Grilled Pork Chops Recipe
Everyone who tries these tender pork chops loves them, including picky eaters. Even the kids will polish these off. They’re amazingly flavorful and super easy to make! Plus they’re inexpensive since we use the thinner cuts. It’s just a bit of whisking and being sure to allow time to soak up the pork chop marinade, then a brief cooking time on the grill (with these thinner cuts). You could even make the grilled pork chop marinade the night before then add the chops the next day and let them soak while you’re at work. Keep in mind this grilled pork chop marinade not only adds a a lightly sweet and tangy flavor, but it’s also salty so it will help keep the pork chops juicy and help tenderize them. Allow enough time to marinate (at least 2 hours), don’t skip it.
Grilled Pork Chops Ingredients
These juicy pork chops are packed with flavor thanks to the pork chop marinade and the pork chop seasoning used in this recipe. To make both the pork chop seasoning and marinade, you’ll need:
Bone-in pork chops (about 1/2-inch thick) Apple juice Apple cider vinegar Honey Kosher salt Dijon mustard Cumin Paprika Garlic powder Pepper Onion powder Cinnamon Cayenne pepper
How to Make Pork Chop Marinade and Dry Rub
To a mixing bowl, add apple juice, apple cider vinegar, honey, dijon and kosher salt, whisk well.
Place pork chops in a gallon size resealable bag, pour apple juice mixture over pork chops. Seal bag while pressing out excess air. Transfer to refrigerator and let marinate 2 – 4 hours (if possible turn and rotate bag halfway through marinating).
In a mixing bowl, whisk together cumin, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, onion powder, cinnamon and cayenne pepper. Remove pork chops from marinade and dab both sides dry with paper towels. Sprinkle pork chop seasoning evenly over both sides.
How to Grill Pork Chops
Preheat the grill over medium heat (about 375 degrees F). Clean grill grates and brush with vegetable oil (using tongs and an oiled paper towel). Cook pork chops on the grill until the center registers an internal temperature of 145 degrees on an instant-read meat thermometer.
How Long to Cook Pork Chops on Grill
For this recipe with 1/2-inch thick pork chops, grill them about 3 minutes per side over medium heat. If using thicker pork chops, it will take about 5 – 6 minutes per side.
Can I Use Thick Cut Pork Chops?
Yes, you can also use 1-inch thick pork chops for this grilled pork chop recipe. Keep in mind that grilling thick pork chops requires more time. You’ll have to grill longer as previously mentioned, and reduce heat as needed if they start to char more than desired.
What About Boneless Pork Chops?
Boneless chops will work as well, but preferably for more flavor use bone-in.
How Long to Marinate Pork Chops
The longest you’ll want to marinate the pork chops is 8 hours so the meat doesn’t start to break down in the brine and end up mushy. Keep in mind though the longer meat marinates the more sodium it will absorb so you may want to reduce salt slightly if you like less salty food.
Can I Cook Pork Chops on the Stove Top?
Don’t own a grill or it’s pouring rain outside? No worries, these grilled pork chops can also be cooked in a grill pan on the stovetop over medium heat with a little vegetable oil or olive oil. You won’t get the nice grill sear unless you use the right pan!
What to Serve with Pork Chops
Not sure what to serve alongside your grilled pork chops? Here are some of my favorite sides for pork chops:
Garlic Mashed Potatoes or Baked Potatoes Mac and Cheese Brussels sprouts (roasted, sautéed or steamed) Corn on the cob, green beans or peas Cornbread Grilled peaches or pineapple with vanilla ice cream for dessert
Tips for Making Juicy Pork Chops
Bone-in pork chops have the most flavor, which is why I recommend using them instead of boneless. If using regular table salt instead of kosher salt, scale back the amount of salt you add to this recipe. If you don’t have apple juice on hand, white grape juice should work as well. I bet you don’t have leftovers, but if you do I recommend an airtight container and a few tablespoons of unused marinade mix (or just soy sauce and brown sugar whisked together) poured on top to keep it juicy!
More Tasty Pork Recipes to Try!
Pork Chops with Apples and Onions Island Pork Tenderloin Pulled Pork Orange Sage Pork Chops Slow Cooker Pork Tacos
