Last updated on February 8th, 2026 at 09:31 am
Learn how to grill the best juicy grilled pork chops with just a few simple steps. In under 30 minutes, you can have a delicious, full-flavor meal on the table for your family. When the neighbors find out you are grilling, they just might find a reason to stop over.
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy weeknight meal, look no further than grilled pork chops. Pork chops are quick and easy to cook, and they taste amazing when grilled. Follow these tips to grill the best juicy pork chops every time.
There is One Secret to Grilling Juicy Pork Chops Every Time
If you’re like me, you love grilled pork chops. They’re delicious and juicy and perfect for a summer BBQ. But getting them just right can be tricky.
Grilling pork chops can be a challenge. If they’re cooked too long, they will end up dry and tough. Cook on too high of heat and the outside is burned before the inside is cooked. Undercook and the meat may not be safe to eat.
So, what’s the secret to grilled pork chops that are juicy every time? The answer is simple; the best way to assure the best pork chops every time is to brine your pork chops before grilling them! By soaking them in a salty solution for a few hours, you’ll ensure that they stay moist and tender when grilled. You will be amazed at the difference this makes. Since this is a lean meat, even if you overcook your chops just a bit, the little bit of time you took before grilling will help keep the meat juicy.
Why Brining Pork Chops Makes Them Juicy (And Not Salty)
If you’ve ever struggled with dry pork chops on the grill, brining is the secret you don’t want to skip. A simple saltwater brine helps the pork chops absorb moisture and flavor before they ever hit the grill.
Here’s why it works:
- Salt breaks down muscle proteins, allowing them to retain more moisture
- The pork chops stay juicier, even over high grill heat
- Flavor is seasoned throughout the meat, not just on the surface
Even a 30–60 minute brine can make a noticeable difference, especially for lean pork chops that tend to dry out quickly on the grill.
Tip: Rinse the pork chops after brining and pat them dry before seasoning so they grill properly instead of steaming.
How to Make a Brine for Grilling Meat?
Grilling is one of the best ways to cook meat. It gives it a delicious smoky flavor that can’t be beat. But sometimes the meat can turn out a little dry. One way to prevent this from happening is to brine your meat before grilling it.
Brining before grilling helps season and tenderize the meat and keeps it juicy even when grilled.
This simple recipe for making a brine can be used on pork, beef, or chicken.
Brine Ingredients.
- 6 cups cold water
- 1/3 cup kosher salt, or 1 3/4 ounces other kinds of salt
In a large container big enough to hold the liquid and your meat, add the water and salt. Whisk until the salt is dissolved.
Add the pork chops to the brine mixture making sure they are completely submerged in the liquid. Cover and refrigerate 30 minutes to 2 hours.
Once the pork chops are done brining, remove them from the liquid, pat them dry with a paper towel and season them for the grill.
How To Grill The Best Juicy Grilled Pork Chops
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Kitchen Essentials
Ingredients
- 4 Pork Chops
Brine Ingredients
- 6 cups cold water
- 1/3 cup kosher salt or 1 3/4 ounces other kinds of salt
Instructions
Brining Pork Chops
- In a large container big enough to hold the liquid and your meat, add the water and salt. Whisk until the salt is dissolved.6 cups cold water, 1/3 cup kosher salt
- Add the pork chops to the brine mixture making sure they are completely submerged in the liquid. Cover and refrigerate 30 minutes to 2 hours.4 Pork Chops
- Once the pork chops are done brining, remove them from the liquid, pat them dry with a paper towel and season them for the grill.
- Cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your pork chops. In general, plan on 7 minutes of cooking for every half inch thickness, including searing time. Therefore, if you have a 1 1/2 – inch thick pork chops, plan on 20-25 minutes. Make sure to check the internal temperature of your meat before eating. The ideal temperature of pork should be 145-150 degrees Fahrenheit for the greatest amount of flavor. To check for doneness, use a digital instant read thermometer. This will work for different cuts of pork chops.
- For best results, rest the pork for 2-3 minutes with aluminum foil tented over the top to help retain the heat.
Your Own Private Notes
Notes
Pro Tips for the Best Juicy Grilled Pork Chops
Use these simple grilling tips to level up your pork chops every time:- Oil the grill grates, not the meat, to prevent sticking
- Bring pork chops to room temperature for 15–20 minutes before grilling
- Don’t flip constantly — one or two flips is plenty
- Use a thermometer, not guesswork
- Let them rest before cutting to keep juices inside
How to Set Up Your Grill for Juicy Pork Chops
Proper grill setup is just as important as seasoning. Two-Zone Grilling Method (Recommended)- One side of the grill is hot (direct heat)
- One side is cooler (indirect heat)
- Sear the pork chops over direct heat
- Finish cooking gently over indirect heat without burning
For charcoal grills, pile coals on one side of the grill only.
