Juicy Grilled Pork Chops Recipe with Garlic Herb Marinade

The juiciest Grilled Pork Chops are seasoned with a simple, flavorful homemade spice rub and grilled until perfectly tender and golden brown. This straightforward method yields pork chops that are moist, well-seasoned, and ideal for weeknight dinners or weekend barbecues.

If you enjoy grilling, try pairing these chops with other favorite grilled dishes or side salads for a complete meal. The technique and spice approach here work well with chicken, shrimp, and other proteins.

Making the Best Pork Chops on the Grill

This recipe builds on a simple premise: start with good pork chops, add a balanced spice rub, and apply proper grilling technique. Pork is lean, flavorful, widely available, and budget-friendly. Grilling—whether on a gas, pellet, or charcoal grill, or on a stovetop grill pan—adds a smoky, caramelized finish that elevates the meat.

What Is the Best Cut of Meat for Grilling Pork Chops?

Pork chops come from several different cuts, each with its own characteristics. Choosing the right cut affects tenderness and flavor:

• Rib Chops: Tender and flavorful with a bit of fat and usually a bone along one side. Great for grilling.
• Loin Chops: Lean with a T-bone; they include both loin and tenderloin meat and can cook unevenly if thin.
• Shoulder Chops: Flavorful but contain more connective tissue and are better suited to braising than quick grilling.
• Boneless Chops: Very popular and convenient; because they are lean, choose thick cuts and consider marinating or brining to prevent drying out.
• Sirloin Chops: Flavorful but tougher and typically require longer cooking methods.

What Kind of Pork Chops Are Best for Grilling?

For the juiciest results, choose thick (at least 1 inch) bone-in chops with some fat around the edges—rib chops are an excellent choice. If you prefer boneless chops, buy thicker cuts and either brine or marinate them, or apply a generous dry rub and let them rest in the refrigerator for several hours.

The Best Texas BBQ Spice Rub

This Texas-style BBQ rub brings balance: a touch of sweetness, mild heat, savory aromatics, and earthy spices. Don’t be intimidated by the number of ingredients—these are common pantry spices. The rub forms a flavorful crust and acts as a dry brine to help retain moisture.

If you prefer to keep sugar to a minimum, you can omit the brown sugar and lightly brush chops with oil and a small amount of honey or maple syrup before applying the spices.

How Do You Grill Pork Chops Without Drying Them Out?

The key to tender, juicy grilled pork chops:

• Start with thick chops (1-inch minimum) and a bit of fat to protect the meat from heat.
• Season with a dry rub or marinate. A dry rub acts like a dry brine and helps lock in moisture.
• Use two-zone grilling: sear over direct heat, then finish on indirect heat until nearly at the target temperature.

How to Grill Pork Chops Perfectly

Follow these basic steps for reliable results:

• Pat dry and brush chops with olive oil. Generously rub the spice mixture into the meat and let the seasoned chops rest for a short time, or refrigerate covered for a few hours for deeper flavor.
• Preheat and clean the grill grates. Create two heat zones: direct medium-high heat for searing and indirect heat to finish cooking.
• Sear chops over direct heat until well browned, usually 2–4 minutes per side depending on thickness and grill temperature.
• Move chops to indirect heat, cover, and cook until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers about 135°F.
• Remove chops and rest for 5–10 minutes. During resting, carryover heat will raise the internal temperature to about 145°F, the USDA-recommended safe temperature for pork that still preserves juiciness.

How Long to Grill Pork Chops?

Cooking time varies by thickness and grill type. For 1 to 1.5-inch thick chops over medium-high heat, expect roughly 10 to 16 minutes total: a quick sear, then a few minutes on indirect heat until the internal temperature approaches 135–140°F before resting.

What Temperature Should Pork Be Cooked To?

Grill until the thickest part reads about 135°F on an instant-read thermometer, then remove and rest for 5–10 minutes. Resting will bring the pork to a safe and juicy 145°F.

What Should I Serve with Grilled Pork Chops

These pork chops pair beautifully with fresh, vibrant sides. Consider potato or grain salads, grilled corn, roasted potatoes, or a crisp slaw to balance the smoky, savory meat.