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

FAQs

How long to cook pork chops under the grill? ›

About 9 to 12 minutes over medium-high heat is how long it takes to grill pork chops (using my recommended 1 ½ inch, bone-in pork chops cook). Flip them once halfway through. Check the pork early. You can always put your pork back on the grill to cook for longer, but once it's overcooked, there is no return.

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.

The secret to tender pork chops is using bone-in pork chops and cooking the meat to 145 degrees F. If you cook your meat to a higher temperature it can get tough and dry. Also, when you take the meat off the grill, let it rest for 5 minutes so the juices stay in the meat.

That makes the total grilling time for pork chops about 12 to 16 minutes. You'll know the pork chops are done when they reach an internal temperature of 145ºF.

Cover and cook, flipping every few minutes, until the thickest piece registers 145°F on an instant-read thermometer, 4 to 7 minutes more depending on the thickness of the chops. Rest the pork chops for 5 minutes.

Use a meat thermometer to make sure your pork chops reach exactly 145 degrees, and remove them from the grill immediately. Make sure your pork chops get their moment of rest (at least 5 minutes). The fibers of the meat relax as it is resting, and this gives the pork chops the juicy tenderness we all aspire to.

On their own, pork chops are a lean, bland cut of meat. Seasoning with salt before cooking is an essential step in bringing out the meat's natural flavors. Season generously, and remember that even a very short brine (just 30 minutes) will improve the taste and texture of the meat.

A simple brine was all it took. For about two large pork chops (you can use bone-in or boneless), this is how it's done. You'll mix about 2 cups of water with ¼ cup of kosher salt and ¼ cup of granulated sugar until everything is dissolved.

Best Seasoning for Pork Chops

Thyme and sage add herby and floral notes complementing pork's flavor exceptionally well. There's also a combination of smoked paprika, pepper, and a little bit of cayenne pepper, which all give your pork chops a lovely, not overly spicy, kiss of heat.

Mix olive oil, soy sauce and steak seasoning together in a small bowl. Add the pork chops to a large ziploc bag or flat dish and pour the marinade ingredients over the top. Refrigerate and marinade for at least 3 hours and up to 24 hours.

Should pork chops sit out before grilling? ›

In fact, taking the chill off your roasts, pork chops, and even fish fillets before cooking will produce juicier, more evenly cooked meat.

It's important for the pork to reach 145°F (63°C) to develop the proper texture with the muscle fibers and fat and to be safe to eat, but really no higher. Stay away from the higher temperature ranges that will leave the pork irreversibly tough and dry.

How do you grill pork chops without drying them out? Brine the pork chops prior to grilling to help them retain moisture. These grilled pork chops are brined in pickle juice, which makes them extra tender and juicy. The vinegar in pickle juice helps break down the proteins prior to cooking, so they don't become tough.

While your pork chops are still on the grill, insert the digital meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chop, but not touching the bone, to check the internal temperature. When they reach an internal temperature of 145°F, your pork chops are done.

A quick turn in a hot pan followed by a little time in the oven is another great way to cook pork chops. You build color and flavor in the skillet, then hand the cooking over to the oven, which gives you time to prep the rest of the meal.

For 1-inch thick boneless pork chops, cook for 8-12 minutes over direct heat turning every 3-4 minutes or until well grill marked with the lid closed. Add another 5 minutes resting time for the juices to set in the meat.

Preheat grill to 400 degrees (medium high heat). Place pork chops on grill, and allow to cook for 8 minutes per side. Once pork reaches at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit remove from grill (use a meat thermometer to check temperature in the middle of the pork chop).

The standard cook time for 2-inch pork chops is 4 to 6 minutes on each side or until a meat thermometer inserted in the center reads 140°. Let the meat rest for 5 minutes before serving. Learn more about grilling pork chops.