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Juicy Grilled Pork Chops Recipe

These Grilled Pork Chops are perfect for summertime, but to be honest, you can whip them up all year long. The best part is that they’re always juicy on the inside and they form a perfectly seasoned crust on the outside. When it comes to serving, you can use them for everything from the main entree to a salad topper. 

If you love a great Grilled Steak, you’ll love these juicy grilled pork chops. It’s a more affordable option than expensive cuts of beef and a great way to satisfy your BBQ cravings.

Grilled pork chops on serving plate

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Love pork? Try some of our other grilled & BBQ-worthy pork favorites like grilled pork tenderloin with peaches, easy pork carnitas, or pulled pork while you’re at it.

Grilled Pork Chops that are Actually Juicy

These are the keys to ensuring your grilled pork chops aren’t dry. Follow these tips and you’ll enjoy some truly juicy pork chops.

  • Bring to room temperature – Pull the pork chops out and let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before grilling them. This will promote even cooking.
  • Check the Internal temperature – Pork chops are lean and cook quickly, so keep an eye on the internal temperature to prevent them from overcooking and drying out. Use an instant-read meat thermometer to ensure they have reached 145°F and are safe to eat.
  • Rest before slicing – Only cut into the pork chops after allowing them to rest for 10 minutes. This helps the pork chops to retain their juices and become incredibly tender.

Ingredients for this Grilled Pork Chops Recipe

  • Bone-in pork chops – Go for bone-in thicker cuts, as they typically have more flavor and turn out extra juicy.
  • Olive oil – an extra virgin or light olive oil will work well here.
  • Garlic– You’ll want to use fresh garlic over garlic powder. If you love garlic, feel free to throw in a few extra cloves to the marinade. 
  • Lemon juice – You’ll need 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice from about 1/2 lemon.
  • Black pepper – Opt for freshly cracked black pepper for more flavor
  • Kosher Salt – A coarse, flakey kosher salt works best for the marinade.
Ingredients for pork chops and pork marinade

How to Make Grilled Pork Chops 

  • Pat the Pork Chops Dry – Pat the pork chops dry with a paper towel to help the marinade “stick” better. 
  • Make the Marinade – In a large bowl, whisk the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and black pepper together. 
  • Rub the Marinade – Rub the marinade all over the sides of the pork chops and cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Allow them to sit in the refrigerator for at least an hour. 
  • Grill the Pork Chops – Grill the pork chops on high for about 5 minutes on each side of the grill grate. Pull them off the grill when the internal temperature reaches 140°F.
  • Allow the Chops to Rest – Allow the pork chops to rest for 10 minutes before slicing into them. This will bring the internal temperature to 145°F and make them extra juicy. 

Pro Tip: If you can, let the pork chops marinate overnight. It will take the flavor of the chops to the next level! 

step by step how to marinate and cook pork chops on the grill

Pro Tip: The grilling time will depend on the thickness of the pork chops. If you’re using thicker chops, they will take longer. Thinner chops will need less time. 

Serve With

There are a million and one different ways you can serve your pork chops – they are such a versatile protein! Here are a couple of our favorite pairings: 

Sliced and served pork chops with vegetables

Common Questions

How long should I cook grilled pork chops?

It takes about 5 minutes per side to grill pork chops if they are bone-in loin chops and about 2-inches thick. If you are using boneless pork chops or much thinner chops, they will cook much quicker.

Can grilled pork chops be slightly pink inside?

Yes, it’s perfectly normal for grilled pork chops to be slightly pink on the inside. If they are cooked to medium-rare (145°F), they will likely be pink and that’s perfectly safe. If you’re uncomfortable with pink, you can bring them to 155°F but they won’t be as juicy. Use an instant-read thermometer to get to your desired doneness.

Can I use a charcoal grill?

As a general rule of thumb, pork chops will cook quicker on a charcoal grill than they will on a gas grill. The fiery, hot direct heat from the coals will sear the chops quicker, so it’s important to try and regulate the heat and tamper the flames a bit before tossing them on. 

