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Grilled Pork Chops

Grilled pork chops that stay juicy with herb-seasoned flavor and smoky char. Thick, bone-in chops get golden grill marks using a simple marinade and a quick grill-to-145°F finish.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
rest 5 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 430

Ingredients
  

Pork chops
  • 4 bone-in pork chops About 1 inch thick
  • Lemon wedges For serving
Marinade
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 garlic Minced
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried rosemary
  • 0.25 tsp salt To taste
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper To taste

Method
 

Marinate
  1. Mix olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, soy sauce, smoked paprika, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper until combined, then coat the bone-in pork chops. Let the chops marinate at room temperature for at least 30 minutes or refrigerate up to 4 hours while the surface looks glossy with marinade.
Grill
  1. Preheat the grill to medium-high and oil the grates, then place the marinated pork chops on the grill. When the grates sizzle, you should see light smoke beginning around the edges.
  2. Remove the chops from the marinade and shake off excess so it doesn’t drip, then lay them down without moving for 4–5 minutes. You’ll notice grill marks forming and the bottoms developing a smoky char.
  3. Rotate each chop 45° to create crosshatch grill marks, then grill for 1 more minute. The color should deepen to a golden-brown with visible sear lines.
  4. Flip the chops and grill for 4–5 more minutes until the internal temperature reaches 145°F. The thickest center should register 145°F with juices pooling slightly on the cut surface.
Rest and serve
  1. Rest the pork chops on a platter for 5 minutes before slicing. The juices should redistribute, and the exterior should stay glossy with char at the edges.
  2. Serve the grilled pork chops with lemon wedges. You should be able to squeeze lemon over the top for a bright finish against the smoky char.

Notes

Pro tip: aim for an even 1-inch thickness for consistent doneness—if chops vary, start with the thicker ones first. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days; reheat gently (covered) until just warm. Freezing is not recommended for best texture. Dietary swap: use low-sodium soy sauce in the marinade if you’re watching sodium.