While there are a number of ways to cook pork chops for dinner, baking is arguably the easiest path to perfection. The hands-off cooking method cooks pork chops gently and evenly without the need for extra fat, resulting in juicy, healthier pork chops that pair well with practically any side dish. Here’s everything you need to know about how long to bake pork chops.
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. This temperature is ideal for thicker chops (between 1 and 2 inches) as well as pan-seared chops, since the lower, slower baking ensures that the pork cooks all the way through.
Baking pork chops at 400 degrees F will result in a slightly crisper, more caramelized exterior. It’s the ideal temperature for breaded pork chops, because the hotter temperature will crisp up the crumbs, as well as complete sheet pan meals, since 400 degrees F is the best temperature for roasting most vegetables.
How Long to Bake Pork Chops
Similar to determining the best temperature for baking pork chops, how long it takes to bake them depends on whether they’re boneless or bone-in, how thick they are and whether you’ve given them a headstart on the stovetop.
The recommendations below are for 3/4-inch bone-in pork chops. Reduce the bake time if starting with thinner or boneless chops, which cook more quickly. Increase the bake time for thicker pork chops, as well as breaded or stuffed pork chops.
How Long to Bake Pork Chops at 350 Degrees F
Baking pork chops at 350 degrees F will generally take 20 to 30 minutes.
How Long to Bake Pork Chops at 375 Degrees F
Baking pork chops at 375 degrees F will take slightly less time, about 15 to 25 minutes.
How Long to Bake Pork Chops at 400 Degrees F
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.
How Long to Bake Pork Chops at 425 Degrees F
Pork chops baked at 425 degrees F will take between 8 and 18 minutes.
How to Know When Pork Chops are Done
The most accurate way to tell when pork chops are done is to use an instant read thermometer. They’re ready to come out of the oven when the thickest part of the chop reaches an internal temperature of 145 F. Per the USDA, you’ll want to rest the pork chops for 3 minutes before slicing and serving.
