Learn how to grill juicy pork chops with this easy recipe! These thick cut pork chops are seasoned with a simple dry rub, grilled until extra tender. It's the best grilled pork chops recipe for summer and prepared with simple steps.
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Hey there, family! If you are looking for the perfect pork chop recipe for grilling season, look no further! These juicy pork chops are absolutely mouthwatering. This is an original recipe that we created for Yummly awhile back, and let me tell you, it's a game-changer!
We paired these thick cut pork chops with fresh peaches on the grill, because let's be real, peaches are the epitome of summer. However, you can serve these juicy chops with all of your favorites. Continue reading for recommendations of the best side dishes for pork chops below.
Oh, and if you are looking for a pork tenderloin recipe or have thinner pork chops, be sure to check out our sous vide pork tenderloin recipe.
Happy grilling!
What you'll love about this recipe:
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated garlic
- ½ tablespoon coarse black pepper
- (4) one-pound bone-in pork chops
Grilled Peaches, for serving (optional)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon light brown sugar
- 4 peaches, halved and pitted
Brine (Optional)
- 4 cups water
- ¼ cup Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 4 cups ice
Note: Grilled peaches and grilled juicy pork chops go really well together! The sweet taste of the peaches and the savory flavor of the chops make a tasty combo. When you grill the peaches, they get a bit of char that adds to their flavor.
Directions
This recipe uses an optional salt, sugar, and water brine that will infuse your chops with a nice balance of flavor while helping to retain moisture during cooking.
- Bring water to a boil in a pot. In the same pot, add kosher salt and sugar to the boiling water. Stir until completely dissolved. Remove the pot from heat and let the brine cool slightly.
- Add 4 cups ice to the pot, stirring until the ice is mostly melted, and the brine reaches room temperature. Place chops in a large bowl or container. Pour the brine over the pork, ensuring they are fully submerged.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor absorption. Before cooking, remove from the brine, rinse, and dry pork chops with paper towels.
How to Grill Juicy Pork Chops
- First, mix up some salt, garlic powder, and black pepper in a little bowl. This will be your pork rub.
- Next, sprinkle pork dry rub seasoning mixture all over your bone-in chops, covering every side.
- Now, fire up your gas grill or charcoal grill to about 350°F (medium heat or medium-high heat depending on your type of grill).
- Once it's hot, toss the chops right on there. Cook them for 8 to 10 minutes on each side, or until they have a nice sear and hit an internal temperature of 145°F. Note: The cook time will vary depending on the thickness of the chops. Be sure to use an instant read thermometer for accuracy!
- If serving with grilled peaches, while the chops are cooking, grab another bowl and mix together some melted butter and brown sugar. Use that mix to brush over your peaches.
- Put the peaches on the grill, cut side down, and cook 'em for about 4 minutes on each side. You want to see some nice grill marks on the skin and feel them get soft.
- When everything's done, take them off the grill and serve those delicious chops with the grilled peaches on top. The pork will have a little pink in the center which is normal (see below).
How Long to Grill Thick Pork Chops?
Grilling thick pork chops usually takes a bit longer to ensure they cook through without drying out. The cooking time may vary, but generally, cooking 2" thick pork chops on the grill at 350°F will typically take around 8 to 10 minutes per side, or 16 to 20 minutes total.
Grilling thick chops at 375°F to 400°F will require a bit less time compared to cooking at lower temperatures, about 6 to 7 minutes per side. Keep in mind that cooking at high temperatures can lead to uneven cooking (burnt on the outside but still raw in the center) or dryness if they are overcooked. Cooking them at around 350°F will result in the juiciest pork chops.
Recipe Tips & Tricks
- Brine: Consider brining for added moisture and flavor. Dissolve salt and sugar in water, then submerge chops in the brine for 1 to 4 hours before grilling.
- Use Bone-In Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops tend to be juicier and more flavorful than boneless chops. They also cook more evenly on the grill.
- Let Chops Rest: After grilling, allow the meat to rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in juicier chops.
- Monitor Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. They are safe to eat when they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) with a three-minute rest time.
- Oil the Grill Grates: To prevent sticking, brush the grates with olive oil before grilling. This also helps to achieve attractive grill marks.
- Grill Over Medium Heat: Maintain a medium heat on the grill to prevent the chops from burning.
Best Side Dishes for Pork Chops
- Collard Greens: Slow-cooked collard greens seasoned with bacon, onions, and garlic add a savory and slightly smoky element to the meal.
- Green Beans and Potatoes: Whether cooked with bacon or seasoned with Southern spices, green beans make a vibrant and tasty side dish.
- Macaroni and Cheese: A rich and cheesy macaroni and cheese dish can be a deliciously indulgent side to balance the savory fried chicken.
- Black Eyed Peas: Seasoned black eyed peas make a hearty and flavorful side dish, providing protein and a distinct Southern touch.
- Creamed Corn: Sweet, tender corn kernels are simmered in a rich, creamy sauce, making this dish a true comfort classic that’s easy to prepare and impossible to resist.
- Southern Style Braised Cabbage: Braised cabbage cooked with bacon, onion, and garlic in a savory broth, offering a flavorful and slightly tangy side that complements the crispy goodness of fried chicken.
- Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon and Sausage: A flavorful combination of cabbage, bacon, and sausage adds a unique and savory dimension to the meal.
FAQ
How hot should pork chops be?
What's the best way to store leftover grilled pork chops?
How long are cooked pork chops good in the fridge?
Summary
This easy recipe teaches you how to grill juicy pork chops with just a few simple ingredients. It's one of our favorite pork chop recipes that's sure to be on regular rotation for all of grilling season!
📖 Recipe
How to Grill Juicy Pork Chops
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated garlic
- ½ tablespoon coarse black pepper
- 4 pounds bone-in pork chops (four 1-pound chops)
Grilled Peaches, for serving (optional)
- 2 tablespoons butter melted
- 1 teaspoon light brown sugar
- 4 peaches halved and pitted
Brine (Optional)
- 4 cups water
- ¼ cup Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 4 cups ice
Instructions
- Prepare Brine (Optional): In a pot, boil water. Add kosher salt and sugar. Stir until dissolved. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Stir in 4 cups of ice until mostly melted and brine is room temperature.
- Place pork chops in a bowl/container. Pour brine over chops, ensuring they're fully submerged.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results. Before cooking, remove chops from brine, rinse, and pat dry.
- Grilling Instructions: Mix salt, garlic powder, and black pepper in a small bowl for pork rub.
- Coat pork chops with dry rub, covering all sides.
- Heat gas or charcoal grill to 350°F (medium to medium-high heat).
- Cook chops for 8-10 minutes per side, or until until seared and internal temperature reaches 145°F. Use an instant-read thermometer for accuracy.
- Grilled Peaches (Optional): Mix melted butter and brown sugar. Brush over peach halves. Grill cut side down for 4 minutes per side until soft with grill marks.
- Remove from grill and serve pork chops with grilled peaches on top. Note: Pork chops may have a slight pink center, which is normal.
Jazz says
This was my first time grilling pork chops and they came out perfectly! Definitely juicy. I'm so glad I found your recipe. Thanks!
Marta says
Thank you for the easy-to-follow tips and techniques. I was able to grill some of the best-tasting pork chops last weekend for an early b-day dinner for my hubby.
Marcus Avery says
I’m sometimes find grilling pork chops to be hard, especially when they are thick cut. Thank you so much for these tips. My pork chops came out tender and flavorful! Adding the grilled peaches was absolutely genius!