Plus, just like a juicy grilled steak or grilled salmon, these chops cook fast without heating up your kitchen! Try grilling them for your next family dinner or backyard barbecue.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ingredients for grilling pork chops, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.
Pork Chops:
Cuts of pork chops – You can make most grilled pork chop recipes using any cut of pork chops: shoulder chops (known for their richer, fattier meat), rib chops (tender and juicy), loin chops (a lean option with mild flavor), or sirloin chops (robust pork flavor but sometimes tougher in texture). Bone-in vs. boneless – Choose bone-in or boneless pork chops based on your preference. Grilling pork chops with the bone makes them more juicy and less prone to drying out, but boneless pork chops are a little easier to eat. Thickness – Pork chops vary in thickness, which effects the cooking time. If you can, choose ones that are at least 1 inch thick to ensure juicy results and more easily avoid overcooking.
Grilled Pork Chop Marinade:
Olive Oil – This makes up the base of the marinade and locks in moisture. You can substitute other heat-safe oils, like avocado oil. Coconut Aminos Or Soy Sauce – This balances out the acidity of the vinegar (below). Coconut aminos is my go-to soy sauce substitute, but you can use low sodium soy sauce if that works for you. Honey – Adds a touch of sweetness and balances the flavors. Either regular or sugar-free honey will work. I much prefer these over the brown sugar that some recipes use. Apple Cider Vinegar – An acid is a key component of any good marinade, because it tenderizes the meat. You can substitute other acidic ingredients here, such as white wine vinegar or lemon juice. Garlic – Fresh minced garlic gives the marinade the best flavor, but you can use 1 teaspoon of jarred garlic or 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder instead. Spices – Paprika, onion powder, sea salt, and black pepper. You can also throw in some red pepper flakes if you want extra heat, or some dried herbs (like thyme or oregano) for extra flavor.
How To Grill Pork Chops
This section shows how to cook pork chops on the grill, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card. If you prefer a dry rub instead of a marinade, season pork chops with 2-3 tablespoons of pork chop seasoning or jerk seasoning instead.
How Long To Grill Pork Chops?
Total pork chop grill time is 9-13 minutes for boneless pork chops or 14-18 minutes for bone-in pork chops, and they cook more evenly if you flip them every 3-4 minutes. For the juiciest results, cook until they reach an internal temperature of 140 degrees F, then rest for 5 minutes to let them reach 145 degrees F.
What Pork Chop Grill Temp To Use?
Grill pork chops over medium-high heat, between 400 and 450 degrees F.
Storage Instructions
Store: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Meal prep: Prepare the marinade and marinate the pork chops overnight for best results. Reheat: You can reheat pork chops on the grill over indirect heat, in the oven at 350 degrees F, or in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel. Check on them often, because they can be prone to drying out. Freeze: Cool completely, then store in a freezer bag or airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
What To Serve With Grilled Pork Chop Recipes
Just about anything can go with these juicy chops, but I like to keep my sides quick, light, and easy. Here are my favorite picks: Grilled pork chop recipes are pretty simple, but here are some tips I’ve learned along the way:
Don’t marinate longer than 24 hours. Just like baked pork chops, you don’t want to marinate longer than 24 hours because the meat can get mushy. Flip every few minutes. Since the pork chops cook over direct heat, this prevents flare ups, burning, and dry spots. They also cook a bit faster this way compared to flipping only once! But… Don’t flip too soon. If the pork chops stick to the grill, they are not ready to flip. Let them cook until they easily release. Use a meat thermometer. The time will vary depending on the thickness of your pork chops and your exact grill temperature, so the best way to know they are cooked perfectly is to use a probe thermometer (it will beep when they are perfect!) or instant-read thermometer. Remove from heat 5 degrees before target temp. Pork chops are very lean, so they can dry out easily. The ideal internal temperature for pork chops is 145 degrees F. But because the temperature will rise 5 degrees after you remove them from heat, it’s best to remove them at 140 degrees F and let them rest, so that they stay juicy.
Grilled Vegetables – While the grill is hot, throw on some veggie sides. Try grilled asparagus, crispy broccoli on the grill, or some perfectly charred grilled eggplant (or another eggplant recipe). Salads – A grilled peach salad is perfect for grill mains, but a strawberry spinach salad or burrata salad makes a beautiful summery side. BBQ Favorites – You can’t go wrong with cookout favorites like elote corn, potato salad (or cauliflower potato salad), or classic coleslaw. Potatoes – Cook them on the grill, or make air fryer baked potatoes while you’re grilling pork chops.
More Easy Pork Chop Recipes
Need a quick and easy weeknight meal? These chops cook fast and stay juicy: Please enter your first name for your account. Your saved recipe will also be sent to your email. Nutrition info uses sugar-free honey, but regular also works.
