Grilled Pork Chops Recipe Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (2024)

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Grilled Pork Chops Recipe Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (1)

By: Becky Hardin

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Grilling season is here and this grilled pork chops recipe will be the hit of the summer! Easy to make, this fool proof recipe will guarantee perfectly cooked barbecued chops every single time!

Grilled Pork Chops Recipe Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (2)

Move over burgers! Grilled Pork Chops are what you need to be grilling this summer! Easy to prep and cook, outdoor cooking has never tasted so good! Pork is a great option to put on the grill and it’s a hit with the whole family!

Table of Contents

How to make Grilled Pork Chops

  • Line a rimmed sheet pan with aluminum foil.
  • Liberally sprinkle pork chops with kosher salt (and dry rub seasoning, if using), and refrigerate the pork chops 1-24 hours.
  • When ready to cook the chops, remove them from the fridge 30 minutes before grilling.
  • Sprinkle the pork chops lightly with freshly ground black pepper and kosher salt.
  • Heat coals until all charcoal is covered with ash and push the coals to cover one half of the grill. Set the grate in place and cover the grill for 5 minutes. This will allow the grill to preheat.
  • Clean and oil the grilling grate.
  • Place the pork chops over the hot side of the grill and cook 3-5 minutes or until golden brown on the bottom side. Flip the chops over and grill another 3-5 minutes or until browned on the other side.
  • Transfer chops to the cool side of the grill with the bone side facing the fire. Cover, cook and flip the chops in one-minute intervals until meat registers 135°F on an instant-read meat thermometer at the thickest part of the pork chop. Remove the chops from the grill. After allowing the meat to rest 10 minutes after cooking, the internal temperature should raise to 145°F (the perfect temperature for juicy pork chops).
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How long do they take to grill?

  • These pork chops will take around 10-15 minutes to cook, depending on the thickness.
  • A 3/4 inch chop will take 10 minutes and a 1 inch chop will take closer to 15.
  • If you have a 1 1/2 inch chop, you are likely looking at a cooking time of up to 20 minutes.
  • Be sure to rest the pork for at least 10 minutes after cooking so that it becomes tender.

Are grilled pork chops good for you?

As with all meats, the types of cuts you use will contain different levels of fat and cholesterol. It’s best to chose a lean pork chop, such as a sirloin or top loin chop which will be lower in calories. Grilling is a healthier cooking option compared to shallow frying as excess fat drips away and you are not adding any extra oils. A lean pork chop can be the basis for a healthy, well-balanced meal.

Types of Pork Chops

For these grilled pork chops, we used Rib Chops. I love bone in pork chops like this because they’re so flavorful and juicy. Here are the types of pork chops so you can pick that one that’s best for you and your family!

  • Shoulder Chop:Also known as Blade Chops, this cut comes from the shoulder. While this cut has a lot of flavor due to increased fat, it can also be quite tough and grisly.
  • Rib Chop:This is the type of pork chop we usually choose to grill. They have a mild flavor, are typically quite tender, and have a good fat content.
  • Loin Chop:Loin Chops are from the hip of the pig. This is a leaner cut of meat and is very mild.
  • Boneless Chop:A lot of people choose to cook boneless pork chops because its seen as an easier option. It’s very easy to overcook boneless because there’s no bone to prevent the drying and overcooking. This can be a great cut for families, but be careful not to overcook.
  • Sirloin Chop:This cut is cheaper, but can be a very tough (not tender) pork chop.

Other Pork Recipes we LOVE!

  • Crispy Breaded Pork Chops
  • Smoked Pork Chops
  • Orange Cranberry Pork Loin
  • BBQ Grilled Pork Chops
  • Pork Tenderloin with Honey and Herbs
  • Honey Pork Chops with Pears and Bourbon
  • Apple Butter Pork Chops
  • Dry Rub for Pork! (A MUST!)
  • Crock Pot Pork Chops
Grilled Pork Chops Recipe Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (6)
Grilled Pork Chops Recipe Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (7)

What to serve with grilled pork chops

Grilled pineapple rings make an excellent partner for a grilled pork chop, I love serving several pork chops on grilled rings so everyone can help themselves. Sautéed green beans or a Brussel sprout salad would all be excellent side dishes to serve alongside.

