I’m so excited to show you this guide for how to cook pork chops in the oven, perfectly every time! While not quite as fancy as stuffed pork chops, this baked pork chops recipe is a simple dish you need to try soon. It’s a great staple meal and so easy. One of my favorite things ever here at Wholesome Yum is to show you the basics of how to cook everything in the oven… from chicken legs to steak to even lobster tail… and now, how to cook pork chops in the oven.
Ingredients & Substitutions
This section explains how to choose the best ingredients for oven baked pork chops, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card below.
How To Choose Pork Chops:
You can make bone-in or boneless baked pork chops (sometimes they are called “pork loin chops”), but you can’t cook your way out of subpar ingredients. If you want delicious oven baked pork chops, start with these tips for picking them out:
Bone-in vs. boneless pork chops: Many love bone-in pork chops because it has great flavor (just like a bone-in steak), but really either will work… it’s up to you. Boneless pork chops are more sensitive to drying out, which is all the more reason you need to follow my tips and easy pork chops recipe below to avoid just that.Rib vs loin chops: Pork ribs are a center loin roast and are a fattier cut than the pork loin. If you prefer a more marbled cut, go with the rib. If you prefer a leaner cut, go with the loin.Thickness: Choose thick pork chops if possible — The best pork chops will be at least 3/4- to 1-inch thick, but if all you can find is 1/2 inch, they will do. Aim for a similar size and thickness, so that they cook evenly. Appearance: Look for firm, pinkish-red pork chops with some marbling. Avoid ones that are very pale or have dark spots.Humanely-raised or not: I prefer to buy humanely-raised pork, as I appreciate the farming practices and I think it tastes better! I get it delivered to my door from here.
If you want to pick up some other cuts of pork at the same time as your pork chops from the butcher, you might want to get some pork belly, pork tenderloin, or pork loin.
Other Ingredients:
While you can use simple olive oil, salt, and pepper, in my experience the best pork chop seasoning is a marinade!
Pork Chop Marinade – Don’t be intimidated, it’s so quick to throw together. You need only 5 ingredients: Olive oil, coconut aminos (or soy sauce), lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic (or garlic powder)… plus salt and pepper. Sometimes I like to throw in some paprika for extra flavor. It can be made in advance, and you probably have what you need to make this at home.Butter – Just a bit for flavor! But if you prefer to avoid it, any heat-safe oil will do.
How To Cook Pork Chops In The Oven
This section shows how to bake pork chops, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions, including amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card below.
How Long To Bake Pork Chops At 400 Degrees?
How long to cook pork chops in the oven will vary depending on the oven temperature, thickness of the chops, and whether you are using boneless or bone-in pork chops. My process for perfect baked pork chops includes searing them for about 2-3 minutes per side, then baking at 400 degrees F. Use the following time chart. The oven in the next step will finish cooking the pork chops. On average, baked bone-in pork chops will take 1-3 minutes longer than boneless.
At What Temperature Are Pork Chops Done?
For best results, use a meat thermometer to test for doneness. Pork chops are done when the internal temperature at the thickest part reaches 145 degrees F, but because the temperature rises as they rest, it’s best to remove then at 140 degrees F. I recommend a probe thermometer like this, so you don’t have to monitor (it will beep when it reaches the right temperature!). A regular instant read thermometer will work, though. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can still use my time range as a guide. Just know that the risk of overcooking is a bit higher, particularly with boneless pork chops. Cooking pork chops isn’t hard, but here are some common questions about cooking them that can help you feel confident. Use these tips for the best baked pork chops in oven!
Bring chops to room temperature before cooking. This helps the meat to cook evenly, but will also help keep the pork chops nice and juicy. Use a pork chop marinade. This is gives the pork chops major flavor, but will also help tenderize the meat. I recommend my 5-ingredient easy pork chop marinade! Sear in a hot cast iron pan first. This gives the pork chops a great crust, and if you use a grill pan like I do, you’ll also get grill marks! Be careful not to overcook. Overcooking the baked pork chops will make them dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to cook them perfectly each time. Resting baked pork chops is important. Cutting into the pork chops straight from the oven will cause all of the juice (i.e. flavor and moisture!) to run out of the pork chops. Just like a good sirloin steak or filet mignon, letting the pork chops rest before cutting into it allows the juices to redistribute into the meat.
Can You Make Baked Pork Chops Without Marinade?
Yes, you can! If you don’t use the marinade, use a brine instead:
Can You Skip The Pan Searing?
You can, but I don’t recommend it. Searing the chops first, followed by a short pork chop oven time, creates a beautiful golden crust and evenly cooked inside. Still, if you want to simply cook them in a baking dish, add about 10-12 minutes to the pork chop cook times listed above.
Can You Cook Pork Chops From Frozen?
You can bake pork chops from frozen, but I don’t recommend it. Cooking meat direct from the freezer will result in uneven cooking, meaning some parts will end up over cooked. If you have frozen pork chops, thaw them first in cold water before proceeding with the baked pork chop recipe. Besides, since you are marinating the meat anyway, you can let the chops thaw in the marinade in the fridge overnight if you have the time.
Can Pork Chops Be Pink?
Yes, pork chops are sometimes pink, even after they are fully cooked. Make sure you’re cooking to 145 degrees F and you are good!
Are Pork Chops Red Meat?
Yes, pork chops are red meat — despite the facts that pork doesn’t look red and pork chops are often referred to as “the other white meat”. This is because pork is high in myoglobin, a protein that is abundant in other red meat, such as lamb, veal and beef [*].
Storage Instructions
Store leftover pork in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.
What To Do With Leftover Pork Chops?
Use leftover pork in sandwiches, tacos, sliced on top of salads, or even just straight from the refrigerator.
Can You Freeze Pork Chops?
Yes, you can freeze pork chops for 2-3 months. They can be frozen before or after cooking. However, do not freeze raw pork chops in marinade — they will become mushy.
Reheating Instructions:
Reheat any leftover pork in a hot skillet or in the oven. If you want the absolute best, juiciest pork chops after reheating them, use my method for reheating reverse sear steak here (see the section about reheating instructions).
What To Serve With Pork Chops
These pork chops in the oven need a few sides for a great meal. (You can also add a pat of garlic butter on top.) Here are a few ideas:
Vegetables – Vegetable recipes like roasted asparagus, green beans (pictured above), smashed brussels sprouts, or sauteed broccoli all pair well with this recipe for pork chops.Salads – Salad recipes such as Greek salad, creamy cucumber radish, or a classic wedge salad make easy, healthy side dishes.Starches – While I don’t personally eat these much, roasted potatoes or rice make good pairings. I sub them with healthier mashed cauliflower (pictured above) or cauliflower rice instead.
More Easy Pork Chop Recipes
If you’re looking for more delicious pork chop recipes, try these:
- 1" thick boneless pork chops: 6-8 minutes
- 1/2" thick boneless pork chops: 3-4 minutes
- 1" thick bone-in pork chops: 8-10 minutes
- 1/2" thick bone-in pork chops: 5-6 minutes Share your recipe picture by tagging @wholesomeyum and hashtag it #wholesomeyum on Instagram, or in our Facebook support group, too – I’d love to see it! Only 1/4 of the marinade is included in the nutrition calculation, as a lot is discarded after marinating the pork chops.
