• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
101 Cooking For Two
  • 👨‍🍳RECIPES
  • 📋About
  • ❓FAQs/Help
  • 🛒Shop
  • 📮Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
  • 👨‍🍳RECIPES
  • 📋About
  • ❓FAQs/Help
  • 🛒Shop
  • 📮Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • 👨‍🍳RECIPES
    • 📋About
    • ❓FAQs/Help
    • 🛒Shop
    • 📮Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    🏠Home » Recipes » Pork Chop and Loin Recipes

    Pan Seared Oven Roasted Thick Pork Chops

    Nov 7, 2022 by Dan Mikesell AKA DrDan · 64 Comments

    Recipe Table of Contents    
    4.35 from 195 votes

    Learn how easy it is to cook 1 ½ to 2-inch or more extra thick pork chops that are perfectly juicy, tender, and moist. Add in some gravy, and you're in pork heaven.

    thick pork chop with gravy on a blue plate

    Jump To:
    • 👨‍🍳How to make this recipe
    • ⏰🌡️Time and Temperature
    • 🌡️Levels of cooked pork doneness
    • 👨‍🍳Why this recipe works?
    • 🐖Types of Pork Chops
    • 🥣The Gravy (optional)
    • ❓FAQs
    • 📖Pork Chop Recipes
    • 🖼️Step-by-Step Photo Instructions
    • 📝Recipe

    Blue ribbon divider used for visual effect

    Introduction

    Today's pork is not yesterday's pork. It is now lean meat and can be part of a healthy balanced diet. But cooking 1 ½ to 2-inch or more extra thick pork chops needs some special tricks.

    I love pork and gravy. And juicy and tender thick pork chops smothered in gravy are the ultimate comfort food for many. Just follow these easy step-by-step photo instructions.

    👨‍🍳How to make this recipe

    1. Pick center-cut chops that are 1 ½ to 2 inches thick. If there is a fat ring, trim it to ½ inch thick and slice through the remaining fat rim at about 1-inch intervals to prevent cupping.
    2. Rest pork chops at room temperature for 30-60 minutes.
    3. Preheat oven to 375° convection or 400° conventional.
    4. Season to taste with a seasoning of salt and pepper. Other seasonings or marinades may be used for a different flavor.
    5. Using an oven-safe pan (cast iron preferred), heat oil over medium-high heat; when shimmering, add the seasoned pork chops.
    6. Sear both sides of the chops for 2-3 minutes until gettings some nice browning. But don't over-brown due to the longer oven time.
    7. Transfer to the preheated oven and bake until an internal temperature of 145°-150° - usually about 20-25 minutes. Total cooking time will be variable due to the pork's thickness and the chops' start temperature. Do your first temperature check at 12-15 minutes.
    8. Remove from pan and tent lightly with foil while doing the gravy phase.

    Optional Gravy

    1. Instructions are for 2 cups of gravy, but scale to your needs.
    2. Using gravy base, mix 2 cups of pork broth. You can also use chicken or vegetable broth. Whisk 4 tablespoons flour into one cup of broth.
    3. Add the other cup of your broth to the pan drippings over medium heat. When boiling, slowly add the broth/flour mixture while continuously whisking.
    4. Continue to whisk until thickened, about 2-4 minutes more.

    ⏰🌡️Time and Temperature

    The total cooking time for a 2-inch thick pork chop will be 25 to 30 minutes. This includes 4 to 5 minutes of searing time plus about 20-25 minutes in a 375° convection or 400° conventional oven to reach 145° internal temperature.

    Several variables will affect the cooking time of thick-cut pork chops: the thickness, the duration of searing, the temperature of both the meat and oven and the searing time.

    The pan-searing is needed to create a Maillard reaction which is the browning that adds lots of taste. Skipping searing will add a few minutes to the total cooking time and decrease the quality of the results without the Maillard reaction.

    🌡️Levels of cooked pork doneness

    The USDA recommends a 145° minimum internal temperature with a 3-minute rest for safety. Remember, the final temperature may rise a few degrees after removal from the oven.

    Cooked Pork LevelInternal TemperatureComments
    Rareless than 145°Not recommended.
    Not safe per the USDA
    Medium-Rare145°-150°A touch of pink
    Medium150°-155°Pink disappears, a little dryer
    Medium-Well155°-160°Starting to dry significantly
    Well Done160°+ Not recommended.
    Getting very dry
    For pork chops, pork loin, and pork tenderloin.