Grilled Pork Chops Recipe Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (8)
Grilled Pork Chops Recipe Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (9)

Top tips for making this Grilled Pork Chops Recipe

  • Try and use chops that are the same thickness.
  • Let the chops come to room temperature before grilling them.
  • Pre heat the grill before cooking the chops.
  • Be sure to let the pork chops rest before serving them.
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For more grilling recipes and guidance:

  • Best Summer Grilling Recipes
  • Best BBQ Side Dishes
  • And be sure to check out this Meat Temperature Chart for perfect grilling results every time!

Don’t forget the Grilled Burgers, Grilled Steak, and Grilled Ribs!

Recipe

Grilled Pork Chops Recipe

4.84 from 6 votes

Author: Becky Hardin

Prep: 15 minutes minutes

Cook: 15 minutes minutes

Total: 30 minutes minutes

Grilled Pork Chops Recipe Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (11)

Serves4 people

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Grilling season is here and , and this grilled pork chops recipe will be the hit of the summer! Easy to make, this fool proof recipe will guarantee perfectly cooked barbecued chops every single time!

By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from The Cookie Rookie.

Ingredients

  • 4 bone in pork chops 1½” thick, center-cut, 8 ounces each
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • Dry Rub Seasoning for Pork optional

Instructions

  • Line a rimmed sheet pan with aluminum foil.

  • Liberally sprinkle pork chops with kosher salt (and dry rub seasoning, if using), and refrigerate the pork chops 1-24 hours.

  • When ready to cook the chops, remove them from the fridge 30 minutes before grilling.

  • Sprinkle the pork chops lightly with freshly ground black pepper and kosher salt.

  • Heat coals until all charcoal is covered with ash and push the coals to cover one half of the grill. Set the grate in place and cover the grill for 5 minutes. This will allow the grill to preheat.

  • Clean and oil the grilling grate.

  • Place the pork chops over the hot side of the grill and cook 3-5 minutes or until golden brown on the bottom side. Flip the chops over and grill another 3-5 minutes or until browned on the other side.

  • Transfer chops to the cool side of the grill with the bone side facing the fire. Cover, cook and flip the chops in one-minute intervals until meat registers 135°F on an instant-read meat thermometer at the thickest part of the pork chop. Remove the chops from the grill. After allowing the meat to rest 10 minutes after cooking, the internal temperature should raise to 145°F (the perfect temperature for juicy pork chops).

  • Enjoy!

Last step! Don’t forget to show me a pic of what you made! Upload an image or tag me @thecookierookie on Instagram!

Becky’s tips

Be sure to start with 1½-inch thick-cut, bone-in pork chops. Use a dry brine to help retain juices as they cook.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 289kcal (14%) Protein: 35g (70%) Fat: 15g (23%) Saturated Fat: 5g (31%) Cholesterol: 117mg (39%) Sodium: 94mg (4%) Potassium: 583mg (17%) Calcium: 32mg (3%) Iron: 1.1mg (6%)

Did You Make This?I want to see! Be sure to upload an image below & tag @thecookierookie on social media!

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Meet Becky Hardin

Becky Hardin is a wife and mother living in Saint Louis Missouri. She founded The Cookie Rookie in 2012 as a creative way to share recipes. Now, she is a trusted resource for easy cooking around the world, being featured in Taste of Home, The Kitchn, ABC’s Home and Family, and more. Here at The Cookie Rookie she is the editor in chief of all recipes and continues to enjoy sharing her passion for cooking for busy families. She has since founded two additional food blogs, Easy Chicken Recipes and Easy Dessert Recipes.

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9 Comments

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Grilled Pork Chops Recipe Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (18)

This was beautiful Admin. Thank you for your reflections.

Reply

Grilled Pork Chops Recipe Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (19)

April

Posted on 7/3/2019

I swear there’s nothing better than grilled pork chops. Yum!Grilled Pork Chops Recipe Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (20)

Reply

Becky Hardin

Posted on 7/3/2019

Reply to April

I know. The best ever!

Reply

Grilled Pork Chops Recipe Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (22)

Anna

Posted on 7/3/2019

Grilled pork chops are the best!Grilled Pork Chops Recipe Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (23)

Reply

Becky Hardin

Posted on 7/3/2019

Reply to Anna

Agree! Thanks Anna!

Reply

Grilled Pork Chops Recipe Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (25)

lauren kelly

Posted on 7/3/2019

We don’t make pork chops nearly enough! These were a huge hit and will absolutely make them again!Grilled Pork Chops Recipe Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (26)

Reply

Becky Hardin

Posted on 7/3/2019

Reply to lauren kelly

Agree. It just takes the right technique and they’re the best meal ever!

