Is Pork Healthy Or Unhealthy
Pork is a very lean meat, not unlike chicken, and as such, its a great choice for people on a diet or those of us looking to reduce our calories and focus on food that is packed with nutrition. Its also rich in iron and zinc as well as other vitamins and minerals your body needs. Pork is also full of high quality protein. Want to learn more about the health benefits of pork? Check out this article on WebMD:
How To Cook Thin Pork Chops In Oven
Answer
Cooking thin pork chops in the oven is a great way to get them cooked through and flavorful. You can use either a dry or wet pan to cook them, but it is important to follow the directions exactly. Be sure to start by prepping your pan by coating it in cooking spray or cooking flour.
Once the pan is ready, put pork chops in it and let them cook for about 10 minutes per side, or until they are fully cooked through. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Pork Chops In Applesauce
This quick-cooking dish is one of the thin pork chop recipes you can tweak to your taste.While the recipe calls for the use of spices and herbs such as sage, thyme, and paprika, you can replace these with your own spice and herb mix.You can also choose to serve your applesauce on the side or coat your cooked chops with it, depending on your preference.Want it spicy?Add some red pepper flakes or sprinkle cayenne pepper into your applesauce for a sweet and spicy sauce!
These Cuban-style pork chops are cooked for around half an hour, yet they dont dry out!Why?Its because theyre boiled in water and their own juices until theyre tender and juicy!Serve with a plate of rice and a lime wedge.
Tonkotsu isnt the only thin pork chop dish that you can find in Japan.This ginger pork chop dish called Shogayaki also uses thin, boneless pork chops or pork loin.As with most thin-cut pork recipes, keep a close eye when you pan fry these babies!Two minutes on each side is enough since the pork will continue cooking in the ginger and onion sauce later.
Lets now move to another Asian-inspired dish that uses sesame seeds as a coating.The sweet and sour element comes from the addition of apricot jam to the dish.If you want a more pronounced sourness to this recipe, you can squeeze half a lemon or add a teaspoon of balsamic vinegar to the sauce.You can also choose to use Chinese-style sweet and sour sauce for this recipe if thats the kind of flavor profile you want.
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How To Make This Oven Baked Boneless Pork Chop Recipe
Detailed instructions and measurements are listed in the recipe card at the bottom of this page.
How Do I Make Tender Oven Baked Pork Chops

- First, preheat the oven to 425°F. Pat dry the pork chops with a paper towel to remove any leftover moisture from the packaging. Then, season the pork chops well with salt and pepper. The amount of salt and pepper depends on your taste.
- Prepare the butter sauce by melting four tablespoons of butter in the microwave or stove. Once its melted, add the chopped thyme and garlic. Stir well, and set aside.
- In a cast iron skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat, and when the skillet is really hot, add the pork chops, and sear them until they have a nice golden brown look, about 2-4 minutes per side.
- Pour the garlic butter mixture over the pork chops, and place the skillet in the oven. Cook until the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145ºF. Dont overcook them to avoid having dry pork chops.
- Remove the skillet from the oven, and using a spoon, pour some of the delicious butter sauce left in the skillet onto the pork chops before serving. Enjoy!!
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Measure Cut And Prepare The Pork Chops
The pork chops should be cut to fit the plate. You want to make sure that the chops are in a single layer. Use a sharp knife to cut the pork chops into single slices. Cut the pork chops into bite-sized pieces and season the pork chops with the seasonings. Add the pork chops to the bowl of the microwave-safe bowl and stir to coat. Once the pork chops are evenly coated, place the bowl on the stove and cook the pork chops in the microwave. Cook the pork chops on high for 10 minutes. During the last 3 minutes of cooking, open the microwave door to check that the pork chops are done to your liking. If the pork chops are still not cooked to your liking, cook the pork chops for an additional minute or two. The pork chops are now ready to serve.
What To Serve This Recipe With
For a complete healthy meal, I like to serve pork chops with sauteed green beans steamed broccolior carrots and baked potato wedges.
Other serving suggestions include
If you made this easy baked pork chop recipe, dont forget to leave me feedback. Tag me @thedinnerbite on and save away to your . Please to the blog if you havent for free new recipes in your inbox
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Alterations For Picky Eaters
- Serve with ranch or ketchup for dipping. If cooked properly, your pork chop should rival that of any other tender, juicy meat, similar to chicken. Picky eaters will love it if cooked properly and given with their favorite dipping sauce.
- Your picky eaters may also like our Crispy Fried Pork Chops recipe. It has crispy breading and a pan gravy sauce.