How Long to Grill Pork Chops (By Thickness)
Grill time depends on thickness and heat, but this general guide helps:| Pork Chop Thickness | Grill Time (Per Side) |
| ¾ inch | 3–4 minutes |
| 1 inch | 4–5 minutes |
| 1½ inches | 5–7 minutes |
- Remove pork chops from the grill at 145°F
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving
Nutrition
Best Pork Chops for Grilling
Not all pork chops grill the same. Choosing the right cut makes a big difference in tenderness and juiciness.
For best results, look for:
- Bone-in pork chops – the bone helps protect the meat from drying out
- Thicker cuts (1–1½ inches thick) – thin chops cook too fast and easily overcook
- Some marbling – a little fat equals more flavor and moisture
Boneless pork chops can still work, but they require closer attention to avoid overcooking.
How to Set Up Your Grill for Juicy Pork Chops
Proper grill setup is just as important as seasoning.
Two-Zone Grilling Method (Recommended)
- One side of the grill is hot (direct heat)
- One side is cooler (indirect heat)
This setup allows you to:
- Sear the pork chops over direct heat
- Finish cooking gently over indirect heat without burning
For gas grills, preheat one burner on high and another on medium-low.
For charcoal grills, pile coals on one side of the grill only.
How Long to Grill Pork Chops (By Thickness)
Grill time depends on thickness and heat, but this general guide helps:
| Pork Chop Thickness | Grill Time (Per Side) |
| ¾ inch | 3–4 minutes |
| 1 inch | 4–5 minutes |
| 1½ inches | 5–7 minutes |
Always use an instant-read meat thermometer for accuracy.
Safe Internal Temperature
- Remove pork chops from the grill at 145°F
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving
Resting allows juices to redistribute, keeping the pork chops tender and juicy.
Season Pork Chops for Grilling
A spice rub is a perfect way to add flavor to pork before grilling. There’s something about grilled pork chops that just screams summertime. And, luckily, they’re one of the simplest things to throw on the grill. You could just season them up with some salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs, and you’re good to go.
However, there are lots of wonderful seasonings that pair well with pork; Chinese five spice, cinnamon, cumin, paprika, chili, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, black pepper, and ground mustard. Pro Tip: If you took the time to bring your pork chops ahead of time, make sure not to add salt to the dry rub as the meat has already been flavored with salt in the brining process.
A simple method to make a dry rub is to add 1 teaspoon of each of the suggested spices to a small bowl and give it a stir. Sometimes, it is the simple seasoning that tastes the best. Pat the spice rub on both sides of the pork chop. Pro Tip: Pat the pork chops dry with a paper towel before seasoning with the spice rub.
How Long to Cook Pork Chops on the Grill
To cook pork chops on the grill, you’ll need high heat for searing and medium heat for cooking.
First, set your charcoal grill up with the coals on one side. If you have a gas grill, turn the burners on one side on high and the other side on low.
Next, sear the chops over the high heat for 2 minutes per side to get beautiful grill marks. Place pork chops on the grill grates to get seared over high heat to get those gorgeous grill marks and seal in the juices.
Then, move the chops to the cooler side of the grill and finish cooking over indirect heat keeping the grill covered the whole time to keep the heat in. This can take 5-7 minutes. The cooking time can vary depending on how thick your meat is cut and how high the temperature is on your grill.
How Long to Grill Pork Chops at 400 Degrees Fahrenheit?
Cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your pork chops. In general, plan on 7 minutes of cooking for every half inch thickness, including searing time. Therefore, if you have a 1 1/2 – inch thick pork chops, plan on 20-25 minutes. Make sure to check the internal temperature of your meat before eating.
The ideal temperature of pork should be 145-150 degrees Fahrenheit for the greatest amount of flavor. To check for doneness, use a digital instant read thermometer. This will work for different cuts of pork chops.
How Long to Grill 1/2 Inch Pork Chops?
Thinner cuts of meat such as 1/2-inch pork chops will cook rather quickly. Once they are seared on each side for two minutes, it will only require another 3-5 minutes, for 7 minutes total. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees F.
How Long to Rest Pork Chops?
Once the meat is seared to seal in the juices and cooked to the perfect temperature, it is important to let the meat rest so the juices can be reabsorbed. If you cut into the pork immediately, all the juices will run out of the meat. For best results, rest the pork for 2-3 minutes with aluminum foil tented over the top to help retain the heat.
Common Mistakes That Dry Out Pork Chops
Avoid these common grilling mistakes:
- Skipping the brine
- Using pork chops that are too thin
- Cooking over high heat the entire time
- Cutting into the pork chops immediately after grilling
- Relying on cook time instead of temperature
If your pork chops are dry, it’s almost always due to overcooking — not lack of seasoning.
What to Serve with Grilled Pork Chops?
What to Serve with Grilled Pork Chops
Juicy grilled pork chops pair well with simple, classic sides. Try serving them with:
- Grilled vegetables
- Creamy potato salad
- Coleslaw
- Corn on the cob
- Fresh 7-layer salad
These sides keep the meal balanced and perfect for summer cookouts.
