affect Thick Pork Chop Bake Times

Several factors come into play when determining the bake time needed for thick pork chops

Thickness – The thicker the chop, the longer the bake time. 1-inch chops bake faster than 1 1/2 inch or 2-inch chops.
Bone-In vs Boneless – Bone-in chops take longer than boneless. The bone insulates the meat, slowing cooking.
Temperature – Higher oven temps cook faster but can dry out the exterior before the interior is done.
Prep Method – Chops seared before baking cook faster than raw chops put straight into the oven.
Quantity – Multiple chops spaced together bake slower than a single chop with room around it for air flow.

Recommended Bake Times Based on Thickness

Follow these bake time guidelines based on the thickness of your pork chops:

For 1-inch thick pork chops:

At 350°F, bake for 25-35 minutes
At 375°F, bake for 20-30 minutes
At 400°F, bake for 15-25 minutes
At 425°F, bake 12-20 minutes

For 1 1/2 inch thick pork chops:

At 350°F, bake for 35-45 minutes
At 375°F, bake for 30-40 minutes
At 400°F, bake for 25-35 minutes
At 425°F, bake for 20-30 minutes

For 2-inch thick pork chops:

At 350°F, bake for 45-60 minutes
At 375°F, bake for 40-55 minutes
At 400°F, bake for 35-50 minutes
At 425°F, bake for 30-45 minutes

These times are for bone-in chops. Boneless chops will bake slightly faster. Reduce times by 2-5 minutes for boneless.

How to Tell When Thick Pork Chops Are Fully Cooked

Using an instant read thermometer is the most reliable way to determine doneness for thick pork chops. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chop, avoiding bone.

For food safety, the USDA recommends cooking pork to a minimum internal temperature of 145°F, followed by a 3 minute rest. At 145°F the pork will be juicy and faintly pink. For chops 1 1/2 inches or thicker, some people prefer cooking to 160°F for more well done meat with just a hint of pink in the center.

If you don’t have a thermometer, make a small cut into the thickest section after the minimum bake time. The interior should show no traces of raw pink color. Juices should run clear, not red. The meat should appear opaque throughout.

Tips for Moist, Juicy Thick Cut Pork Chops

Bring chops to room temp before baking for more even cooking.
Pat dry before baking to maximize browning and prevent steaming.
Lightly coat with oil before baking to boost browning.
Flip chops halfway through bake time for even doneness top to bottom.
Allow chops to rest 3-5 minutes before slicing to retain juices.

Common Baking Mistakes to Avoid

Baking at too low a temperature, causing undercooking.
Baking at too high a temperature, resulting in dry, overcooked meat.
Baking too many chops crowded together, preventing even cooking.
Skipping the resting period, causing juice loss when slicing.
Cutting into chops immediately after baking without checking internal temp.

With the proper baking time, temperature, and technique, you can achieve thick pork chops with a browned, flavorful crust and juicy, tender interior every time. Focus on monitoring for doneness and resist the urge to overbake. Let your thick chops rest before slicing and dig in to some seriously tasty oven-baked pork.

how long to bake thick cut pork chops

Storing Baked Pork Chops

Baked pork chops last in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. I prefer to wrap them in foil and then place them into freezer-safe bags or containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

To keep the pork chops from drying out, heat them up again in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or liquid. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for a few minutes or until heated through.

How to Make Baked Pork Chops

I let pork chops sit on the counter for 30 minutes after cooking them so they get a little warmer. Also, now is a great time to season them, because the salt will have time to make the meat taste and feel better. Think of this as a quick brine for the chops. The salt acts as a dry brine.

I also heat up the oven ahead of time so that when I put them in, it’s already hot and ready to bake them to perfection. (I use a 375°F oven. ).

Before baking the chops, I sear them in a skillet first. Even though this recipe calls for baked pork chops, trust me when I say it’s worth the extra 5 minutes to sear them well before baking them. I wish I could tell you that putting raw pork chops on a baking sheet and baking them will make them tasty, but I haven’t been able to make that work yet. Searing your pork chops before baking them is the way to go!.

how long to bake thick cut pork chops

I sear and bake the chops in my oven-safe cast iron skillet because I don’t like having extra dirty pans and dishes. Not having one? Sear the chops in a skillet on the stove, then move them to a baking dish and finish cooking them in the oven.

After searing them on the stove, the pork chops bake in the oven for 10 to 15 minutes. A meat thermometer set to 145°F to 150°F tells me when the pork chops are done baking. From there, I transfer them to a plate and allow them to rest before serving.

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FAQ

How long to cook thick pork chops in oven at 400?

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.

Is it better to cook pork chops at 350 or 400?

Tips for The Best Baked Pork Chops Use a relatively low temperature to cook the baked pork chops slowly. 350 degrees F takes about 15 minutes longer to cook the chops to the right internal temperature than 400 degrees, but it results in a juicier and more flavorful meal.

How long does it take to cook a thick cut pork chop?

Add one pat of butter on top of each pork chop. Transfer the skillet with pork chops to the preheated oven and bake the chops until an internal temperature of at least 145° F—about 15-20 minutes.

How long do you cook pork chops in the oven at 350 degrees?

Bake pork chops that are about 1¼-inch thick at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 14 to 17 minutes or until an instant-read thermometer registers 145 degrees Fahrenheit. If you’re concerned about the bake time varying because the chops are boneless or bone-in, stop worrying.