Should I Use Dry Oven For Pork
Oven temperature is very important to cook pork. One of the best ways to cook pork is to cook it in an oven. The method of cooking pork can depend on the thickness and the cooking time. If you are cooking a thin pork chops, you should put them in a greased oven for around 10 to 12 minutes. If you are cooking a thick pork chops, put them in a dry oven for around 12 to 15 minutes. But if you want to use a conventional oven, the temperature should be set to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep in mind that you will have to turn the oven on 10 minutes before the cooking time.
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Why Are My Pork Chops Always Dry And Tough
Because pork chops are such a lean cut, they are relatively quick-cooking and prone to overcooking. When theyre cooked for even a few minutes too long, whether its in the oven or on the stovetop or grill, theyre quick to dry out, and you guessed it become tough, chewy, and less than appealing.
The Best Easy Baked Pork Chops Recipe
The Best Easy Baked Pork Chops Recipe tender, delicious, juicy baked pork chops that are loaded with flavor in under 30 minutes!
This Easy Baked Pork Chops Recipe is simple, delicious, and SO easy.
Seriously just marinate, heat a pan in the oven, add the pork chops and youre done!
If youve ever wondered how to make perfect, juicy, never dry and always tender baked pork chops, this easy baked pork chops recipe is for you!
Be sure to check out our baked ranch pork chops recipe, baked garlic pork chops, The Best Air Fryer Pork Chops Recipe, and Easy Baked Greek Pork Chops with Creamy Feta Sauce Recipe too for even more delicious pork chop flavor!
We hope you love this recipe as much as we do.
We provide a skip to recipe button in the top left corner, as well as a clickable table of contents, just below, to help make this page easier to navigate.
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How Long To Cook Pork Chops In Oven
Time in the oven really depends on the pork chop thickness and your oven. In a 400°F oven, count on 7-8 minutes per half-inch of thickness for boneless pork chops with 1-2 minutes more for bone-in chops. For example, 1-inch thick boneless pork chops will take about 15 minutes.
The only reliable way to check doneness is by inserting an instant-read thermometer into the middle of the chop. When the internal temperature reaches 145°F, remove from the oven. Avoid cutting into the meat, as the juices will escape and dry out the meat.
Note: The meat may still be faintly pink at 145°F and its normal as well as safe according to the USDA.
How Do You Keep Pork Chops From Getting Tough

If youre looking to cook pork chops without them becoming tough, there are a few things you can do. One is to use a cooking spray or cooking oil to help prevent the pork from sticking to the pan. Another is to cook the pork chops over medium-high heat, avoiding too much crowding and turning them too often. And finally, make sure that theyre cooked through by scrapping off any excess fat and retaining only the meaty parts.
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Awesome Thin Sliced Pork Chop Recipes
Here are 14 of our all-time favorite ways to use pork chops. We included a variety of cuisines and preparation methods, so you can choose what sounds good to you.
1. Honey Mustard Thin Pork Chops
This recipe from Craft Beering uses a quick sear, a delicious pan sauce, and brings the pork chops up to temp in the sauce to maximize tenderness and flavor. And with a sauce thats made of honey, dijon mustard, and heavy cream, can you really go wrong?
2. Pork Piccata
Feeling pasta? This pork piccata from Land O Lakes is bright and citrusy with a white wine deglaze. It also only takes a few minutes to whip up. Use fresh lemon juice, fresh parsley, and a dry white wine for the best results.
3. Garlic Mushroom Pork Chops
For something a bit more savory, try these garlic mushroom chops from Whats in the Pan. Its not too far away from the pork piccata, but its less citrus-forward. They also have some nice cooking tips like patting the chops dry to create a better sear.
4. Thin Pork Chops in the Air Fryer
Loving your air fryer as much as I love mine? Try these air fryer pork chops from Winding Creek Ranch. It doesnt get much easier than this its just a spice rub and 10 minutes in the air fryer. You can add any sauce you want, though!
5. Southern Fried Pork Chops
6. Creamy Basil Skillet Pork Chops
8. Herbed Pork Chops with Garlic Butter
9. Tandoori Pork Chop Marinade
10. Crockpot 3-Ingredient Thin Pork Chops
11. Hoisin Glazed Pork Chops
12. Authentic German Schnitzel
How Do You Not Overcook Pork Chops
There are a few key things you can do to avoid overcooking pork chops. First, make sure the pork chops are fresh. Second, cook the pork chops slowly over medium-high heat, making sure they dont become too brown or dry. Finally, keep an eye on the pork chops temperature and ensure that it remains at least 140 degrees Fahrenheit before serving.
