These tender bone-in oven-baked pork chops are full of flavor and absolutely delicious.
Our family loves how quickly these baked pork chops come together — just a few simple spices and under 20 minutes from oven to table.
Serve with mashed potatoes or rice and a side of vegetables for a comforting Sunday dinner or an easy weeknight meal.
Easy Baked Bone-In Pork Chops Recipe
With a few straightforward steps you’ll have juicy, bone-in pork chops on the table. These chops are seared briefly and finished in the oven for a tender result that slices almost like butter.
The key to consistently tender chops is using a digital meat thermometer to monitor internal temperature. Check the temperature about seven minutes into baking by inserting the probe horizontally into the center of the chop and estimate remaining time from that reading.
These oven-baked chops are easy enough to become a regular family favorite. Searing first gives a beautiful color and helps keep the meat juicy while a short bake at a moderate temperature prevents drying.
If you enjoy variety, try other pork chop preparations such as casseroles or marinated chops, but this basic oven-baked method is a great everyday technique.
How to Make Bone-In Pork Chops in the Oven
- Season chops and let sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to reduce chill.
- Rub the seasoning mix into both sides of the chops.
- Preheat oven to 350ºF.
- Sear each chop in a very hot skillet for one minute per side.
- Arrange chops on a rimmed baking sheet and bake uncovered for 7 minutes.
- Check the internal temperature with a digital meat thermometer and flip the chops.
- Bake an additional 4–8 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 145ºF.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 3 minutes before slicing and serving.
How Long Does it Take to Bake Bone-In Pork Chops at 350?
In a typical convection oven at 350ºF, bone-in pork chops about 1/2″–3/4″ thick take roughly 9–15 minutes total when seared first. Baking times vary with thickness, initial meat temperature, and oven differences, so rely on a thermometer rather than the clock.
Is It Better To Bake Pork Chops at 350 or 400?
Baking at 350ºF after a quick sear gives the best balance of color and juiciness. Higher temperatures shorten the margin for error and increase the risk of overcooking, so 350ºF is recommended for reliably tender chops.
Should Chops Be Seared Before Baking?
Searing for one minute per side in a very hot skillet enhances flavor, texture and tenderness. While not strictly required, searing does improve the overall result and reduces the oven time because the meat starts hotter.
No oil is necessary if using a hot nonstick skillet. Season chops before searing.
Ingredients Needed
- Bone-in pork chops – choose chops of even thickness, such as center-cut loin chops
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Oregano
- Basil
What Temp Should Pork Chops Be Cooked To?
Cook bone-in pork chops to an internal temperature of 145ºF. Use a digital meat thermometer for an accurate reading.
Tips For Using a Meat Thermometer:
- Keep the probe clear of bone.
- Insert so the probe is surrounded by meat and not touching the pan or air.
- Digital thermometers are more reliable than cheaper instant-read models.
- Pork at 145ºF will be tender and juicy and may show a slight blush of pink in the center.
Do You Cover Meat While Baking?
No. Pork chops do not need to be covered. When you remove them from the oven at 145ºF and allow a brief rest, they retain moisture. The most important factor is avoiding overcooking.
Follow basic food safety practices like proper storage and handling. Properly cooked pork is safe and delicious when prepared to the recommended temperature.
Seasoning
Mix kosher salt, freshly ground pepper, smoked paprika, oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, and basil in a small bowl. Use immediately or store in an airtight container.
Step By Step Instructions
Set pork chops out for about 30 minutes so they warm slightly; smaller temperature changes during cooking help keep proteins tender.
Arrange chops in a single layer on a baking sheet and season both sides, rubbing the spices into the meat. Preheat oven to 350°F.
Heat a nonstick skillet over high heat and sear the chops for one minute per side. Transfer to the baking sheet and bake for 7 minutes, then flip and check temperature. Continue baking 2–6 more minutes until the center reaches 145°F. Remove, rest a few minutes, slice and serve.
Recipe Tips & Tricks
- Searing can be skipped to save time, but it noticeably improves tenderness and color.
- Insert the thermometer horizontally into the center of the chop for the most accurate reading.
- Stay nearby while the meat cooks so you can monitor temperature and avoid overcooking.
- Allow chops to rest a few minutes after baking before slicing.
- For kids, slice meat off the bone before serving to make eating easier.
- Boneless chops will cook slightly faster than bone-in chops.
Best Pork Chop Recipes
- Marinated Pork Chops
- Farmhouse Pork Chop & Stuffing Casserole
- Easy Caramel Apple Pork Chops
- Instant Pot Pork Chops with Sauerkraut, Apples and Bacon
What to Serve With Pork Chops:
- Traditional cornbread dressing
- Ranch glazed carrots
- Sweet potato souffle
- Crock pot sweet potato casserole
Bone In Oven Baked Pork Chops
A few spices and a short sear followed by a quick finish in the oven make this a reliable, weeknight-friendly main.
Equipment
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Meat thermometer
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Baking sheet
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Tongs or turner
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in pork chops
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/8 teaspoon basil
Instructions
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Allow pork chops to come to room temperature while following food safety guidelines.
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Preheat oven to 350ºF and mix the spices together.
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Place chops in a single layer, season both sides and rub the seasoning into the meat.
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Sear chops in a very hot skillet for one minute per side.
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Bake for 7 minutes, flip, and check temperature with a digital thermometer.
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Bake an additional 2–6 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145ºF. Remove from oven and let rest for 3 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Make sure the thermometer does not touch the bone.
- Ensure the probe is surrounded by meat, not touching the pan or air.
- Digital thermometers are recommended for accuracy.
- Pork chops cooked to 145ºF are tender and juicy.
- Searing improves texture but is optional.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an estimate. For exact values, run ingredients through your preferred nutrition calculator.
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Originally published on June 17, 2019 with photos updated February 10, 2023.
