How to Cook 2 Inch Thick Pork Chops

How to cook 2 inch thick pork chops perfectly moist and juicy. Oven baked these are the best baked pork chops with a killer pork dry rub around! Best high protein dinner.

How to Cook Two Inch Thick Pork Chops

I have cooked A LOT of easy pork recipes over the years. Most of the time I just use “regular” sizes which would be closer to 3/4 – 1″ thick I would say. BUT I had many readers ask just how long it would take if theirs were two inches. SO I remembered that when shopping the other day in the meat department and picked up 3 of these babies.

There are 4 of us left in the house now so 3 would feed all of us but you could make more if you needed. As long as they all fit on one baking sheet without overlapping you’d be good. My cookie sheet was on the smaller side but would say if yours was normal you should be okay with 4 or maybe 5 if they were squished.

How to Cook a Thick Pork Chop Perfectly

These are fresh, if you have a forgetful moment and yours are still icy you’d need to follow our air fryer frozen pork chops recipe instead. Add a few minutes because of the increase in size but you can still save dinner that way. 😉

How Long to Cook Pork Chops at 425

20-25 minutes depending on thickness of course is cook time. Now let’s talk pig for a minute here. If you were to cook a large hunk and wanted to make pulled pork you would want to cook it for a much longer period of time to break down the connective tissue and make it fork tender.

When it comes to fresh or frozen pork chops in Instant Pot that is not the case.

How to Cook The Perfect Pork Chop

If you were wondering why your chops came out dry and tough in the past. You do NOT want to overcook this cut. To get the inside to be perfectly white with clear juices flowing out of every bite when you slice it follow our tips exactly, taking them out at 150 F. and resting before slicing..

What is the best way to cook pork chops to keep them tender?

You ONLY want to cook it until the middle thickest portion reaches 145 – 155 degrees F and then allow them to rest for 10 minutes. You may think that isn’t a high enough internal meat temperature but it is. Reason being is that 165 F is ideal but while resting it will continue to rise about 10 degrees. Did you know that?

It will change the way you cook bacon wrapped air fryer pork chops and any other way. I did not add bacon to these as it would increase the bake time by a few more minutes but you could if you had a wild hair that day.

This isn’t just great for this cut either but it’s used most often in this capacity. We have used a similar version to make our air fryer chicken wings dry rub recipe too. Sugar plus salt with some other seasonings with just a bit of spicy is the best combo. It is not spicy, but it could be more so if you wanted it to be, that is adjustable.

Thick Pork Chops with Dry Rub

If you do want HEAT just increase the chili powder, add 1/2 tsp of dry Sriracha or red pepper flakes. Any of those will work but the latter two are hotter. You will need the following items to create this. It will cover 3 large pieces nicely, you could double it if need be.

Light brown sugar will give it a sweetness that is rich with a bit of a deep molasses flavor.

I like a bit larger granule like Kosher salt vs. table salt for this but either one will do really to give it a savory flavor to it.

Then you want to add some garlic powder or garlic granules will work too with a deeper punch of taste.

You will want to adjust the amount of chili powder in there. The amount I have listed below will make it mild. To make spicy I would add a pinch of red pepper flakes or dry Sriracha into the mix.

And I add regular paprika but some like smoked instead, either will work for a warm taste that just brings all the flavors together. And you could add a bit of dry thyme

I sprinkled a bit of dry parsley on the top just to make it “pretty” but that is not necessary really. Beyond that you just need a pat of butter on each one.

Tips for Success

You always want to preheat your oven. When making most pork recipes you want a higher heat, this one calls for 425 degrees. When we bake thinner pieces I use the same temperature just for less time. The butter will keep it moist, soak into the meat and brown the tops a bit too which is nice.

Mix together your seasonings well, breaking apart the larger chunks until smooth and a sand-like consistency so it coats well. Lay meat on a cutting board and coat both sides well one at a time, then allow excess to fall off before laying on a baking sheet. (If you brine the pork beforehand, you’d likely skip the dry rub)

When all are coated well, slice your chunk of cold or room temperature butter into 3 equal pieces and set 1 piece on each chop.

You do NOT want to over-cook chops, they will become quite dry if you do and a minute difference can make the difference between ehhhh and OMG delicious. To do this check with a meat thermometer near the end and immediately take ouce it reads 145 F in the middle thickest part.

To stay juicy, leave on tray for 10 – 15 minutes before slicing and eating.

Resting when cooking pork chops will lead to the most tender pork chops you will ever taste. If you wanted to use a dry brine instead of our rub the cooking time would remain the same.

Should you season pork chops before or after cooking?

I think it is a must to add a sweet and savory dry rub before baking or pan frying them. This way the flavors can be baked on to the exterior, add to the browning and give your thick pork chops a lot of flavor! You can taste and add more after they have rested too but before is key.

Do I need to flip pork chops when cooking in the oven?

There is no need to flip and cook half of the minutes on each side, just leave on the sheet pan as is. You shouldn’t need salt and pepper or sauce when served either, it’s perfection just like this. Home cooks who are just starting to learn, this is one easy dish.

Go to the butcher and ask for a few bone in pork chops next time you’re there and give it a whirl. If you follow our directions to a tee you’ll do just fine.

How do you know when thick pork chops are done?

Remember there is a little variation depending on exactly how thick yours are within half an inch or so. 1 1/2 inch pork chops may take 2-4 minutes less. That is why it’s important to use a digital thermometer placed into the center. Other signs they are done is the juices will run clear, no pink should be present.

Once you bake them this way you’ll never go back to any other and everyone in your house will think you’re a pro cook for sure. 😉