    👨‍🍳Why this recipe works?

    1) Rest at room temperature

    An old trick but a goodie. Resting at room temperature is the first secret to getting thick chops done right.

    It is safe to rest at room temperature for an hour or so. It will cook faster, be moister, and overall a good thing.

    If you have the time to do this, start looking at the temperature of the meat after about 12-15 minutes in the oven since it will cook faster. Remember you are cooking to a final temperature and not by time.

    2) The oven temperature

    Many people will assume with thicker meat; you should use a higher temperature. The truth is the opposite. There must be time to cook the center of thick meat while not overcooking the surface.

    Usually, with thinner pork chops, I use an oven temperature of 425°. We want a temperature of 25°-50° lower, so the meat has time to get to the proper internal temperature while not overcooking the surface.

    🐖Types of Pork Chops

    The pork chops we are talking about in this recipe will be one of the middle three in the above diagram. Usually, the "extra thick pork chops" will be a boneless slice of a whole pork loin at least 1 ½ to 2 inches thick or more.

    graphic for pork chop location- licensed from Fotolia May 16,2017. Copyright foxysgraphic - Fotolia. Modified per allow by licensed.
    Image licensed from Fotolia May 16, 2017. Copyright foxysgraphic - Fotolia. Modified per allowed by the license.

    If you enjoy these thicker chops, pick up a whole pork loin when they are on sale and cut it yourself. Half the price, and they will freeze great for 3-4 months.

    Some thick chops will come with bone-in. This is fine but will take a few more minutes to cook since the bone will absorb more heat.

    🧂Brining

    I didn't brine in this recipe, but I recommend it if you have the time. Combine 2 tablespoons of salt and 2 tablespoons of sugar (brown or white) with 2 cups of water.

    Add the chops and refrigerate for 30 minutes to a few hours. After brining, rinse well to remove extra salt.

    If you brine, you have already salted the chops, so do not use seasoning salt. Just some pepper and a sprinkle of paprika would be good.

    🥣The Gravy (optional)

    Everybody loves gravy, so let's make some great quick, and easy gravy.

    I like to use a pork gravy base from Penzeys to make "pork broth." You can use chicken or vegetable broth if you don't have the gravy base.

    There are two basic ways to make gravy. You can make a roux by mixing flour with the grease in the pan and cooking for a few minutes. Or our simple way of mixing flour in some liquid and adding that to boiling fluid.

    Please visit How To Make Gravy at Home for more information on gravy.

    ❓FAQs

    Do I have to use a meat or instant-read thermometer?

    Yes. There are too many variables to cook by time or color, and expect acceptable results.

    Do I need a cast iron skillet to cook thick pork chops?

    No, any oven-safe pan can work, but cast iron is perfect for searing any meat. It will transfer heat perfectly, leading to even heat across the entire surface without hot spots. It will also hold the heat well and is excellent when going from the stovetop to the oven.

    Cast iron is cheap, durable, and will last generations. Every home cook should have a skillet or two.

    Can I cook pork chops thicker than 2 inches?

    Yes. Be careful about over-searing and cook to a final internal temperature. You may want to decrease the oven temperature by another 25°.

    Another option would be to do a reverse searing method where you bake to 140° in the oven, then sear on the stovetop as the last step and get the temperature to the minimum safe 145°.

    Can I grill thick pork chops?

    Yes. Grilling can be done, but I feel most home cooks will be better with stovetop-to-oven baking, where the heat and timing are easier to control.

    📖Pork Chop Recipes

    Fried Pork Chops with Gravy

    Breaded Pork Chops

    How to Grill Pork Chops on a Gas Grill

    Pan Seared Oven Roasted Pork Chops

    This recipe is listed in these categories. See them for more similar recipes.

    Comfort Food Recipes, Pork Chop and Loin Recipes, Pork Recipes
    Blue ribbon divider used for visual effect

    🖼️Step-by-Step Photo Instructions

    thick pork chops on plate with seasonings

    Allow the pork chops to rest at room temperature for 30-60 minutes—preheat oven to 375° convection or 400° conventional.

