Achieving Perfectly Cooked 1-Inch Pork Chops at 350°F in the Oven

Pork chops make for a quick and satisfying dinner any night of the week. While pan frying or grilling are certainly options, the oven offers a hands-off and foolproof cooking method. When baking pork chops a temperature of 350°F is ideal for achieving chops that are juicy tender and perfectly cooked all the way through.

Why Bake at 350°F?

There are a few advantages to using a 350°F oven for pork chops:

• Gentle heat tenderizes the meat while retaining moisture Higher temps can dry out lean pork

• Chops cook evenly from all sides, not just the pan surface.

• Easy to keep an eye on doneness without burning.

• Allows chops to cook through without overbrowning.

In the 325-375°F range, 350° provides the right balance for baked pork chops. Much higher can toughen and desiccate the chops.

Cook Times at 350°F

While thickness is the biggest factor, as a general guideline:

• 1-inch thick bone-in chops: 25-30 minutes
• 3/4 to 1-inch thick boneless: 20-25 minutes
• 1/2 inch thick boneless: 15-18 minutes

These times are for chops baked at 350°F. Always rely on an instant read thermometer to confirm doneness rather than just the clock.

Step-by-Step Method

Follow these simple steps for foolproof oven baked pork chops every time:

1. Prep the chops: Pat dry, coat lightly with oil, generously season as desired.

2. Preheat oven to 350°F.

3. Bake chops: Place on a baking sheet or pan. Bake bone-in chops for 25-30 minutes, boneless for 20-25 minutes.

4. Check temperature: Test thickness center with thermometer for 145°F.

5. Rest and serve: Let chops rest 5 minutes before digging in!

Internal Temperature

Regardless of thickness or bone-in vs boneless, pork should reach a safe minimum internal temperature of 145°F. Let chops rest at least 5 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.

Always use an instant read thermometer to check doneness rather than just relying on cook time. This guarantees safely cooked, moist pork chops every time.

Bone-In vs. Boneless

• Bone-in: The bone partially shields the meat, so bone-in chops take a little longer. Plan on 25-30 minutes for 1-inch thick bone-in chops at 350°F.

• Boneless: Without that insulation, boneless chops cook faster at about 20-25 minutes for 1-inch thickness.

Let the thickness of the specific chops guide you rather than strict cook times. Rely on an instant read thermometer for accuracy.

Flavoring Ideas

At 350°F, chops have time to absorb flavors while cooking through. Sample seasoning ideas:

• Italian herb crust of parsley, oregano, garlic, paprika

• Chili lime spice rub

• Brown sugar ginger glaze

• Spanish smoked paprika, cumin, garlic

• savory onion mushroom gravy

Get creative with spice blends, herb crusts, glazes and pan sauces to liven up oven baked pork chops.

Serving Suggestions

To make it a well-rounded meal, consider these pairing ideas:

• Herb roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes

• Garlicky roasted broccoli or green beans

• Fresh green salad or kale Caesar salad

• Cheesy scalloped potatoes or au gratin potatoes

• Rice pilaf or quinoa

Find accompaniments that both contrast with and complement the savory chops.

Safety Tips

When handling raw pork:

• Wash hands and surfaces after handling.

• Use separate cutting boards for raw pork.

• Cook to a minimum internal temp of 145°F.

• Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Follow these guidelines for safely prepared pork chops.

Satisfying Oven Baked Chops

For a satisfying family dinner, bake up tender and juicy 1-inch pork chops at 350°F. Allow 20-30 minutes depending on bone-in or boneless. Finish with a quick pan sauce while chops rest before serving. Season and bake pork chops to perfection in your home oven.