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Grilled pork chops with grill marks on a wooden board

Thick-cut brined pork chops with perfect grill marks

Grilled Pork Chops

Grilled Pork Chops

47 minEasy

Prep Time

35 min

Cook Time

12 min

Total Time

47 min

Servings

4

4 pork chops

Difficulty

Easy

Cost

Moderate

$$

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Grilled Pork Chops

Thick-cut brined pork chops with perfect grill marks

Juicy, thick-cut pork chops brined for extra moisture and grilled over high heat for beautiful char marks. Simple, satisfying, and ready in 30 minutes.

35m

Prep Time

12m

Cook Time

47m

Total Time

4

Servings

Easy

Difficulty

Moderate $$

Cost

Main CourseGluten-FreeKeto
Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen

February 8, 2023(Updated April 13, 2026)

A quick brine transforms ordinary pork chops into something extraordinary by seasoning the meat throughout and locking in moisture. Thick-cut bone-in chops are the best choice for the grill.

Why This Recipe Works

Brining denatures surface proteins so they hold more water during cooking, preventing the dryness that plagues lean pork. High-heat grilling creates flavorful browning in minutes.

Ingredients

  • 4 bone-in pork chops, 1-inch thick
  • 4 cups water
  • 1/4 cup kosher salt
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Black pepper and garlic powder to taste
PrecisionUtility

Test Kitchen Pick

Thermometer

Helpful Tool

Why a thermometer helps here

This is the kind of recipe where doneness changes the result fast. A quick thermometer helps you pull it at the right moment instead of guessing.

The easiest upgrade here is accuracy, not another pan.

  • Makes doneness more repeatable
  • Helps avoid dry or overcooked protein

If you cook meat or fish regularly, an instant-read thermometer gets used constantly.

Shop thermometer options for this recipe

Instructions

  1. 1

    Dissolve salt and brown sugar in water. Submerge pork chops and brine for 30 minutes to 2 hours.

  2. 2

    Remove chops, pat dry, and rub with olive oil, pepper, and garlic powder.

  3. 3

    Preheat grill to high heat (450-500°F) and clean the grates.

  4. 4

    Grill chops 4-5 minutes per side, rotating once for crosshatch marks, until internal temp reaches 145°F.

  5. 5

    Rest for 5 minutes before serving—the temperature will carry over to a perfect 150°F.

Serving Suggestions

Ways to Serve This Dish

  • Serve with a fresh side salad for a balanced meal

  • Pair with your favorite grain or bread on the side

  • Garnish with fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation

Substitutions

Bone-in pork chopsBoneless pork chops

Reduce cook time by 2-3 minutes per side

Brown sugar in brineHoney (2 tbsp)

Adds a slightly floral sweetness

Tips & Storage

Pro Tips

  • Choose chops at least 1 inch thick—thin chops overcook before they develop a good sear.

  • Do not cut into chops to check doneness—use an instant-read thermometer.

Storage

Refrigerate for up to 3 days in an airtight container.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a 300°F oven for 8-10 minutes to avoid drying out.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving (95mg) · 4 servings

Calories290
LowModerateHigh

A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet

Protein30g
Carbohydrates16g
Fat3g
Fiber520mg
Sugar2g
Sodium0g

Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why brine pork chops?
Modern pork is very lean and dries out easily. Brining adds moisture and seasoning throughout.
What temp is safe for pork?
The USDA recommends 145°F with a 3-minute rest for safe, juicy pork.

Explore More

More Main CourseGluten-Free RecipesKeto RecipesGrill Recipes
Sarah Chen

About Sarah Chen

Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.

View all recipes →

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