Grilled Barbecue Pork Chops Recipe

Now that we are in the middle of summer, it is time to share my favorite Grilled Barbecue Pork Chops recipe. Perfectly cooked, moist and juicy pork chops that are slathered in my (easy) homemade barbecue sauce.

With just one bite you will be wondering why you don’t make them more often. I have to admit, when it comes to making dinner in the summer I sometimes get in a rut and make the same things over and over again, especially when cooking dinner on the grill.

Every week I will grill chicken breasts, salmon and frozen hamburger patties. And every few weeks I will throw a thick and juicy ribeye steak on the grill.

However, for some reason, I rarely pull the pork chops out of freezer in the middle of summer. But when I do I always make this grilled barbecue pork chop recipe.

It is an easy recipe that you can make in under 30 minutes. And that even includes the time to make my homemade barbecue sauce!

Make Your Own Barbecue Sauce

Although you may be tempted to grab a bottle of barbecue sauce from the store, making your own is well worth the effort. Although there are some great barbecue sauces on the market, many include preservatives and artificial flavors.

By making your own you can adjust the sweetness, tanginess, and spiciness to suit your tastes. I have included my homemade barbecue sauce recipe below which takes plain and tasteless pork chops and turns them into something that tastes amazing!

Why Thick Boneless Pork Chops Are Best

When it comes to making grilled barbecue pork chops it is best to use thick, boneless pork chops. Their thickness helps the meat stay juicy and tender while grilling. And without the bone they cook more evenly.

Although thin, boneless pork chops are easy to find at the grocery and are fairly inexpensive when it comes to other meats, I don’t recommend grilling them. They dry out quickly and become tough when cooked on a grill. Instead, save the thin pork chops for this recipe: Crock Pot Pork Chops and Potatoes.

The Importance of a Meat Thermometer

Cooking pork to the correct internal temperature is crucial for both taste and safety. Pork needs to reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) to be safe to eat.

Overcooking will make the meat dry and tough, while undercooking can pose health risks. And the only true way to know when to take your barbecue pork chops off the grill is by using an instant-read digital thermometer. (See product affiliate link: Instant Read Digital Thermometer).

Insert the probe into the thickest section of each pork chop. Once it reaches 140°F remove them from the grill.

Letting the Meat Rest

After taking the pork chops off the grill, it’s important to let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making each bite moist and flavorful. Cutting into the chops right away can cause the juices to escape, leading to dry and tough to chew pork chops.

In addition, during this rest time the pork chops will continue to cook for a few minutes. This means that they will reach the perfect internal temperature of 145°F.

Therefore it is best to let the pork chops rest (covered) for about 5-10 minutes before serving.

Great Side Dishes

To complete your meal, serve your grilled barbecue pork chops with some delicious side dishes that compliment the rich flavors of the meat and the tanginess of the barbecue sauce. Here are a few ideas:

• Grilled Vegetables: Try a mix of bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus. The smoky flavor from the grill enhances their natural sweetness and pairs perfectly with the pork chops.
• Creamy Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw with a tangy dressing provides a nice contrast to the smoky barbecue sauce. Its crisp texture and coolness balance the meal well.
• Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn on the cob, brushed with butter and sprinkled with a pinch of salt, is a classic side dish that goes great with pork chops. (See: How To Grill Corn On The Cob).
• Baked Potatoes: Fluffy baked potatoes with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of cheese make a hearty and comforting addition to your meal.
• Green Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is always a great option.
• Applesauce: I can’t resist suggesting the Brady Bunch classic of ‘Pork Chops and Applesauce’.

Grilled Barbecue Pork Chops Recipe

*A printable recipe card is located at the bottom of this article which contains the specific measurements, temperatures and cook times. However, continue reading below to learn about more helpful tips about this specific recipe.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 thick-cut boneless pork chops
• salt and pepper

*Homemade Barbecue Sauce Ingredients:

• 2/3 cup ketchup
• 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 heaping tablespoon dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

*Of course, if you prefer can use your favorite store-bought barbecue sauce. However, once you try this homemade barbecue sauce you may never buy it again!

In fact, I keep a jar of this barbecue sauce in my refrigerator all summer long. Then I use it for Pulled Pork Loaded Baked Potatoes, Barbecue Ranch Chicken Bowls, and to top my Barbecue Bacon Cheeseburgers.

INSTRUCTIONS

Make The Barbecue Sauce

In a medium sauce pan over medium heat, add all ingredients for the barbecue sauce. Stir and bring the mixture just to a boil.

Then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, stirring occasionally for 5 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and set aside.

Grilling Instructions

1. Preheat the grill to medium heat (350°F) and oil the grates with a high heat oil (vegetable oil, canola oil, peanut oil).

2. Generously season the pork chops on both sides with salt and pepper.

3. Place pork chops on the grill over indirect heat and then let them cook for 3 minutes.

4. Flip the pork chops over and brush barbecue sauce over the top and sides. Cook for another 5 minutes.

5. Once the 5 minutes are up, flip and brush barbecue sauce on the top and sides. Cook for another 5-8 minutes (depending on the thickness of the pork chops).

6. Once the pork chops have reached an internal temperature of 140°F in the thickest section, remove them from the grill.

Place the meat on a plate or platter and then cover and let them rest for 5 minutes. Serve with additional barbecue sauce as desired.

Enjoy! Mary

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