Baking pork chops depends on their temperature and thickness; for optimal results, aim to reach an internal temperature of at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit during baking.
Wipe your pork chops clean using paper towels, and season both sides with salt and pepper for optimal results. Place on a wire rack on a baking sheet.
Sear the Chops
An important component of crafting delicious baked pork chops lies in giving them a quick pan searing to seal in their juices, either on the stovetop or oven, for about 3-4 minutes per side on a 1/2 inch thick chop. Baking time depends upon thickness and oven temperature – breaded pork chops require longer due to additional layers of crust.
Prepare the chops to room temperature for at least 30-60 minutes prior to cooking them; this allows them to reach an even temperature throughout, making sear marks on both sides more likely.
Lightly grease a large skillet or frying pan (I prefer cast iron or carbon steel as they have higher heat tolerance than nonstick) with just enough canola or vegetable oil to lightly coat its bottom – too much will cause smoke and spatter when adding your chops!
Apply a thin coating of paper towels to your pork chops before using them for this step, which will create a crispy exterior while eliminating moisture that would cause it to steam instead of sear the meat. It is also crucial that they sit at room temperature while you prepare the other ingredients, so as to allow for an even cooking experience.
Salt and pepper the pork chops on both sides to prevent any spices from burning during the searing process and create an attractive crust on your finished pork chops. You may add other mild seasonings, like rosemary or thyme for additional flavor enhancement.
Once the pan is hot, add the pork chops and cook until their undersides have become golden-brown, approximately 2-3 minutes. Use tongs to gently turn and sear both sides before removing from the heat source and placing in an appropriate baking dish or cookie sheet for further storage.
Bake the Chops
Once the oil is hot, add your pork chops to a hot pan and sear both sides for three minutes each before moving the pan to the oven and roasting them for 6 to 7 minutes or until their internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit – you can test for doneness by pressing lightly on one of your pork chops – it should spring back and feel firm!
Baking a pork chop depends on various factors, including thickness, bone-in or boneless preparation, and whether or not covered while in the oven. On average, it takes between 20-45 minutes.
In order to prevent overcooking of pork chops, make sure to monitor their internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer when they’re about halfway through cooking. Also allow time for them to rest after they come out of the oven to maintain moisture and flavor retention.
If you want to add flavorful sauces to your oven baked pork chops, this easy butter sauce recipe may be just what’s needed. Simply melt some butter, mix in some minced garlic and chopped thyme before pouring it over your cooked chops for a flavorful sauce that goes perfectly with them!
To prevent oven-baked pork chops from drying out while they bake, add a pat of butter or several tablespoons of broth before baking them. You may also cover them with aluminum foil during the last five minutes for even greater moisture retention. Furthermore, overcooking can lead to tough and dry meat; baking them until their internal temperature reaches 145degF is an ideal way to ensure they’re fully cooked and ready to enjoy! Enjoy!
Let the Chops Rest
Pork chops are lean cuts of meat that need time to warm up before being placed in the oven, otherwise some areas will cook faster than others. That is why it is crucial that after cooking is completed, meat resting should occur for an adequate amount of time so its internal temperature rises and evenly cooks throughout. This simple step will result in tender and flavorful dinners every time!
Add extra flavor and crispiness to your pork chops by seasoning with a seasoning rub, such as garlic powder, paprika and salt; simply apply both sides with this mixture before baking until an instant-read thermometer registers 145F, approximately 20 minutes.
Remove the pork chops from the oven, and allow them to rest for 3 to 4 minutes before cutting into them for optimal juiciness and flavor. This allows its juices to redistribute through the meat for maximum juicy and flavorful bites!
So while your pork chops are resting, take the opportunity to prepare a delicious side dish! Try coating green beans or other cut vegetables in olive oil with seasoning and roast them on the same baking sheet as your chops for a convenient and quick one-pan meal that everyone in your family will love.
Resting time is certainly crucial, but so too is ensuring the meat is properly seasoned before going in the oven. Since pork is relatively lean meat, not adding enough salt and spices could dry it out before its done cooking. To prevent this from happening, lightly season pork chops with Kosher salt and black pepper before searing them; alternatively you could soak or rub your chops in marinades to help retain moisture levels during their journey to being deliciously succulent bites of pork goodness.
Serve the Chops
Once your pork chops have been fully baked, remove them from the oven and cover loosely with foil to keep them warm while they rest. Allowing ample resting time allows your internal temperature to increase slightly while also giving them time to absorb any flavorful sauce used during baking.
Once your pork chops have rested, they’re ready for serving. Pork chops make an impressive main course or delicious side dish when served alongside other proteins like leg of lamb or steak – you could even top them with vegetables or soup for an easy and nutritious dinner option!
Add extra flavor and sweetness to your baked pork chops by creating an easy garlic butter sauce to serve alongside them. Prep time should only require minimal ingredients.
Heat one tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet, and once it’s hot add two bone-in or four boneless pork chops. Cook them for six minutes on each side to create an eye-catching golden-brown sear; flipping as necessary to achieve an even sear. Alternatively, transfer to an oven-safe 15x10x1 baking sheet and bake at 145 degrees Fahrenheit until your chops reach this safe internal temperature.
Bone-in pork chops require 10%-20% more time at the same temperature than their boneless counterparts to bake properly, so to be on the safe side it is a good idea to check their internal temperature about five minutes prior to their recommended baking time elapsing to ensure you don’t overdo them and use a meat thermometer if possible to ensure even cooking throughout. Once ready for serving allow for five minutes of rest time so their internal temperatures may continue to increase after you serve them and enjoy these juicy and flavorful oven baked pork chops which will have you coming back for more!