Grilled Pork Chops

Grilled pork chops make for an easy summer (or anytime) dinner.

An easy lemon herb marinade makes them tender, juicy, and flavorful. Serve them with a simple salad and add some grilled veggies, then dine al fresco!

Perfectly Grilled Pork Chops

Pork, AKA ‘the other white meat’, is a healthy meal, 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 & Variations

Pork Chops – Pork chops can be packaged in thicknesses from ½-inch thick to 1 ½-inches. This recipe works with bone-in pork chops (which is what we prefer) or boneless chops. The cooking times in the recipe below are intended for ¾-inch thick chops.

Marinade – 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 sidecook 3/4″ chops for 5-6 minutes per sidecook 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.

Leftovers?

Leftover pork chops can be kept in the refrigerator in a covered container for up to 4 days.

For really thick chops with a ‘fat cap’ (a thicker ribbon of fat on one edge) slice the fat diagonally every ¼” inch across the fat. This will prevent the meat from curling up as it cooks.

Keep the fat on because it adds great flavor!

For the Juiciest Pork Chops…

Pork is lean so it’s important to ensure they don’t overcook. Pork can be a little bit pink inside.

Pork is best cooked to 145°F but we 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.

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.

Serve with These Tasty Sides:

Grilled Vegetables – with balsamic marinade Easy Grilled Asparagus – made with Parmesan Grilled Zucchini – with simple ingredients Grilled Brussels Sprouts – so easy to make Grilled Red Potatoes – perfectly crispy skin

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