Grilled pork chop steak on a plate with lemon wedges

Storage & Reheating Tips

To keep your pork chops fresh for up to a week, store your leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to reheat them, cover them in foil and pop them back on the grill until warmed through. You can also reheat them in the air fryer or the microwave – just be sure to watch them closely so they don’t overcook! 

More Pork Recipes to Try

If you enjoyed these Grilled Pork Chops, you will love these top-rated pork recipes:

Juicy Grilled Pork Chops Recipe

5 from 32 votes
Author: Natalya Drozhzhin
Grilled pork chops served on a platter
How to make Grilled Pork Chops that are always juicy on the inside with a perfectly seasoned crust. This is the best way to grill pork chops. Brush with BBQ sauce to serve if desired.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients 

Servings: 4 servings
  • 2 lb bone-in pork chops, preferably thicker cut
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp kosher salt, adjust to taste

Instructions

  • Pat the pork chops dry with a paper towel.
  • In a separate bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and black pepper to create the marinade.
  • Rub the marinade evenly all over the sides of the pork chops and place them in a bowl covered with plastic wrap. Allow them to marinate for at least an hour in the refrigerator.
  • Grill the pork chops on high for about 5 minutes on each side (the cooking time will depend on the thickness of the pork chops). They are fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 145°F on an instant-read thermometer.*
  • Allow the pork chops to rest for 10 minutes before serving them, bringing them to 145°F.

Nutrition Per Serving

388kcal Calories2g Carbs35g Protein26g Fat7g Saturated Fat3g Polyunsaturated Fat14g Monounsaturated Fat0.2g Trans Fat117mg Cholesterol1838mg Sodium607mg Potassium0.2g Fiber0.2g Sugar14IU Vitamin A4mg Vitamin C40mg Calcium1mg Iron
Nutrition Facts
Juicy Grilled Pork Chops Recipe
Amount per Serving
Calories
388
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
26
g
40
%
Saturated Fat
 
7
g
44
%
Trans Fat
 
0.2
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
3
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
14
g
Cholesterol
 
117
mg
39
%
Sodium
 
1838
mg
80
%
Potassium
 
607
mg
17
%
Carbohydrates
 
2
g
1
%
Fiber
 
0.2
g
1
%
Sugar
 
0.2
g
0
%
Protein
 
35
g
70
%
Vitamin A
 
14
IU
0
%
Vitamin C
 
4
mg
5
%
Calcium
 
40
mg
4
%
Iron
 
1
mg
6
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: grilled pork chops, how to grill pork chops, pork marinade
Skill Level: Easy
Cost to Make: $$
Calories: 388
Natasha's Kitchen Cookbook

Natalya Drozhzhin

Natalya is a food blogger who founded Momsdish to make cooking easier. Growing up on a farm in Ukraine, Natalya was inspired by the amazing dishes that were prepared using simple ingredients. Natalya is most notably known for making cooking approachable for any person.

Read more posts by Natalya

5 from 32 votes (22 ratings without comment)

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating




Comments

  • Mary Mendez
    June 25, 2024

    Made these tonight and they were so good. I am wondering if this marinade would work with chicken?

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      June 26, 2024

      Hi Mary! I haven’t tested this with chicken but feel free to give it a try!

      Reply

      • Mary
        August 9, 2024

        I tried it with chicken, and it was OK. I definitely liked it better with the pork. I’ll stick to the cilantro/lime when I make grilled chicken. Can’t wait to try the cilantro/lime rice.

        Reply

  • Nicole
    June 16, 2024

    I’ve broiled or baked pork chops since I was a teenager, and grill often, but it wasn’t until last summer I finally figured out to grill pork chops. This was the first recipe I tried, and although I’ve tried others and am happy to improvise, this is perfect as written since garlic and lemon complement pork well. I usually don’t change anything except for a liberal definition of 3 garlic cloves (which I always crush with a press), but today I decided to add some fresh basil. Can’t wait to enjoy them later this evening!

