What Temp to Cook Pork Chops
on Mar 11, 2023
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What’s the best temp to cook pork chops? Properly cooked pork chops are tender, juicy, and full of flavors, while overcooked pork is chewy and dry. From cooking temperature to internal temperature, we got you covered.
Pork chops are easy to overcook, which means they can dry out easily. Nothing is worse than a dry, chewy chop!
With some helpful hints, you can forget about dry pork chops and say hello to perfectly moist and tender pork chops from here on out!
What Temp Do You Cook Pork Chops?
There isn’t a wrong way to do it, but most chefs tend to cook pork chops between 400°F and 425°F. Cooking chops faster can preserve the juices and give you juicier meat. It sears the outside and allows the meat to preserve heat.
You can bake chops at 350°F or 375°F if they are thicker than 1-1/2”. They take longer to cook since they’re thicker and you can create a crunchy, caramelized crust on the outside by cooking at a lower temperature.
What Temp Are Pork Chops Done?
When pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F, they are safe to consume, according to the USDA. The meat should rest for at least 3 minutes before serving. Harmful bacteria are eliminated at this temperature. This temperature means the meat will be cooked to medium doneness.
If you prefer to cook your meat longer, follow this guide below:
- Medium: Internal temp 150°F
- Medium-well: Internal temp 155°F
- Well-done: Internal temp 160°F
Note: Pork chops become chewier when they reach an internal temperature above 150°F, particularly if they are boneless.
How to Measure Pork Chop Temperature
- For an accurate reading, measure the internal temperature of pork chops at the thickest part of the meat, away from the bone. If the pork chop is cut thinner than 3/4”, check the temperature from the side.
- Verify the internal temperature immediately after removing meat from the heat or while it is cooking.
How Long to Cook Pork Chops
You can cook boneless pork chops for 7 minutes per 1/2” (1.3 cm) of thickness. Follow this guide for more accurate cooking times:
| Pork Chop Oven Temp | Boneless Pork Chop Bake Time | |
| ½ in / 1 cm thick | 1 in / 2½ cm thick | |
| 350°F / 175°C | 10-12 min | 20-22 min |
| 375°F / 190°C | 8-10 min | 18-20 min |
| 400°F / 205°C | 7-8 min | 15-18 min |
| 425°F / 220°C | 6-7 min | 12-15 min |
Note: Reduce baking time by 2 minutes if you pan sear the meat first.
Pork chops with the bone are definitely more flavorful than boneless pork chops. There are two kinds of bone-in chops: rib chops and loin chops. They normally cook about 3 to 5 minutes more than boneless chops, depending on the size of the bone. Larger bones will take more time to cook through.
Tips For The Best Pork Chops
- Thicker is better. Choose thicker pork chops whenever possible. They hold in more heat and juices, resulting in a more tender and tasty meal.
- Sit chops at room temperature for 30 minutes. Removing pork chops from the fridge before cooking can speed up the cooking process.
- Pat meat dry first. Using a paper towel, pat pork chops dry to remove excess moisture. This will help them sear perfectly.
- Oil them up. Rubbing oil over your pork chops with canola oil is best for optimal searing.
- Season well. Use your favorite spices or seasonings and rub them generously over the meat to help add flavor and retain moisture.
- Verify internal temperature. Cooking times can vary based on thickness or different ovens. Always check the internal temperature before serving.
- Let chops rest. For maximum tenderness, allow pork chops to rest for 5 minutes after baking. This helps them retain more moisture for a more tender finish.
FAQ
Is It Better To Bake Pork Chops At 350°f Or 400°f?
It is best to bake pork chops at 400°F so the crust can caramelize well and the meat will cook quicker. You can bake them at 350°F if you prefer, but they will take longer to cook and can dry out if you don’t watch them carefully.
What Temp Should A Pork Chop Be Cooked To?
Pork roasts and chops should cook to a minimum internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Always allow for a minimum of 3 minutes rest time after removing from heat to ensure they are juicy, tender, and safe to eat.
How Long To Bake Pork Chops At 375°F?
This can depend on the thickness of your pork chops. For 1-inch boneless pork, you can bake your chops for 18 to 20 minutes at 375°F. For a 1/2” chop, 10 to 15 minutes will suffice. Chops must rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Do You Bake Pork Chops Covered Or Uncovered?
It is best to bake pork chops uncovered so they can caramelize on the outside. Covering them will produce more steam and a softer exterior.
How To Store Leftovers?
Allow pork chops to cool down to room temperature before storing them. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can also freeze leftover pork chops in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
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How to Bake Pork Chops (With the Right Temp)
Ingredients
Pork Chops
- 4 boneless pork chops, 1-inch thick
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Pork Chop Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Optional: Remove the pork chops from the refrigerator 30 minutes ahead of time to approach room temperature.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C) with the rack in the middle position. Lightly grease a rimmed baking sheet with vegetable oil or cooking spray and set aside.
- Pat dry the pork chops with paper towels. Place them on a sheet pan in a single layer and rub with oil on all sides.
- In a small bowl combine paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub the seasoning mixture over all sides of each pork chop.
- Cover the pork chops loosely with aluminum foil and bake for about 15 minutes depending on thickness (see note). Do not flip the chops while baking.
- Check doneness by inserting an instant-read thermometer into the middle of the chop. Remove from the oven once the internal temperature reads 145°F (63°C).
- Using kitchen tongs, transfer the pork chops to a cutting board or a plate. Tent will foil and rest undisturbed for 5-7 minutes before serving.
Nutrition information provided is an estimate only and will vary based on ingredient brands and cooking methods used.
