Grilled pork chops sprinkled with brown sugar and seasoned salt are simple to make and always a big hit with the whole family.
If you haven’t grilled pork chops yet, you’re missing out. These are savory with just the tiniest hint of sweet, and one of my favorite grilling recipes. Try them with a batch of egg noodles and some crispy roasted broccoli!
Grilled Pork Chops
Grilled Pork Chops
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What you need to make grilled pork chops
- Pork chops – We prefer bone-in, but any kind will work.
- Oil – Olive oil gives a wonderful flavor, but you can use vegetable oil or even melted rendered bacon grease.
- Pork rub – Seasoned salt, brown sugar, black pepper. (Or try our basic spice rub recipe)
How do you make perfect grilled pork chops? (Step-by-step)
⭐ First, drizzle chops with olive oil, and sprinkle liberally with rub. Massage rub into chops, then turn over and repeat for other side.
⭐ Next, allow pork chops to rest with oil and rub for several minutes.
⭐ Then, sear chops on the grill, then turn heat down and continue cooking until done.
⭐ Finally, allow meat to rest a few minutes before slicing.
Preparation
Can you prep the pork chops ahead of time?
You can prepare the rub ahead, or even put the rub on the chops ahead and let them sit in the refrigerator for a few hours before grilling.
How thick should your pork chops be?
My favorite thickness of pork chops is between 1″ – 1.5″ inches. I find that this is the perfect thickness for getting a great caramelization on the outside, and maintaining perfect moistness on the inside.
How long should you grill pork chops?
Pork chops should be grilled roughly 8 – 10 minutes. The exact amount of time will depend on the thickness of your chops and the temperature of your grill.
I cannot stress enough how much it helps to use a digital meat thermometer so you know exactly when to pull your meat off the grill. Pork chops are done when they hit 145F in the center.
Is it okay if my pork chops are pink in the middle?
This is actually fine! So long as the temperature in the center of your chop is 145F, you’re good. It is a myth that pork chops need to be white all the way through. A little pink in the middle will mean moister and more delicious meat.
Should I close the lid to my grill while the pork is cooking?
This is hotly debated question! Unless my chops are very thick (1.5″ or greater), OR it’s very cold outside, I do not typically close the lid to my grill.
That said, you absolutely can if that’s your preference. I personally like to have a visual on the chops as they cook, but they will cook a little bit faster if you close the lid. If I am going to close the lid, I never do it until after the sear.
Leftovers and storage
How long do grilled pork chops last?
You can refrigerate your cooked leftovers for 3 – 4 days. We like to cut them up and use the meat to make a batch of pork fried rice!
Can you freeze grilled pork chops?
You can! (And I often do!). Allow the chops to cool completely, then wrap them tightly and store in a freezer bag. They are best if eaten within 2 – 3 months.
Reheat in the microwave whole, or use the meat in pork tacos or taquitos for a unique flavor addition!
What to eat with grilled pork (serving suggestions)
If you’re grilling, then you definitely need some potato salad on the side! We also love this creamy dill cucumber salad, or these simple sautéed vegetables.
For dessert, a fresh baked lemon pie is delicious or how about a batch of cookies and cream cookies! Yum!
More pork recipes to try
- Easy baked pork chops
- Pulled pork chili recipe
- Glazed rack of pork
- Crock pot pork chops
- Pork tacos
- See all our awesome recipes using pork
More delicious grilled recipes
- Grilled flank steak recipe
- Smoked chicken drumsticks
- How to grill a rib eye steak
- Teriyaki chicken kabobs
- See our collection of favorite bloggers grilling recipes or all our easy grilling recipes
Tools we love
- Long tongs – A good set of tongs is a must. One for raw meat and one for cooked!
- Meat thermometer – This one can stay in the meat while it cooks, never have over done or under done dinner again!
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Grilled Pork Chops
Grilled pork chops
Ingredients
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- ½ tablespoon seasoned salt
- ¼ teaspoon fresh ground pepper
- Olive oil
- 6 pork chops
Instructions
- Mix together rub ingredients
- Drizzle lightly with olive oil.
- Coat generously with rub, massaging into chops.
- Repeat for other side.
- Sear on a high heat grill, 1 - 3 minutes each side.
- Turn head down to medium/low (or move to indirect heat) and continue cooking, turning every few minutes to cook evenly, until chops reach internal temperature of at least 145F.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Grilled Pork Chops
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Sara Welch says
Adding this to my dinner line up for next week; looks perfectly grilled and definitely too good to pass up, indeed!
Betsy says
Super delicious! Great flavor and the pork chops were perfectly tender! Love this and I’ll need to make these more often!
Natasha says
I made this and followed this recipe the other day and it was a big hit with my whole family! The pork chops were so tasty and delicious, served them with mashed potatoes and sauteed veggies. It was a perfect meal, thank you!
Natasha says
I made this and followed this recipe the other day and it was a big hit with my whole family! The pork chops were so tasty and delicious, served them with mashed potatoes and sauteed veggies. It was a perfect meal, thank you so much for sharing!