    2 inch thick pork chops with trimmed and scored fat

    These center-cut chops are 1 ½ inches thick and weigh 12 oz each. If there is a fat ring, trim it to ½ inch thick and slice it at about 1-inch intervals.

    seasoning pork chops with pepper and seasoning salt

    Pat dry with paper towels and season to taste with seasoning salt and pepper.

    thick pork chops searing in cast iron skillet

    Heat 2 tablespoons oil over medium-high heat. When shimmering, add the seasoned pork chops. Sear both sides of the chops for 2-3 minutes until gettings some nice browning.

    tenting pork chops on orange plate with foil

    Transfer to the preheated oven and cook until an internal temperature of 145°-150°—about 20-25 minutes. Total cooking time will be variable due to the pork's thickness and the chops' start temperature. Remove from pan and tent lightly with foil while doing the gravy phase.

    adding flour slurry to pan to make gravy

    Using pork gravy base, mix 2 cups of pork broth. You can also use chicken or vegetable broth. Whisk 4 tablespoons flour into one cup of broth. Add the other cup of your broth to the pan over medium heat. When boiling, slowly add the broth/flour mixture while continuously whisking.

    stirring brown gravy in skilling while thickening

    Continue to whisk until thickened, about 2-3 minutes.

    pouring gravy on pork chop and potatoes
    graphic Subscribe to 101 Cooking for Two

    📝Recipe

    thick pork chop with gravy on a blue plate

    Pan Seared Oven Roasted Thick Pork Chops

    From Dan Mikesell AKA DrDan
    Learn how easy it is to cook 1 ½ to 2-inch or more extra thick pork chops that are perfectly juicy, tender, and moist. Add in some gravy, and you're in pork heaven.
    Tap to leave a Rating
    4.35 from 195 votes
    Print Email CollectionCollected
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 30 minutes
    Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
    Servings #/Adjust if desired 2

    Ingredients

    US Customary - Convert to Metric
    • 2 pork chops - 1 ½ to 2 inches thick or more
    • 2 tablespoons oil
    • Lawry's Seasoning salt - to taste
    • pepper - to taste

    For Gravy

    • 2 teaspoons Penzeys pork gravy base - or you can use broth
    • 4 tablespoons flour
    • 2 cups water
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Allow the pork chops to rest at room temperature for 30-60 minutes—preheat oven to 375° convection or 400° conventional.
      2 inch thick pork chops with seasoning and gravy makings
    • These center-cut chops are 1 ½ inches thick and weigh 12 oz each. If there is a fat ring, trim it to ½ inch thick and slice it at about 1-inch intervals.
      2 inch thick pork chops with trimmed and scored fat
    • Pat dry with paper towels and season to taste with seasoning salt and pepper.
      seasoning pork chops with pepper and seasoning salt
    • Heat 2 tablespoons oil over medium-high heat. When shimmering, add the seasoned pork chops. Sear both sides of the chops for 2-3 minutes until gettings some nice browning.
      thick pork chops searing in cast iron skillet
    • Transfer to the preheated oven and cook until an internal temperature of 145°-150°—about 20-25 minutes. Total cooking time will be variable due to the pork's thickness and the chops' start temperature. Remove from pan and tent lightly with foil while doing the gravy phase.
      tenting pork chops on orange plate with foil

    Gravy Option

    • Using pork gravy base, mix 2 cups of pork broth. You can also use chicken or vegetable broth. Whisk 4 tablespoons flour into one cup of broth. Add the other cup of your broth to the pan over medium heat. When boiling, slowly add the broth/flour mixture while continuously whisking.
    • Add the other one cup of your broth to the pan over medium heat. When boiling, slowly add the broth/flour mixture while continuously whisking.
      adding flour slurry to pan to make gravy
    • Continue to whisk until thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
      stirring brown gravy in skilling while thickening
    See the step-by-step photos in the post. Some recipes have an option to display the photos here with a switch above these instructions but the photos DO NOT print.

    Your Own Private Notes

    Click here to save your own private notes only you will see. These will print and be saved for your next visit.
    Blue ribbon divider used for visual effect

    Recipe Notes

    Pro Tips:

    1. This is a recipe for thick pork chops which are at least 1 ½ inch thick. If less then use Pan Seared Oven Roasted Pork Chops.
    2. Use an oven-safe pan like cast iron.
    3. Brine if you have time. A suggested brine is 2 cups of water with 2 tablespoons salt, and 2 tablespoons brown sugar for 30 minutes to 2 hours. Be sure to refrigerate. If you brine, do not use any seasoning with salt.
    4. With thick pork chops, the most important tip is to rest to room temperature before starting to cook-30 minutes minimum.
    5. Sear to almost the final color you want.
    6. Never cook by time. Cook to the final temperature you want. Remember it will increase a few degrees after removed from the oven.
    7. The gravy is optional but very nice. I like to use pork gravy base but if you don't have that, use chicken or vegetable broth.

