An easy marinade makes these grilled pork chops weeknight ready.

(They’re also more affordable.)

The marinade is filled with umami-rich flavors that caramelize and cook beautifully on the grill.

Southern Living Grilled Pork Chops on plates to serve with green beans and mashed potatoes

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

you’re free to use the marinade on any proteins you like, in fact.

We just prefer it on pork chops.

Learn how to make grilled pork chops.

Southern Living Grilled Pork Chops ingredients

Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Our basic marinade is full of pantry staples to help you mix it together fast.

However, in this recipe, pork chops are grilled for about 15 to 20 minutes total.

They’re first seared over high heat for several minutes.

Southern Living Grilled Pork Chops stirring together the marinade

Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Then, the temperature is lowered to finish cooking them without burning the outside of the meat.

Some of the favorites includeGrilled Potatoes,Zucchini Fritters, andQuick Pickled Slaw.

Traditional barbecue sides likeClassic Potato Salad,Coleslaw, orCreamy Cucumber Saladwill be great, too.

Southern Living Grilled Pork Chops pouring the marinade over the chops

Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Wash it all down with a glass ofLemonade Iced Tea.

dried)

1tsp.kosher salt

1clovegarlic, thinly sliced

1/2tsp.smoked paprika

1/2tsp.black pepper

4bone-in pork chops, 1 in.

thick (about 2 3/4 lb.)

Southern Living Grilled Pork Chops in the bag with the marinade

Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Chill 8-12 hours or until ready to cook.

Meanwhile, preheat grill to high (450F to 500F).

Reduce heat to medium (350F to 400F).

Southern Living Grilled Pork Chops standing to come up to room temp

Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Let rest and serve:

Remove pork from grill and tent loosely with aluminum foil.

Let rest at least 5-10 minutes before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our recipe calls for thick-cut, bone-in pork chops for optimum juiciness.

Southern Living Grilled Pork Chops on the grill with grill marks visible

Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

We recommend using aninstant-read thermometerto tell when the pork chops are cooked through.

Letting the pork chops rest also ensures they will be juicy all the way through.

The biggest reason pork chops dry out is that they’re overcooked.

Southern Living Grilled Pork Chops covered with foil to rest

Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Using an instant-read thermometer can help you know when it’s time to pull the meat from the grill.

Also, grilling with bone-in pork chops can help reduce the risk of dry meat.

The bone helps keep the pork chops juicy during the time on the grill.

Southern Living Grilled Pork Chops off the grill

Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox