Here's How Long To Bake Pork Chops In The Oven For The Best Results

There are few dinners worse than an overcooked pork chop. When this cut is overdone, it's dry and chewy, so cooking these to perfection is important. Pork chops can be prepared on the grill, in a pan, or in the oven. If you're using the latter method, you only want to cook them for between 15 and 20 minutes at a pretty high temperature — around 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

The proper cooking length is less about measuring time and more about measuring internal temperature. Pork cuts need to be cooked to 145 degrees Fahrenheit, so depending on the thickness of your pork chops, that could be as little as 15 minutes or closer to 20. It's best to use a meat thermometer after 15 minutes to see if they've reached that mark; if so, remove them, and let them rest for at least three minutes to help those juices redistribute and keep the moisture even throughout the meat. 

Time and internal temperature are important for food safety and for cooking tender, juicy meat, but there are a few other things to pay attention to when baking this pork cut. You want to sear the pork chops on high heat because it allows the exterior to slightly crisp while keeping the interior juicy. To help get a better caramelization on the pork chops as they bake, you can also broil them on high for just a few minutes once they're almost done. The addition of any sugar in a marinade, such as honey, will also aid in the caramelization process. Marinating isn't required, but it's great for building deep flavor.

Season the pork chops any way you want, and make sure you properly salt them so the flavor can develop while the chops bake. You don't want to draw out moisture for this cut, so generously salt the meat with kosher salt just prior to cooking it. With a little caramelization and the right amount of seasoning, those pork chops will taste immaculate when baked for just the right amount of time.