How Long To Cook 1 Inch Pork Chops At 350? (Fully Explained)

Are you tired of overcooking or undercooking your pork chops? Cooking pork chops to perfection can be a daunting task, especially if you’re not sure how long to cook them for.

With so many different opinions and recipes out there, it can be hard to know what’s right. But fear not! In this article, we’ll break down the cooking times for 1 inch pork chops at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, so you can achieve juicy and flavorful pork chops every time.

Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, read on to learn how to cook the perfect pork chop.

How Long To Cook 1 Inch Pork Chops At 350?

When it comes to cooking 1 inch pork chops at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, the general rule of thumb is to bake them for 25-30 minutes. However, this time can vary depending on the thickness of the pork chop.

Thinner pork chops, around 1 centimeter thick or less, will only need to be baked for about 10-12 minutes. Meanwhile, thicker pork chops that are more than 2 inches thick may require an additional 5-10 minutes in the oven.

To ensure that your pork chops are cooked to perfection, it’s important to use an instant-read thermometer. The internal temperature of the pork chop should reach 145 degrees Fahrenheit before it’s considered safe to eat.

It’s also important to note that bone-in and boneless pork chops have the same baking time as long as they have the same thickness. If you’re using boneless pork chops that are thinner than 1 inch, decrease the baking time accordingly.

Preparing Your Pork Chops

Before baking your pork chops, it’s important to prepare them properly to ensure that they’re flavorful and juicy. One optional step is brining the pork chops, which involves soaking them in a saltwater solution for 30 minutes to 4 hours. This process adds flavor and helps to keep the pork chops moist during cooking.

To brine your pork chops, bring 1 cup of water to a boil and add salt and any optional flavorings, such as herbs or spices. Stir until the salt is dissolved, then add 2 more cups of cold water to bring the temperature down. Place the pork chops in a shallow dish and pour the brine over them, making sure they’re fully submerged. Cover the dish and refrigerate for the desired amount of time.

When you’re ready to bake your pork chops, remove them from the brine and pat them dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper or any other desired seasonings, such as Italian seasoning or garlic powder.

For a nice golden sear, use a cast iron skillet to cook your pork chops. Preheat the skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil when it’s hot and shimmering. Sear the pork chops for about 3 minutes on each side without moving them to allow for a nice crust to form.

After searing, transfer the skillet directly into a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit when tested with an instant-read thermometer.

Once your pork chops are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them rest for at least 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chop.

Seasoning Your Pork Chops

Seasoning your pork chops is a crucial step in bringing out their full flavor potential. The pork chop seasoning recipe provided above is a great option to use for seasoning your pork chops before cooking. However, it’s important to note that there are no hard and fast rules for what goes into the seasoning. You can customize it to your taste by adding or omitting certain ingredients.

To use the seasoning, start by rubbing it directly onto the surface of the pork chop. Make sure to cover both sides of each chop liberally with the seasoning. Let the meat sit for at least 15 minutes to allow the seasoning to sink in. For best results, let it sit for 2 hours or even overnight in the refrigerator.

When it comes to seasoning your pork chops, there are other options besides the recipe provided above. Rosemary, oregano, and marjoram are great herbs to use on pork chops. You can also consider swapping out the thyme or sage for one of these herbs to switch things up.

No matter what seasoning you choose to use, be sure to use an instant-read thermometer to ensure that your pork chops are cooked to perfection. Remember, the internal temperature of the pork chop should reach 145 degrees Fahrenheit before it’s considered safe to eat.

Cooking 1 Inch Pork Chops At 350 Degrees Fahrenheit

If you’re cooking 1 inch pork chops at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, the first step is to preheat your oven. While the oven is preheating, take your pork chops out of the refrigerator and allow them to come to room temperature. This will help ensure that they cook evenly.

Next, season your pork chops with your desired spices and place them on a baking sheet or in a baking dish. Make sure that they’re arranged in a single layer and not touching each other.

Once your oven is preheated, place the baking sheet or dish with the pork chops inside. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the pork chop reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit.

It’s important to note that if your pork chops are thinner than 1 inch, you should decrease the baking time accordingly. Thinner pork chops will cook faster than thicker ones.

To make sure that your pork chops are cooked to perfection, use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature. Insert the thermometer into the center of the pork chop and make sure it reads 145 degrees Fahrenheit.

Once your pork chops are done cooking, take them out of the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful pork chop.

Checking For Doneness

To check if your 1 inch pork chops are cooked to perfection, insert an instant-read meat thermometer into the center of the pork chop. Make sure it reads an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the minimum safe temperature for pork, and anything below this temperature can put you at risk of foodborne illness.

When inserting the meat thermometer, make sure not to touch the bone as this can give you an inaccurate reading. Instead, insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, making sure it’s not touching any bone or fat.

If you don’t have an instant-read thermometer, you can also check for doneness by cutting into the pork chop with a knife. The juices should run clear and there should be no pink in the center of the meat.

Remember that letting your pork chops rest for a few minutes before cutting into them will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy chop.

Resting Your Pork Chops Before Serving

Once your pork chops are cooked to the desired temperature, it’s important to let them rest before serving. Resting allows the meat to redistribute its juices, resulting in a more tender and juicy chop.

Thick cuts of pork chops, such as those that are 1 inch or more in thickness, should rest for 10 to 15 minutes before cutting and serving. Thinner cuts may need less time. A good rule of thumb is to let the meat rest for half of its cooking time. For example, if it took 20 minutes to cook a pork chop, the chop should rest for 10 minutes before serving.

When resting pork chops, leave the meat on a warm surface, such as the top of the stove (with the burners off). Avoid tenting smaller cuts with aluminum foil, as this will trap heat and cook the meat further. The exception to this rule is with large cuts intended for shredding, such as pork shoulder. To rest those, place the meat on a cutting board and loosely tent it with foil for 15 to 20 minutes before shredding.

It can be tempting to dig right into your finished pork chops, but give them a few minutes to rest before you serve. This allows the temperature to even out, as the meat will actually continue cooking internally for a few minutes after it’s removed from heat. For pork chops, resting for 2 to 3 minutes should be plenty.

Serving Suggestions For Perfectly Cooked Pork Chops

Once you’ve cooked your pork chops to perfection, it’s time to serve them up with some delicious sides. Here are some serving suggestions to complement your perfectly cooked pork chops:

1. Rice: Smothered pork chops with rice is a classic and delicious pairing. The rice soaks up the sauce nicely and adds a comforting element to the meal. Try pairing your pork chops with Instant Pot Brown Rice, wild rice, or even Lemon Rice for a refreshing twist.

2. Pasta: Serve your pork chops over a bed of whole wheat pasta or egg noodles for a hearty and filling meal. The pasta will help balance out the richness of the pork chops and add some texture to the dish.

3. Potatoes: Nothing soaks up the sauce better than a bed of mashed or baked potatoes. Try pairing your pork chops with these Crockpot Mashed Potatoes, Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes, or a Baked Potato for a classic and satisfying meal.

4. Bread: Sop up the scrumptious sauce with a slice of Crock Pot Bread or Drop Biscuits. This is a great option if you’re looking for something quick and easy to make.

5. Polenta: The creamy texture of polenta pairs perfectly with the rich flavors of pork chops. Try serving your pork chops with the polenta from this Creamy Polenta with Zucchini and Tomatoes recipe for a decadent and flavorful meal.

No matter what you choose to serve with your perfectly cooked pork chops, be sure to enjoy every bite!