    For everyone wondering, I often make this in the oven in the winter. I bake at 425 for around 9 minutes per side being careful not to overcook past 145. Almost as good as grilled!

    Reply

  • Yanira
    May 11, 2024

    This was the best pork chop recipe. My family loved them. Before my pork chops came out dry, and with your recipe they came out juicy.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      May 11, 2024

      I’m so happy you loved my recipe, Yanira! Thank you so much for sharing that with me.

      Reply

  • Dale
    January 13, 2024

    Since it is winter is there a way to make these pork chops in the oven, stovetop or broiler ? They look so good !

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 15, 2024

      Hi Dale, I have not tried this recipe in the oven yet but I’m sure that will work just fine. If you try that, please share with us how it goes!

      Reply

  • Step-Jeff
    October 26, 2023

    Thanks as always 👍 After years of cooking different recipes from multiple sources, your site is my absolute first ‘go-to” for recipes.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      October 27, 2023

      Thank you for trusting my recipes. I hope you’ll enjoy all the recipes that you will try!

      Reply

  • Avi
    July 12, 2023

    This is delicious. So simple yet so good. We add a lot of fresh herbs from our garden and smells amazing. Another one in our rotation from you. Thank you!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      July 12, 2023

      That’s wonderful, Avi! So glad you found another one for the rotation.

      Reply

  • christina
    June 21, 2023

    I made this tonight for my fam and they loved it. Even my picky eater ate it. This is a keeper thank you Natasha.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      June 21, 2023

      You’re welcome, Christina! So glad you enjoyed it.

      Reply

  • Renee K
    August 24, 2022

    made this for my family yesterday. even my finicky kids devoured it. This will be my go to from now on. I made steamed broccoli and air fried potatoes and a caesar salad. thank you for always posting and creating the most incredible recipes. I have your banana chocolate chip muffins in the oven and prepping for your chicken pot pie. you will always be my one and only go to. xoxo

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      August 24, 2022

      That’s wonderful, Renee! I’m so glad the recipe was enjoyed. I’m happy you enjoy my recipes! The chicken pot pie is amazing!! 🙂

      Reply

  • Melissa
    July 21, 2022

    Pork chops are my go-to dinner recipe. Your recipe is so good. Thanks for posting!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      July 21, 2022

      You’re welcome! I’m so happy you enjoyed it, Melissa!

      Reply

  • Wamison LS Mwale
    July 20, 2022

    Wonderful recipe! It’s a such amazing and lovely food preparation recipe which gives out best results for pork chops. I love it, 👍💞😘🥂

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      July 20, 2022

      I’m so happy you enjoyed that. Thank you for sharing that with us, Wamison!

      Reply

  • Sharon Parsons
    July 20, 2022

    Hello my family has enjoyed so many of your recipes. If you are unable to grill will these be just as yummy if you bake? Thank you so much

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      July 20, 2022

      Hi Sharon, I have not tried this recipe baked yet but I’m sure that will work just fine. If you try that, please share with us how it goes!

      Reply

      • Eileen
        July 21, 2022

        That’s what I wanted to know. Can you make this recipe frying quickly and then baking in oven.

        Reply

  • April
    July 19, 2022

    These were fantastic! Tender and juicy, good flavor – will definitely be making them again soon!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      July 19, 2022

      I’m glad you enjoyed this recipe, April.

      Reply

  • Jasson
    July 19, 2022

    Very nice recipe chef 👍👌👏. Simple but delicious 😋, i grill 3 kilos last night also I made them your no knead artisan bread and evrebody was very happy theysent their love to you 🌹🤗🍻. Thank you for your effort 🌞😎

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      July 19, 2022

      That’s just awesome! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review, Jasson!

      Reply

  • cathy
    July 19, 2022

    These turned out amazing, we loved every juicy bite! Can’t wait to make them again.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      July 19, 2022

      So glad you enjoyed this recipe, Cathy! Thank you for the wonderful review.

      Reply

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