How to Cook Juicy, Flavorful Thick Bone-In Pork Chops in the Oven

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For real, these Baked Bone-In Pork Chops are perfect! I’ve mastered the method to a fine point. They get quickly flash-seared for that beautifully caramelized outside, then baked in the oven to juicy perfection.

Trust me, they’re the ideal choice for a busy weeknight dinner. Plus, they’re always a hit with everyone at the table and pair perfectly with so many different sides. And the best part? No frying required, so you get all the flavor without any of the hassle!.

When it comes to pork chops, I love how versatile they are. The pork chops I make on the stove, in the slow cooker, or in an Italian braised sauce are always a hit with my family.

For me, the key with pork chops is to avoid ending up with dried, overcooked ones. It’s all about finding the right cooking method and timing to ensure they stay juicy and tender. That’s why I always keep a close eye on them to prevent overcooking. Sometimes it’s hard to get the balance just right, but when it is, the pork chops are always juicy and full of flavor.

Thick, bone-in pork chops can be intimidating to cook. With their uneven shape and thicker cut, it can be hard to ensure the pork cooks through without drying out. But cooking bone-in pork chops in the oven is an easy, foolproof way to get delicious, juicy results every time.

Benefits of Cooking Bone-In Pork Chops in the Oven

There are several advantages to using the oven to cook thick bone-in pork chops:

  • Even heating The ambient heat of the oven surrounds the pork chops and cooks them evenly from all sides, preventing undercooked or raw spots

  • Prevents drying out: Pork chops can dry out quickly on the stovetop or grill. The gentle heat of the oven allows them to cook through fully while retaining their natural juices and moisture.

  • Easy to monitor You can easily keep an eye on the chops in the oven and check their internal temperature with a meat thermometer

  • Versatile The oven frees up your stovetop and adds less mess than grilling You can even bake a whole meal at once by adding roasted veggies

Choosing the Right Thickness and Type of Chop

For the juiciest results when oven-roasting, look for:

  • Pork chops 1-2 inches thick: Thinner chops will dry out quickly, while thicker chops may be underdone in the center if not cooked properly. 1-2 inches provides the perfect thickness for even cooking.

  • Bone-in rib or loin chops: The bone adds flavor and moisture. Rib and loin chops are the most tender and juicy. Avoid ultra-lean boneless chops which can taste dry.

  • Unenhanced or naturally enhanced: Stay away from pork chops injected with broths or solutions, which dilutes flavor. Look for natural enhancements like sea salt if desired.

Seasoning and Preparing the Pork Chops

Proper seasoning and prep is key for maximum flavor. Make sure to:

  • Pat the chops dry before seasoning so spices stick

  • Generously season both sides with spices, salt, pepper, herbs etc. Popular options include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, cumin, chili powder, brown sugar etc. Massage the seasoning into the meat.

  • Allow the seasoned chops to sit out for 10-20 minutes before cooking. This helps them absorb the flavors and come to room temperature.

  • Brush with oil or melted butter right before putting them in the oven. This promotes browning and creates a delicious, caramelized crust.

How to Cook Bone-In Pork Chops in the Oven

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

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F-375°F. Lower temps result in a juicier interior.

2. Place the chops on a foil-lined baking sheet for easy cleanup. Leave space between each chop.

3. Cook for 25-35 minutes depending on thickness. Flip halfway through.Pork should reach 145°F internally.

4. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows juices to redistribute for a moist, tender chop.

5. Optionally, broil for 1-3 minutes at the end to crisp and caramelize the exterior. Watch closely to avoid burning.

Handy Tips for Baked Bone-In Pork Chops

  • Brushing the pan with oil prevents sticking and creates delicious fond as the pork cooks.

  • Use a digital meat thermometer to check doneness and avoid overcooking.

  • Add aromatics to the pan like garlic cloves, rosemary sprigs, onion slices etc. This adds a wonderful roasted flavor.

  • Try adding a flavorful liquid like wine, apple cider, chicken broth etc. to the baking pan which bastes the chops as they cook.

  • Elevate chops on a roasting rack to allow airflow underneath for crisping.

  • Let thicker, fattier chops rest up to 10 minutes; the temperature will continue to rise 5-10°F.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

It’s easy to end up with dry, bland pork chops if you make these rookie errors:

  • Not patting chops dry before seasoning

  • Using chops thinner than 1 inch

  • Overcrowding the pan which steams instead of browns

  • Baking at too high of temperature which dries out the exterior

  • Not checking temperature and overcooking

  • Cutting into chops immediately instead of letting them rest

Cooking Times for Different Thicknesses

To ensure your pork chops cook through without drying out, follow these time guidelines:

  • 1 inch thick: Bake at 350°F for 18-22 minutes.

  • 1 1⁄2 inches thick: Bake at 325°F for 25-30 minutes.

  • 2 inches thick: Bake at 300°F for 30-35 minutes.

Remember to always use a meat thermometer for perfectly cooked chops regardless of thickness. And let them rest before serving.

