Grilled pork chops can be incredibly tender, juicy, and full of flavor when they are cooked the right way. Thick-cut pork chops may look intimidating at first, and they can dry out quickly if they stay over direct heat for too long. The key is simple: season them well, use a hot grill, flip them often, finish them gently over indirect heat, and let them rest before slicing.
This easy grilled pork chops recipe gives you a flavorful crust on the outside while keeping the meat moist on the inside. With just a few seasonings and a reliable internal temperature, you can make bone-in pork chops that are ready in minutes and taste great straight off the grill.
If you want to take this cut of pork in a richer direction, you can also try Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Chops. They bring together a grilled exterior, juicy meat, and a creamy filling for a hearty meal.
Table of Contents
- Step 1: Prep the pork chops
- Step 2: Grill the perfect pork chops
- Recipe Tip
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Similar Recipe Ideas:
- Grilled Pork Chops Recipe
Step 1: Prep the pork chops
Pork chops are naturally flavorful, especially when using bone-in cuts. They do not need a complicated marinade or a long list of ingredients. A good seasoning blend is enough to enhance the pork without covering up its taste.
For a balanced mix of savory barbecue flavor with a light touch of sweetness, season the pork chops with Dad’s Sweet BBQ Rub and Dad’s All Purpose Rub. Coat every side of each chop, including the edges. Do not be too light with the seasoning, because thick pork chops need enough flavor on the surface to season each bite.
After seasoning, set the pork chops aside for a short time. This allows the surface to sweat slightly and helps the seasoning cling to the meat. That small step improves the crust once the chops hit the hot grill grates.
Dad’s Seasonings
Useful grill seasonings for adding bold flavor to pork, chicken, beef, and vegetables.
Step 2: Grill the perfect pork chops
Preheat the grill to high heat, about 450 degrees, and set it up for two-zone grilling. This means one side of the grill is used for direct heat and the other side is used for indirect heat. The direct side builds color and crust, while the indirect side lets the pork finish cooking more gently.
Place the seasoned pork chops on the direct heat side of the grates first. Flip them every 2 to 3 minutes so the outside browns evenly and the inside cooks at a steady pace. Frequent flipping is especially helpful for thick-cut pork chops because it reduces the chance of burning one side before the center is ready.
Once a deep golden-brown crust forms around the edges, move the pork chops to the indirect side of the grill. Continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 140 degrees. Use a meat thermometer for the most accurate result, because pork can go from juicy to dry quickly if it is overcooked. Depending on the thickness of the chops, the total grilling time should be about 15 to 20 minutes.
Remove the grilled pork chops from the grill and let them rest for 10 minutes before serving. Resting gives the juices time to settle back into the meat and helps the pork finish cooking gently. Slice too soon and those juices can run out onto the board instead of staying in each bite.
These grilled pork chops are excellent on their own, but they also pair well with a bright topping. If you want a fresh, sweet, and savory finish, try them with this Peach Salsa recipe.
Recipe Tip
Flip pork chops frequently while they are over direct heat. This helps them cook more evenly from edge to center, which is important for thick cuts. Leaving them too long on one side can create dry spots or an overly dark crust before the middle reaches the right temperature.
Always rest cooked pork before serving. A 10-minute rest helps keep the meat tender and juicy, making every slice more enjoyable.
Frequently Asked Questions:
The best way to avoid dry pork chops is to monitor the internal temperature. Remove the pork chops from the grill when they reach 140 degrees internally, then let them rest for 10 minutes before serving. This helps keep the meat tender, juicy, and flavorful.
Yes. This recipe can be adapted for an oven, stovetop, or gas grill. You do not need a specific charcoal grill to make flavorful pork chops. The same basic method applies: season well, cook with control, check the internal temperature, and rest before serving.
Similar Recipe Ideas:
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Grilled Pork Chops
Ingredients
- 4 Bone-In Pork Chops
- 2 tbsp Dad’s Sweet BBQ Rub
- 2 tbsp Dad’s All Purpose Rub
Instructions
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Season the pork chops with Dad’s Sweet BBQ Rub and Dad’s All Purpose Rub. Coat all sides of the meat, including the edges.
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Preheat the grill to high heat, about 450 degrees, and set it up for two-zone grilling.
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Place the seasoned pork chops over direct heat. Flip every 2 to 3 minutes so they cook evenly and develop a crust.
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Move the pork chops to indirect heat to finish cooking. Remove them from the grill when the internal temperature reaches 140 degrees.
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Rest the pork chops for 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
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Protein: 35g
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Fat: 15g
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Saturated Fat: 5g
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Cholesterol: 117mg
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Sodium: 93mg