Can you bake frozen pork chops?
The short answer is yes you can, but it will increase the cooking time by up to 50%.
Generally, ½″ oven-baked pork chops take about 15 minutes to cook so plan to cook frozen pork chops for approximately 22 to 25 minutes. You will want to use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
We've all been there. It's time to cook dinner and you forgot take your meat out of the freezer to thaw. Just follow the easy steps below to cook your frozen pork chops in the oven.
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Why You Will Like This Recipe
- Since pork chops are evenly sized they are easy to cook from frozen. No defrosting is necessary.
- These pork chops are juicy, tender, and perfectly seasoned with a delicious spice rub.
- Oven-baking pork chops are an easy mostly hands-off cooking method freeing you up to focus on side dishes.
I am always creating new quick weeknight dinners a few of my families' favorites are Kielbasa Pierogies and Sauerkraut, Sheet Pan Chicken with Zucchini and Tomatoes, and Chicken Apple Meatballs.
Recipe Ingredients
Pork Chops: You can use thin-cut pork chops, boneless pork chops, bone-in pork chops, boneless chops, or thicker pork chops. Remember the thickness of the pork chop will affect the cooking time.
As a general guideline:
- 1″ thick pork chops, should bake for 30-40 minutes
- ½″ thick pork chops, should bake for 25-30 minutes
Tip: If your pork chops were frozen into one solid block rather than individually, you will need to thaw them in the microwave or under running cold water for a few minutes, just until they can be separated.
Seasoning: This recipe is made with a delicious dry rub made from a combination of brown sugar, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, ground mustard, salt, and black pepper.
Tip: Don't want to mix up your own seasoning? Just use your favorite store bought dry rub.
Oil: I typically use regular olive oil but you could also use avocado oil, coconut oil, or grapeseed oil.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Step by Step Directions
Step 1: Move the oven rack to the center of the oven and preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
In a small bowl, whisk together all of the seasoning ingredients.
Rub your preferred oil over the pork chops, and then sprinkle the seasoning mix over the pork chops coating both sides.
Step 2: Place the pork chops in a single layer in an oven-safe casserole or baking dish.
Bake pork chops for 35 to 40 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). The exact cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the chops. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork chops.
Allow the pork chops to rest for 3-5 minutes, before serving.
Tip: A low oven temperature is best to avoid burning the outside of the pork chop before the interior is fully cooked.
Alternative Cooking Methods
There are several different ways you can cook frozen chops.
Stovetop
- In a small bowl, whisk together all of the seasoning ingredients.
- Rub your preferred oil over the pork chops, and then sprinkle the seasoning mix over the pork chops coating both sides.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Sear the pork chops for 4 to 5 minutes per side.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low.
- Cook the pork chops for another 10 to 15 minutes
- Remember to flip the pork chops frequently to ensure even cooking.
- Remove the pork chops once the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature.
- Allow the pork chops to rest for 3-5 minutes, before serving.
Grill
- Heat the grill to medium heat.
- In a small bowl, whisk together all of the seasoning ingredients.
- Rub your preferred oil over the pork chops, and then sprinkle the seasoning mix over the pork chops coating both sides.
- Cook times will vary depending on the thickness of your pork chops. A boneless ¾-inch chop should cook for 6 to 9 minutes per side, while a bone-in chop measuring 1-½-inch thick may need to cook for 50 minutes on the grill.
- Remember to flip the pork chops frequently to ensure even cooking.
- Remove the pork chops once the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature.
- Allow the pork chops to rest for 3-5 minutes, before serving.
Tip: Frozen pork chops should never be cooked in a slow cooker. Unfortunately, slow cookers will not cook the frozen pork chops fast enough. Meaning they will spend too much time in the "danger zone" at and unsafe lower temperature allowing the growth of bacteria.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this pork chop recipe with your favorite sides. Some of my favorites include:
Storage
Let the pork chops cool to room temperature before storing. Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to four days.
To reheat the pork chops, place them in an oven-safe dish and cover the dish with aluminum foil. Bake them in a 300°F (150°C) oven until heated through, about 10 to 12 minutes.
The pork can also be reheated in the microwave. Microwave the pork in 30-second intervals until heated through.
Recipe FAQs
While temperature is the most accurate indication of doneness, you can usually also tell by feel and appearance.
Fully cooked pork chops should feel firm but slightly springy. The internal color of a fully cooked pork chop should be no darker than a very light pink with no pink juices running out.
You can use thin-cut pork chops, boneless pork chops, bone-in pork chops, boneless chops, or thicker pork chops. Remember the thickness of the pork chop will affect the cooking time.
Boneless pork chops are easier to cook and eat. Some people think bone-in chops have more flavor.
Pork chops should be frozen in an airtight container or freezer bag. When frozen properly they should last in the freezer for 4 to 6 months. Be sure to label the container with the date and contents.
Expert Tips
- Have a favorite dry rub or seasoning? Go ahead and rub it on the pork instead.
- The thickness of the pork chops will affect the cooking time. The thicker the pork chop the longer it will take to cook.
- Not over-cooking pork chops is the secret to creating a juicy pork chop.
- The best way to determine if the pork chops are fully cooked is with a meat thermometer. The pork chops should have an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
More Pork Recipes
Thanks for Reading!
If you try this recipe, let me know! Leave a comment and rate it below! You can also snap a picture and post it on Facebook or Instagram be sure to tag me @RaspberriesandKohlrabi.
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📖 Recipe
Frozen Oven Baked Pork Chops
Equipment
- small bowl
- oven-safe baking dish
- instant thermometer
Ingredients
- 1 ½ tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 pork chops
Instructions
- Move the oven rack to the center of the oven and preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). A low oven temperature is best to avoid burning the outside of the pork chop before the interior is fully cooked.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the 1 ½ tablespoons brown sugar, 2 teaspoons paprika, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon ground mustard, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon chili powder, and ½ teaspoon ground black pepper.
- Rub your preferred 2 tablespoons olive oil over the 4 pork chops, and then sprinkle the seasoning mix over the pork chops coating both sides.
- Place the pork chops in a single layer in an oven-safe casserole or baking dish.
- Bake the pork chops for 35 to 40 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature.
- Allow the pork chops to rest for 3-5 minutes, before serving.
Notes
- Let the pork chops cool to room temperature before storing. Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to four days.
- To reheat the pork chops, place them in an oven-safe dish and cover the dish with aluminum foil. Bake them in a 300-degree Fahrenheit oven until heated through, about 10 to 12 minutes.
- The pork can also be reheated in the microwave. Microwave the pork in 30-second intervals until heated through.
- Have a favorite dry rub or seasoning? Go ahead and rub it on the pork instead.
- The thickness of the pork chops will affect the cooking time. The thicker the pork chop the longer it will take to cook.
- Not over-cooking pork chops is the secret to creating a juicy pork chop.
- The best way to determine if the pork chops are fully cooked is with a meat thermometer. The pork chops should have an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Cliff says
Using a picture of grilled pork chops for oven baked. Genius
Erica Schramek says
The pork chops in the photos were baked according to the directions in the recipe card. If you would prefer to grill them, those directions can be found in the recipe post.
Misty says
I made this tonight. I didn't use the exact ingredients, I used, garlic powder/salt, onion powder, salt (Himalayan), pepper, chili powder and Creole seasoning with Avocado Oil.....they were moist and tender. Great idea. I am single so I meal prepped the rest of the chops for the week. I found a new way to bake chops!!!! love it
Erica says
Yay! I am so happy you liked them.