They are the most juicy, tender, and flavorful pork chops I’ve ever baked. They are also very simple to make—just a few simple spices and ingredients are all you need.
These pork chops baked in the oven are our favorite way to make dinner. They’re easy to make and always come out juicy and delicious.
Say goodbye to dry, flavorless pork chops. Here are some simple things you can do to make sure your pork chops are juicy, tender, and full of flavor. These baked pork chops are a mouthwatering meal that you’ll want to add to your recipe collection.
To make this recipe, you can use pork chops with or without bones. It tastes best with thick-cut pork chops. Serve with mashed potatoes and a salad. If you’d rather make a one-pan meal, roast the potatoes and vegetables together in the same pan. You’ll find all the details below!.
Boneless pork chops make for a quick and easy dinner. Their tender, mild flavor takes well to all sorts of seasonings and flavors. Baking is a healthy way to cook boneless pork chops while keeping them moist and juicy on the inside with a nice browned exterior. When baking boneless pork chops, a high temperature like 450°F helps seal in juices and creates a crispy, golden crust. But how long should boneless pork chops bake at 450°F?
How Thickness Impacts Bake Time
The bake time for boneless pork chops depends largely on their thickness. Thinner chops will cook faster, while thicker chops require more time in the oven. Here are general guidelines based on thickness:
- 3⁄4 inch thick – Bake at 450°F for 10-12 minutes
- 1 inch thick – Bake at 450°F for 14-16 minutes
- 1 1⁄2 inches thick – Bake at 450°F for 18-22 minutes
For reference, a typical boneless pork chop is around 1 inch thick. So for average-sized chops, start checking for doneness around the 14-16 minute mark when baking at 450°F
However, always rely on an instant-read thermometer to assess doneness rather than just bake time. The thermometer removes the guesswork and ensures the pork reaches a safe internal temperature.
Internal Temperature for Safely Baked Pork
Pork needs to reach an internal temperature of 145°F as measured by a food thermometer before it can be safely consumed
At 145°F, the pork will remain juicy and tender. Temperatures beyond 160°F can cause the pork to dry out.
Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chop, taking care not to hit bone.
Signs of Doneness Besides Temperature
In addition to using a food thermometer, look for these visual cues that the pork chops are fully baked:
- Outside surface is golden brown
- Meat has firmed up and is no longer pink
- Clear juices run from the pork when pierced with a knife
The pork may still show a hint of pink color even when it reaches 145°F, but this is normal. Always rely on the thermometer reading over appearances.
Why 450°F is the Best Baking Temperature
Baking boneless pork chops at a high temperature like 450°F offers several advantages:
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Seals in moisture and juices inside the meat
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Allows the outside to caramelize into an appetizing browned crust
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Shortens bake time compared to lower temperatures
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Intensifies the flavors of any seasoning or marinade
The hot 450°F oven rapidly cooks the exterior while slowly penetrating inside. Lower temperatures result in uneven cooking and a paler, less appetizing exterior.
Preventing Dryness During Baking
To prevent dry pork chops when baking at 450°F, utilize these tips:
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Brine chops in saltwater before baking to boost moisture
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Coat chops in oil before seasoning to help retain juices
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Grill or pan sear chops first, then finish baking to lock in juices
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Bake chops on a rack set over a baking sheet so air circulates underneath
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Allow chops to rest 5-10 minutes after baking so juices redistribute
Cooking Tips for the Best Baked Pork Chops
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Pat chops dry before seasoning or flour coating to help browning
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Avoid overcrowding chops in the baking pan
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Flip chops halfway through baking for even cooking on both sides
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Let chops sit at room temperature for 15-30 minutes before baking
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Bake a few minutes past 145°F, as temperature will rise further during resting
With the proper baking time and temperature, boneless pork chops come out tender and flavorful every time. Use a thermometer for the best gauge of doneness.
Common FAQs About Baking Boneless Pork Chops
What temperature should I preheat the oven to?
Preheat the oven to 450°F when baking boneless pork chops. This high heat helps create a nice browned exterior.
Should I flip the chops during baking?
Yes, flipping the chops halfway through baking allows them to cook evenly on both sides.
Can I test for doneness before the minimum bake time?
Yes, always test pork chops early with a thermometer instead of just relying on bake times. Check for 145°F.
Is it bad if my pork chops turn a little pink after baking?
Some pink color is normal even when pork reaches 145°F, so don’t rely solely on visual color. Always use a thermometer.
Should I let chops rest after baking?
Yes, letting chops rest for 5-10 minutes allows juices to redistribute so they stay moist when cut. Tent chops with foil while resting.
How Long to Bake Pork Chops
Setting the oven to high heat for a shorter time is the best way to keep your pork chops from drying out. I bake my pork chops at 425° F. At this temperature, 1-inch thick boneless pork chops take between 15-20 minutes to cook.
After your pork chops have cooked for about 12 minutes, you will want to check on them often. It is easy to over cook pork chops if you don’t keep an eye on them. They will cook quickly at the end.
You can use an instant read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork chops. This is the most accurate way to check that they are cooked through.
The USDA recommends that you cook pork chops to an internal temperature of at least 145° F and then allow the meat to rest for at least 3 minutes, for food safety. I cook my pork chops to an internal temperature of 145-150° F. After removing the pan from the oven, let the meat rest for about 5 minutes. The temperature of the meat will continue to rise about 5 degrees due to carryover cooking.
How to Bake Pork Chops
- Use paper towels to dry the pork chops, and then rub them with olive oil.
- A simple mix of brown sugar, paprika, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper should be rubbed on the pork chops. As the pork chops bake, the brown sugar helps the seasoning turn into a caramel.
- Put pork chops without bones in the oven and cook them for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are done.
- After cooking, let the pork chops sit on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
The full recipe with ingredient amounts and instructions can be found at the end of this post.