The Ideal Cooking Time for Pork Chops in the Oven at 350°F

Pork chops in the oven can be a total game-changer—juicy, tender, and packed with flavor when done right.

But get the timing wrong, and you’re looking at dry, tough meat that no amount of gravy can save.

That sweet spot of 350°F works wonders. It’s gentle enough to keep everything juicy but hot enough to give the meat a nice, golden-brown crust.

Plus, it’s a temperature that allows the flavors to develop slowly without drying everything out.

How Long Do Pork Chops Take at 350°F?

Cooking time isn’t just a “one-size-fits-all” situation. It depends on:

• Thickness of the pork chops
• Bone-in vs. boneless
• Oven reliability
• Whether (oops, let’s say “if”) the chops were seared beforehand

But as a general rule:

• ¾-inch thick pork chops: 20-25 minutes
• 1-inch thick pork chops: 25-30 minutes
• Bone-in pork chops: Add 5-10 minutes
• Boneless pork chops: Stick to the lower end of the time range

The Secret Weapon: A Meat Thermometer

If there’s one thing that changes the pork chop game, it’s a meat thermometer. Forget guessing. The best way to know when they’re done? 145°F in the thickest part. That’s the golden number for safe eating without losing all the juiciness.

Prepping Pork Chops Like a Pro

Cooking isn’t just about time—it’s about what happens before the oven. A little love beforehand makes all the difference.

1. Brining for Juiciness

Ever had pork chops that were dry no matter what? A brine changes that.

• Mix 4 cups of water, ¼ cup of salt, and 2 tablespoons of sugar.
• Let the chops soak for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
• Pat them dry before seasoning.

2. Seasoning for Flavor

Nobody likes bland food. A solid seasoning mix can make pork chops go from “meh” to “oh wow.” Some ideas:

• Classic: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika
• Sweet & Smoky: Brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt
• Herby: Rosemary, thyme, garlic, olive oil

Let the seasoning sit for at least 10 minutes before baking.

To Sear or Not to Sear?

Searing = extra flavor. If time allows, give each chop a quick 2-minute sear per side before baking. That caramelization locks in moisture and adds a deeper taste.

Baking Like a Pro

1. Use a Baking Dish or Sheet

A glass baking dish holds moisture, while a baking sheet gives more crispiness. Pick your team.

2. Don’t Forget Foil (or Don’t)

• Covering with foil? Helps retain moisture.
• No foil? A crispier crust but slightly more risk of dryness.

3. Let Them Rest

Five minutes. That’s all it takes for the juices to redistribute. Skip this step, and all that moisture ends up on the plate instead of in your bite.

Bonus: Oven-Baked Pork Chop Recipes

Want to try something different? Here are two killer recipes.

1. Garlic Butter Pork Chops

Rich, buttery, and full of garlic goodness.

Ingredients

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Season chops with salt, pepper, and paprika.
3. Heat butter in a skillet and sear chops for 2 minutes per side.
4. Transfer to a baking dish, add garlic, and bake for 25 minutes (or until 145°F internal temp).
5. Sprinkle with parsley and let them rest.

2. Honey Mustard Glazed Pork Chops

@t_rev_cooks Honey mustard pork chops 🧑🏼‍🍳 #foodie #food #dinnerideas #tiktokfood #cooking #recipe #recipeoftheday ♬ original sound – Trevor

A little sweet, a little tangy, and delicious.

Ingredients

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Mix mustard, honey, soy sauce, and garlic powder in a bowl.
3. Brush the mixture over the pork chops.
4. Bake for 25 minutes (or until 145°F internal temp).
5. Let them rest before serving.

Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

Best Oven Baked Pork Chops Recipe https://t.co/guNa3xHVR1

— Eating on a Dime (@eatingonadime) November 27, 2023

Even the best cooks make mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Skipping the thermometer → Leads to dry or undercooked meat.
• Not resting the chops → Juices spill out, making them dry.
• Overcooking → Anything past 145°F is asking for trouble.
• Not seasoning enough → Bland pork chops are just sad.

Wrapping It Up

Baking pork chops at 350°F doesn’t have to be a gamble. Stick to 20-30 minutes, check the internal temperature, and don’t skip resting time. Add a little seasoning love, maybe a sear, and you’ve got restaurant-quality chops at home.

For a perfect side, try making crispy okra chips—seasoned to perfection and crunchy, they complement the pork chops beautifully.

Now, go forth and cook some amazing pork chops—juicy, flavorful, and worth the wait.