These BBQ pork chops are juicy and full of flavor! Grilled to perfection and brushed with tangy barbecue sauce, they bring a tasty kick to your meal.
Honestly, nothing beats the smell of these sizzling on the grill. I love serving them with corn on the cob or a fresh salad for a fun feast. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in chops are great for flavor and juiciness. If you’re looking for a healthier option, boneless chops work too, but they’ll cook faster, so watch their time on the grill.
Barbecue Sauce: Use your favorite BBQ sauce for the best taste. If you’re aiming for a healthier version, try a low-sugar or homemade sauce made with tomato paste, vinegar, and mustard for control over ingredients.
Spices: Smoked paprika adds a lovely smoky flavor. If you don’t have it, regular paprika or even chili powder can work in a pinch. Garlic and onion powders are pantry staples and essential for depth of flavor.
How Do I Get the Perfect Grill Marks and Juiciness?
Grilling pork chops to perfection requires some attention. Here’s how to get them just right:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat; this helps achieve nice grill marks and keeps the meat juicy.
- Don’t flip the chops too soon; wait until they easily lift off the grill. That’ll give you those beautiful grill lines!
- Watch the cooking time closely! Aim for 4-5 minutes per side to avoid drying them out.
- Letting them rest after grilling is crucial—this helps juices redistribute and prevents dry meat.
How to Make Delicious BBQ Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 3/4 inch thick)
- For the Marinade:
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: pinch of cayenne pepper for heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prep and around 10-12 minutes to grill. In total, you should expect to spend about 20-25 minutes from start to finish. Get ready for a tasty dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Get the Grill Ready:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat, about 400°F (200°C). This is important for getting those nice grill marks and cooking the pork chops evenly.
2. Mix the Spice Rub:
In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if you’d like a little spice. This lovely blend will add great flavor to your pork chops!
3. Prepare the Pork Chops:
Rub both sides of each pork chop with olive oil. Then, sprinkle your spice mix generously over the chops, pressing gently to help it stick. This will add a scrumptious seasoning to every bite!
4. Grill the Pork Chops:
Place the seasoned pork chops on the hot grill. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes on one side until they have beautiful grill marks, then flip and repeat for the other side. They should be nearly done when you flip them.
5. Add the BBQ Sauce:
For the last 2 minutes of grilling, brush a thick layer of barbecue sauce on each side of the pork chops. This will create a deliciously caramelized and sticky crust. Grill for another 1-2 minutes after saucing each side.
6. Let Them Rest:
When the pork chops are perfectly cooked, take them off the grill. Allow them to rest for 3-5 minutes to help the juices settle inside for a tender bite.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your BBQ pork chops hot and feel free to add extra barbecue sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy the juicy, smoky, and tangy flavors that make this dish a family favorite!
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead of Bone-In?
Yes, you can! Just keep in mind that boneless pork chops may cook faster—around 3-4 minutes per side—so monitor them closely to avoid overcooking.
How Can I Tell When the Pork Chops Are Done?
The best way to check is by using a meat thermometer. Pork should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Let them rest for a few minutes after grilling for the juiciest results!
What Should I Do if I Don’t Have a Grill?
No problem! You can cook these pork chops in the oven or on a stovetop grill pan. For oven cooking, bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Just remember to baste with BBQ sauce in the last few minutes!
How Do I Store Leftover BBQ Pork Chops?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of barbecue sauce to keep them moist!