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See What Pork Raised The Right Way Tastes Like
Supermarket pork pales in comparison to real, heritage pork raised on sustainable family farms. Pasture-raised pigs forage for food in open pastures and eat non-GMO feed, and the difference in taste and nutrition between pigs that arent given any antibiotics, GMOs, and growth hormones and ones that are is astounding.
Opt for the cleanest, tastiest, and most sustainable pork. Its better for the planet, your body, and your taste buds.
Check out the cuts of heritage pork we currently have in stock.
Nathan Phelps
Nathan Phelps owns and writes for Crafted Copy, a boutique copywriting shop that finds the perfect words for interesting products. He is also an ethical foodie, outdoors-aficionado, and hails from Nashville, TN. He splits his time between helping sustainable businesses find new customers and managing his ever-increasing list of hobbies, which include playing guitar, baking bread, and creating board games.
Smothered Pork Chops Recipe Tips
- The best way to tell when pork chops are done is to measure their internal temperature with an instant read thermometer. According to the USDA, pork chops should be cooked to 145° F and then allowed to rest for 3 minutes before consuming.
- The exact cook time will depend on the thickness of the pork chops. I recommend using pork chops that are at least 1 inch thick for best results .
- Bone-in pork chops work best in this recipe. The bone keeps the meat from drying out. You may use boneless pork chops, but be sure that they are at least 1 inch thick and be careful to not overcook them.
- If the gravy gets too thick you can stir in a little more broth to thin it out.
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How Long To Bake Pork Chops At 350 F In An Air Fryer
Pork chops that are baked in an air fryer at 350 F will take 15 to 20 minutes or 7 to 10 minutes per side. The air fryer typically takes less time than the oven simply because of the hot air inside it speeds up the process.
To cook pork chops in the air fryer, begin by preheating it to 350 F. Then, spray oil on the air fryer basket and add the pork chops. Cook the pork chops for 7 to 10 minutes, and then flip them and cook them for another 7 to 10 minutes. Once the cooking time has elapsed, test their temperature with a thermometer or give them another 2 minutes and check again until they are cooked through.
How To Test Pork Chops For Doneness
To check the temperature, insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the chop . The thickness of a pork chop will determine its final cooking time, regardless of whether it’s boneless or bone-in. Chops typically range in thickness from ¾ inch to 1½ inches. The USDA updated its doneness guidelines in 2011, noting that pork cooked to 145 degrees Fahrenheit is just as safe as pork cooked to 160 degrees Fahrenheit. At this doneness, the pork is pinker than many people are used to, but the meat is juicier and more flavorful. If you’d rather, you can always cook your pork chop to the previous standard of 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
Keep your pork chop cravings satisfied beyond the oven. Allow your pork chops to get super tender with some of our favorite slow cooker pork recipes. Or get light, flavorful pork chops with these air fryer pork recipes.
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Great Thin Pork Chop Recipes To Make At Home
by U.S. Wellness Meats | September 13, 2022 | Expert Advice, Heritage Pork, Product Information, Recipes, US Wellness Meats
How many times have you made pork chops that come out dry or just generally meh? Its easier to reach for the steaks, right?
Pork chops are tough to nail because they are generally a lean cut. The lack of fat makes overcooking more likely, and when you do overcook them, pork chops are less forgiving than other types of meat.
A popular way to prepare and sell pork chops is to thinly cut them. Thin pork chops are generally known as pork cutlets, but cutlets can also refer to meat thats been pounded down to create an even thinness .
Either way, thin pork chops cook faster and absorb flavors and juices more thoroughly. And in my opinion, they are also easier to cook.
Lets look at how to use them:
Why Does This Cooking Method Work

Searing the meat in the hot pan seals in the juices, which will keep it moist, tender, and juicy. Then finishing the pork chop in the oven at the lower temperature will allow the meat to finish cooking at an even rate. Use the thermometer to make sure that the internal temperature is 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Finally, after removing the pork chops from the oven, allow the meat to rest before slicing. This helps all the juices stay inside rather than running out.
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What We Love About This Boneless Pork Chop Recipe
- inexpensive – pork chops and ranch mix are both less expensive options at the grocery store. This dinner recipe ends up being easy on the budget.
- low calorie and weight watcher friendly – at only 212 calories and 33 grams of protein, it’s a low calorie, high protein dinner.
- easy to make – it only requires four easy to find ingredients
- pantry staples – there are no difficult ingredients and it can usually be made with what you have on hand in the pantry.