Reply

Grilled Pork Chops Recipe Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (28)

Julie

Posted on 7/3/2019

I love grilled pork chops! One of my favorite summer meals!Grilled Pork Chops Recipe Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (29)

Reply

Becky Hardin

Posted on 7/3/2019

Reply to Julie

ME TOO!

Reply

Grilled Pork Chops Recipe Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret to grilling pork chops? ›

Thick pork chops are grilled over high heat to develop flavor before moving to low heat to cook them gently—that's how you keep them from drying out. Thick pork chops are 1 to 1 1/2 inches wide, and are ideal for grilling because they take longer and can achieve a really beautiful crispy crust.

What is the secret to moist pork chops? ›

Fat is key to keeping pork chops moist

Basting them with fat, such as butter. Add in aromatics while basting for more flavor — similar to how you might cook a steak — and then you have the added bonus of browned butter and crispy garlic and/or herbs to serve with the meat.

What is the best binder for grilled pork chops? ›

Simple seasoning is all that's needed

To start, pat the pork dry and score the fat cap. This prevents the pork chop from curling up while the fat renders and shrinks. Next, drizzle with some olive oil that will work as the binder.

Are pork chops better on the grill or oven? ›

“Oven-baking followed by broiling is an excellent option for preparing bone-in pork chops,” says Rojas.” Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees and letting pork chops come to room temperature. Place pork chops on a baking sheet and allow to cook until a meat thermometer reaches 145 degrees.

How do you keep pork chops from drying out on the grill? ›

A thicker chop (preferably 1 ½-inch thick pork chops or more) can better withstand the heat of the grill. Marinate or Dry Rub the Pork. Coating the pork with a rub or marinade that contains salt is key to ensuring that the pork turns out tender and juicy, not dry.

How to tenderize pork chops before grilling? ›

Tenderize Pork with a Meat Mallet

An old-fashioned meat mallet is a quick, affordable, and reliable way to soften up any cut of meat. It's great for pork chops because you can use it lightly on thinner chops and put more force into thicker cuts.

Should you grill pork chops with lid up or down? ›

Thin pork chops, shrimp, and burgers tend to cook quickly. Leaving the grill lid up will slow the cooking process by reducing the temperature around the meat. For thicker cuts, you want to close the lid to keep the temperature high and even.

How do you keep breading from falling off pork chops? ›

Mix milk with first amount of salt (2 teaspoons) and allow pork chops to soak in this mixture for as long as you'd like, about an hour to maybe four works well. Overnight soaking will result in too much moisture & your breading will fall off.

Why are my grilled pork chops tough? ›

Because pork chops are such a lean cut, they are relatively quick-cooking and prone to overcooking. When they're cooked for even a few minutes too long, whether it's in the oven or on the stovetop or grill, they're quick to dry out, and — you guessed it — become tough, chewy, and less than appealing.

How long do you cook pork chops on a grill? ›

Grilling Time & Temp

It should take about 12 to 14 minutes for your chops to reach an internal temp of 145°F. Hot Tip: When Do I Apply a Sugar-Based Glaze to Pork Chops?

Can pork chops be a little pink? ›

If fresh pork has reached 145°F (62.8 °C) throughout, even though it may still be pink in the center, it should be safe. The pink color can be due to the cooking method or added ingredients.

Should you sear pork chops before grilling? ›

This depends on the thickness, but a good rule of thumb for a 1” thick pork chop is to sear on high/direct heat for 1-2 minutes, move to medium/indirect heat and cook for 4-6 minutes on each side.

How do you grill pork chops without overcooking them? ›

Grill over direct heat: grill over direct heat for around 6-8 minutes on each side and until the internal temperature reaches at least 140ºF (for medium-rare) or 150ºF (for medium-well). Let rest: let pork chops rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the internal temperature to rise 5 more degrees. Enjoy!

How to cook pork chops without drying them out? ›

The Best Juicy Skillet Pork Chops
  1. Say goodbye to dry and flavorless pork chops. ...
  2. Tip #1: Don't cook chops straight from the refrigerator. ...
  3. Tip #2: Season the chops with salt half an hour before cooking. ...
  4. Tip #3: Rub the chops with spices and some flour. ...
  5. Tip #4: Sear on one side, flip, and then cover with a lid.

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