Grilled pork chops make for an easy summer (or anytime) dinner.
A herb marinade makes these chops tender, juicy, and delicious. Simply marinate and grill.
Serve them with a simple salad and add some grilled veggies, then dine al fresco!
Perfectly Grilled Pork Chops
- Pork chops, AKA ‘the other white meat’, is a healthy entrée, and they’re easy to grill!
- The marinade adds flavor while making for extra tender meat.
- This recipe can be made with bone-in or boneless chops.
- Pork chops are affordable and accessible, plus they cook fast making for the perfect dinner.
Ingredients for Grilling Pork Chops
Pork Chops – Pork chops can vary in thicknesses from ½-inch thick to 1 ½-inches. This recipe can be made with bone-in pork chops (which is what we prefer) or boneless chops. The cooking times will vary based on thickness, check the notes of the recipe.
Marinade Ingredients – Lemon juice adds a bright flavor and helps to tenderize the meat as it marinates. Brown sugar brings a hint of sweetness and helps with caramelization while the savory herbs balance out the flavor of the marinade.
How to Grill Pork Chops
Grill marinated pork chops over medium-high heat until the internal temperature reaches 145°F at the thickest point. Use this handy guide for grilling bone-in or boneless pork chops on a gas grill at a medium-high temp:
- cook 1/2″ chops for 4 minutes per side
- cook 3/4″ chops for 5-6 minutes per side
- cook 1″ chops for 7-9 minutes per side
Tips & Tricks for Pork Chops
- For best results, marinate the pork chops for a minimum of 2 hours to season and tenderize the meat.
- Always start with a preheated grill so the meat sears on the outside, instantly sealing in all the juices! A light brush of oil across the grill grate will prevent sticking.
- Avoid pressing down the meat with a spatula as this will squeeze out the juices and make the chops tough.
- Use a meat thermometer inserted at the thickest part of the meat to check for doneness. Pork should be at 145°F, and remember, it will continue to cook as it rests.
How to Make Pork Chops Tender
Pork is lean so it’s important to ensure it doesn’t overcook. It should be a little bit pink in the middle.
Pork is best cooked to 145°F but remove it from the grill a few degrees early as the temperature will rise as it rests. Be sure to allow at least 5 minutes to rest before serving.
Instant Read Thermometerapprox. $14
An instant read thermometer is an easy and inexpensive way to make sure that foods are cooked to a safe temperature without overcooking. This will ensure you have tender and juicy meat every time! your meats
Leftovers?
Leftover pork chops can be kept in the refrigerator in a covered container for up to 4 days.
Reheat them in the microwave or air fryer just until heated through. Freeze portions wrapped in plastic and then place them in a zippered bag. Freeze for up to 4 weeks.
Perfect Side Dishes for Pork Chops
Did your family love this Grilled Pork Chops Recipe? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below!
Grilled Pork Chops
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4-6 bone-in pork chops ¾-inch thick
Marinade
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- ½ lemon juiced, about 1 ½ tablespoons
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
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To make the marinade, in a large bowl or a freezer bag, combine olive oil, brown sugar, soy sauce, freshly squeezed lemon juice, garlic powder, basil, oregano, along with 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper.
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Add the pork chops and toss well to coat. Marinate for at least 2 hours, turning occasionally.
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Preheat the grill to medium-high.
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Remove the pork from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off.
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Grill the pork chops for 5-6 minutes per side or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F with an instant-read thermometer. Do not overcook.
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Let the pork chops rest on a plate for at least 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- cook 1/2-inch chops for 4 minutes per side
- cook 3/4-inch chops for 5-6 minutes per side
- cook 1-inch chops for 7-9 minutes per side
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Dinner, Entree, Pork
Cuisine American
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My husband and I couldn’t believe these actually tasted like steak!! Best pork chops we’ve ever had.
I used your brine recipe with this marinade and they were phenomenal. Best pork chops I’ve ever had! Cooked perfectly and enjoyed very much by my whole family!!
Thank you Erica! I’m so happy to hear that everyone loves these chops!!
I don’t have a grill can I bake them in the oven .
i so can’t wait to make this for my dad since he loves pork chops. whenever we grill out my mom gets him pork chops and me steak and something for herself.
Made this last week with my husband and we LOVED it! We usually throw our pork chops in the crock pot with barbecue sauce and they come out tough and bitter… Your recipe has blown our minds! We’ve never had pork chops as juicy and tender as these! They are perfect and we’re making them again tonight. Thank you!
I’m so glad you love them Tabitha! :)