    To adjust the recipe size:

    You may adjust the number of servings in this recipe card under servings. This does the math for the ingredients for you. BUT it does NOT adjust the text of the instructions. So you need to do that yourself.

    Nutrition Estimate

    Nutrition Facts
    Pan Seared Oven Roasted Thick Pork Chops
    Amount Per Serving
    Calories 701 Calories from Fat 315
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 35g54%
    Saturated Fat 9g45%
    Trans Fat 0.2g
    Polyunsaturated Fat 3g
    Monounsaturated Fat 19g
    Cholesterol 198mg66%
    Sodium 2186mg91%
    Potassium 1619mg46%
    Carbohydrates 13g4%
    Fiber 1g4%
    Sugar 0.002g0%
    Protein 76g152%
    Vitamin A 1350IU27%
    Vitamin C 0.2mg0%
    Calcium 2mg0%
    Iron 2.9mg16%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
    Serving size is my estimate of a normal size unless stated otherwise. The number of servings per recipe is stated above. This is home cooking, and there are many variables. All nutritional information are estimates and may vary from your actual results. To taste ingredients such as salt will be my estimate of the average used.
    Course : Main Course
    Cuisine : American

    © 101 Cooking for Two, LLC. All content and photographs are copyright protected by us or our vendors. While we appreciate your sharing our recipes, please realize copying, pasting, or duplicating full recipes to any social media, website, or electronic/printed media is strictly prohibited and a violation of our copyrights.

    Editor's Note: Originally published July 17, 2016. Updated with expanded options, refreshed photos, and a table of contents to help navigation.

    Molly and Lilly with a stuffed toy

    More Pork Chop and Loin Recipes

    • BBQ Shredded Pork Loin for Pulled Pork in the Oven
    • Breaded Pork Chops in 30 Minutes
    • How to Grill Pork Chops on a Gas Grill
    • Pan-Fried Pork Chops with Gravy

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Leave a Comment (Policy Link in Footer) Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




      This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    1. Celesti

      November 08, 2022 at 11:16 am

      5 stars
      My family enjoys thick Bone-in pork chops on the grill. With the weather getting cooler I love cooking inside and keeping my kitchen warm.
      What do you recommend for the cooking time once I place the bone-in pork chops in the preheated 400 degree oven ? Your recipes are easy to follow and my family enjoys many of your recipes. I am anxious to try this pork chop recipe.
      Thank you !

      Reply
      • Dan Mikesell AKA DrDan

        November 08, 2022 at 11:19 am

        Hi Celesti,

        What thickness?

        Dam

      • Celesti

        November 15, 2022 at 7:09 pm

        5 stars
        The chops were about 2.5 inches thick, but I used your idea and left them sit an extra 10 mins and they were delicious. I love your recipes. Thanks.

    « Older Comments

    Primary Sidebar

    DrDan image Hi, I’m DrDan, and welcome to 101 Cooking for Two, the home of great everyday recipes with easy-to-follow step-by-step photo instructions. About DrDan

    Popular Recipes

    • Baked Chicken Legs - Quick and Easy
    • Pan Seared Oven Roasted Filet Mignon
    • Oven Baked Chicken Thighs
    • Small Ribeye Roast
    • Pan Seared Oven Roasted Strip Steak
    • Pan Seared Oven Baked Chicken Breasts
    kitchen reference sheet graphic wide blue
    graphic of sites that I work with or have had recipes featured or referenced.
    SITES THAT I WORK WITH OR HAVE HAD RECIPES FEATURED OR REFERENCED.

    Footer

    ↑ back to top ↑

    About

    • About DrDan and the Blog
    • Business Questions
    • Comment Policy

    Content

    • Food FAQ
    • Kitchen Reference Sheets
    • Recipes Featured in the Videos
    • Guide To Cooking for Two
    • Saved Recipes Collections

    dogs by the pond

    Privacy Policy | Terms | Contact

    COPYRIGHT © 2010-2023 101 COOKING FOR TWO. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED | BASED ON FOODIE PRO THEME