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Get It NowNo more dry meat on the grill! This is the best grilled pork chop recipe if you’re looking for that irresistible combination of tender, juicy taste and charred grill marks. I’ll show you how to do it with the help of a perfect grilled pork chop marinade and step-by-step method.
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.
Why You’ll Love This Grilled Pork Chops Recipe
- Tender, juicy, flavorful chops
- Sweet and savory grilled pork chop marinade
- Simple ingredients
- Quick and easy to make
- Works on a gas grill, charcoal grill, or even a grill pan
- Perfect for BBQs, cookouts, or a simple weeknight dinner
Ingredients & Substitutions
This section explains how to choose the best ingredients for grilling pork chops, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card below.
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.
VARIATION: Use a seasoning instead of a marinade.
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 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, including amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card below.
- Whisk together the marinade. Mix together the olive oil, coconut aminos, honey, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, paprika, onion powder, sea salt, and black pepper in a bowl.
- Marinate the pork chops. Place the chops in a large zip lock bag or a large bowl. Pour the marinade over the pork chops, coating evenly. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
- Bring to room temperature. Discard any marinade and let the chops sit at room temperature while preheating the grill (or a grill pan) to medium-high heat.
- Grill pork chops. Place the pork chops on the grates over direct heat. Grill, flipping every few minutes, until internal temperature reaches 145 degrees F.
- Rest. Transfer to a plate and let them rest for 5 minutes to let the juices settle inside.
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.
Tips For The Best Grilled Pork Chops
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.
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 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:
Tools For Grilling Pork Chops
- Grill Pan – If you don’t have a grill, this pan still creates excellent grill marks right on your stovetop.
- Meat Thermometer – Complete with quick readings so you know your meat is safe to eat.
Grilled Pork Chops
Grilled Pork Chops (Easy & Juicy!)
Discover the BEST grilled pork chops recipe: Tender, juicy, flavorful meat seasoned with the perfect pork chop marinade… and it's so easy!
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Ingredients
Tap underlined ingredients to see where to get them. Please turn Safari reader mode OFF to view ingredients.
Instructions
Tap on the times in the instructions below to start a kitchen timer while you cook.
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In a small mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, coconut aminos, honey, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, paprika, onion powder, sea salt, and black pepper.
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Place the pork chops in a large zip lock bag. Pour the marinade over the pork chops, making sure each chop is evenly coated with the mixture.
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Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight.
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When ready to cook, remove the pork chops from the marinade, discarding any remaining marinade. Let them sit at room temperature while the grill preheats. (This helps with more even cooking.)
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Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (~400-450 degrees F or 204-232 degrees C) for at least 10 minutes (or a grill pan on the stove for at least 5 minutes).
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Place the pork chops over direct heat. Grill for 4 minutes, flip and grill for another 4 minutes. Repeat this process one more time for a total of around 9-13 minutes for bone-in pork chops or minutes for boneless pork chops, or 14-18 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 140 degrees F (60 degrees C). The time will vary depending on the thickness of your pork chops and your exact grill temperature.
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Once the pork chops are done, remove them from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. The internal temperature will rise another 5-10 degrees F.
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Recipe Notes
Serving size: 1 pork chop
Nutrition info uses sugar-free honey, but regular also works.
Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see our nutrition policy.
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5 Comments
Amanda
0I made these pork chops for dinner tonight and just loved them! They came out so juicy, and that marinade added the best flavor. Great for a summer weeknight meal.
Liz
0My family loved these!! My dad asked for the recipe, haha that’s how you know it was a winner!
Traci
0These totally hit the spot! It’s been so hot and I’ve been looking for a new girl recipe. This hit the spot and tasted amazing!
Rebecca
0I made these on the Blackstone Griddle yesterday for dinner and they were fabulous. The marinade is great! So much flavor!
Shelby
0I love how juicy these pork chops come out! And the little bit of honey on them was perfect for flavor.