Recipe for Easy Oven-Baked Bone-In Pork Chops

This simple recipe results in flavorful, juicy pork chops every time:

Ingredients:

  • 4 bone-in pork chops, 1 1⁄2 inches thick
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp pepper
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1⁄2 tsp paprika

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
  2. Pat pork chops dry and coat both sides with oil.
  3. In a small bowl, combine seasonings. Generously season chops on both sides, pressing into the meat.
  4. Arrange chops on a foil-lined baking sheet.
  5. Bake 25-30 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145°F, flipping halfway.
  6. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.

This basic recipe can be easily adapted with your favorite herbs, spices, glazes and more to complement the delicious flavor of juicy, oven-baked pork chops.

Pairing Sides and Sauces

Bone-in pork chops deserve to be the star of the plate. Complement them with simple sides like:

  • Roasted potatoes or root vegetables
  • Skillet green beans or asparagus
  • Herb-roasted carrots
  • Brown or wild rice pilaf
  • Warm rolls or cornbread

And serve with tasty sauces like:

  • Apple cider glaze
  • Cranberry or cherry compote
  • Mustard cream sauce
  • Mango salsa
  • Chimichurri

Or keep it super simple with just a drizzle of good olive oil and flaky salt on top.

Cooking thick bone-in pork chops in the oven is one of the easiest ways to achieve a tender, juicy interior with a crispy, flavorful crust. Allowing the pork chops to come to room temperature, generously seasoning, checking temperature and letting them rest are keys for success. With minimal prep, you’ll enjoy restaurant-quality pork chops conveniently baked right at home. Experiment with different spice rubs, glazes and pan liquids to find your favorite oven-baked bone-in chop recipe.

how to cook thick bone in pork chops in oven

How to Bake Bone-In Pork Chops

1. Season the Chops: I start by drying the pork chops with a paper towel. Then, I brush them with a bit of olive oil and rub seasoning all over both sides. Or, I let them soak in my favorite marinade for at least 30 minutes. It really brings out the flavor!.

how to cook thick bone in pork chops in oven

2. Quick Sear: I heat a bit of oil in a cast iron skillet over high heat. I carefully put the pork chops in the hot pan and sear them for about two minutes on each side.

3. Bake: After flipping the chops over, I quickly transfer them to the oven preheated to 400°F. This is followed by baking them for 8 to 10 minutes, or until an instant read thermometer reads 145°F inside. Remember that the baking time can change based on how thick the chops are and how well the oven thermostat is set.

how to cook thick bone in pork chops in oven

I’ve included a good all-around seasoning rub in the recipe card. If you’re looking for some more specific flavors, I am giving you plenty of options here.

Remember, if marinating for more than one hour, keep the pork chops in the refrigerator. Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes prior to cooking to allow them to come to room temperature.

how to cook thick bone in pork chops in oven

  • Pick the Right Cut: I like to use pork chops with the bones still in them that are about an inch thick. The bone not only keeps the meat juicy, but it also makes the food taste better that you cook it.
  • Don’t Put Too Many Things in the Pan: I don’t put too many things in the skillet because it can steam them instead of sear them.
  • Let Them Rest: I let the pork chops rest for 5 to 10 minutes after baking them before cutting into them. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

These chops are super versatile. They go great with just about any side dish I choose. Here are some ideas I suggest:

Something Sweet: Sweet flavors go great with pork chops. Try some Peach Salsa or Mango Salsa on the side.

For plenty more ideas, check out our roundup of the best Sides for Pork Chops.

how to cook thick bone in pork chops in oven

If you’ve been on the hunt for the perfect bone-in pork chop recipe, look no further. These juicy, tender chops are a must-have for family dinners around here, and they’ll do the same for yours.

For more easy dinners, check out our hand picked collection of Dinner Ideas for Tonight. Until next time…

Baked Bone-In Pork Chops, on our Gypsy Plate… enjoy!

how to cook thick bone in pork chops in oven

how to cook thick bone in pork chops in oven

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FAQ

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

Is It Better to Bake Pork Chops at 350 or 400? The best temperature for baking pork chops depends on how thick they are, how you’ve prepared them and your personal preferences. Baking pork chops at 350 degrees F will result in more gently cooked and tender pork chops, but it will take more time.

How do you keep thick pork chops from drying out?

Try a Marinade or Brine. A marinade or brine can introduce more moisture or lots of flavor into your meat before you cook it. A marinade is a sauce that introduces extra flavor to your pork, depending on the aromatics or herbs you choose to include. A brine pulls more moisture into the meat, which keeps your pork juicy …

Should you cover pork chops when you’re baking them in the oven?

Unless you want to steam the chops, bake pork chops uncovered. This allows moisture to evaporate which enhances the malliard reaction, or browning of the meat. Is it better to bake pork chops at 350 or 400? Unless a meat or vegetable is being covered for a “Low and Slow” approach, I like higher-temp cooking.

What is the best way to cook pork chops without them drying out?

High-heat frying sears them to a golden brown; and a moderately hot oven (400 degrees F) bakes the pork chops gently enough to keep them from drying out. This “sear-roasting” method is a great way to cook pork chops in the oven: Fry one side to golden brown, then flip, and place the chops directly in the oven.

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