The Best Grilled Pork Chops Recipe (Sweet & Savory Dry Rub)

Name: The Best Grilled Pork Chops Recipe (Sweet & Savory Dry Rub)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 13 min
Ingredients: 4 bone-in pork loin chops (1 1/4 - to 1 1/2-inches thick); 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 tablespoon coarse kosher salt; 2 teaspoons cracked black pepper; 2 teaspoons smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 2 teaspoons onion powder; 1 teaspoon ground mustard; ½ teaspoon chili pepper; Chopped thyme

These grilled pork chops come out tender and juicy every time, thanks to a sweet and savory homemade dry rub packed with smoky, bold flavor. You sear them on high heat for a beautiful crust, then let the grill do the rest until they hit that perfect 145°F. The whole recipe is on the table in under 15 minutes, grill marks and all.

No grill? My Garlic Butter Baked Pork Chops are just as flavorful and one of the most popular recipes on Primavera Kitchen for good reason.

Grilled pork chops on a plate with white rice and a salad.

Photo of Olivia in her kitchen, founder of Primavera Kitchen

Why I Keep Coming Back to Grilled Pork Chops

Grilled pork chops were one of the first things I learned to cook on the grill when Pierre and I finally had a backyard to ourselves. I burned a few batches before I figured out the right method, and now they come off the grill tender and juicy every single time. The secret is a sweet and savory homemade dry rub that does all the heavy lifting.

We enjoy pork dishes quite a bit in our house because it’s an inexpensive and versatile meat. But of all the ways to cook pork, grilled is definitely the favorite around here. I season the pork chops with a dry rub made from pantry staples you probably already have on hand. It combines brown sugar with smoked paprika, garlic, onion, and a few other spices that complement the charred, smoky flavor from the grill beautifully.

This recipe only takes 5 minutes to prep and less than 10 minutes on the grill. You can use a charcoal grill, gas grill, or indoor grill pan. Pair it with a couscous salad or fried rice for a quick weeknight dinner the whole family will love.

Here’s What You’ll Need

Pork chops — I always reach for bone-in pork loin chops for grilling. The bone acts as a natural heat buffer that keeps the meat juicy while the outside develops a gorgeous sear. Rib chops are a great alternative too, slightly more tender and richer in flavor since they come from closer to the fat cap. What I’d steer away from are shoulder chops, which have too much connective tissue for quick grilling, and thin boneless chops, which dry out fast on high heat.

Pro Tip: If boneless is all you have, go at least 1 inch thick and watch the temperature closely. I always look for chops between 1 and 1½ inches thick regardless of the cut.

Pork rub — A sweet and savory dry rub is what makes these pork chops so good. My pork rub recipe consists of brown sugar, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ground mustard, and chili pepper. Pork can really hold up to bold flavors, so feel free to customize the dry rub to your liking!

Prep Tip: For the best results, apply the rub liberally and evenly on all sides of the pork chops. Then let the flavors meld while the grill heats up or even overnight.

Fresh thyme & lemon — As the finishing touch, garnish the pork chops with fresh thyme and a squeeze of lemon for brightness.

How To Make The Best Grilled Pork Chops

First, preheat your grill to 400°F and add all the spices in a small bowl. Mix all together. Then, apply the dry rub to your pork chops.

Once the grill is hot, sear the pork chops for 2 minutes on each side.

Then, reduce the heat to medium and grill the chops for another 4 to 7 minutes per side until they’re cooked through to 145°F and get the beautiful grill marks.

Pro Tip: For 1-inch chops, budget about 12 to 14 minutes total on the grill. If yours are closer to 1½ inches, add a few minutes per side and let the thermometer guide you rather than the clock.

Left: a bowl of seasonings. Center: seasoned pork chops. Right: pork chops on a grill.

For the best temperature reading, insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the pork chop, careful to avoid the bone. If your pork chop is over an inch thick it may need more time on the grill.

Transfer the pork chops to a plate and cover them with foil to rest for 5 minutes.

Top with fresh thyme and a squeeze of lime juice, and enjoy the best grilled pork chops you’ve ever made!

Grilled pork chops sliced and garnished with fresh thyme.

Olivia’s Recipe Tips

Choose pork chops that are similar in size and thickness so they cook evenly.
For the best flavor, leave the dry rub on for at least an hour or up to 24 hours.
Be sure the grill is nice and hot before putting the pork chops on. This will help you achieve a nice crispy sear.
Let the pork chops come to room temperature before grilling. If they’re too cold, the center of the pork chops can still be undercooked when the outside looks ready.
Be careful not to overcook the pork or it will become dry. Check the temperature with a meat thermometer for the best results.
It’s important to let the pork chops rest before serving to let the juices redistribute.

What To Pair with Grilled Pork Chops

I like to toss some veggies on the grill to keep things easy. Grilled corn cob or summer squash are our favorite. And don’t forget a fresh arugula salad to balance the pork. I also serve it with cucumber salad, pasta salad, potato salad or mashed potatoes.

You could also whip up some air fryer broccoli or crispy green beans. They take no time to cook and taste slow-roasted without having to turn on your oven.

Pork chops and apples are a classic combo that works so well with the sweetness in the dry rub. My easy slow-cooker applesauce is totally foolproof and perfect with grilled pork chops.

I also love serving it with different kind os sauces like garlic aioli and avocado sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can I keep the dry rub on the pork chops?

I aim for at least an hour so the flavors have time to work into the meat, but you can let it marinate for up to 24 hours before grilling.

Can I make this recipe without a grill?

You certainly can! These pork chops are just as good cooked in a cast-iron skillet. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan and also work in batches if you need to. You can also make incredible pork chops in the air fryer without having to heat up your kitchen.

Can I use boneless pork chops?

Bone-in pork chops are best here because they keep the meat juicy and tender. If you do go with boneless pork chops, keep a close eye on the temperature so they don’t dry out.

Why are my grilled pork chops tough?

If your pork chops are on the tough side, it’s likely that they’re overcooked. It’s important to go with the right cut, cooking time, and temperature to get the best grilled pork chops.

Do I trim the fat off of the pork chops?

It’s totally up to you! The fat adds a lot of flavor and moisture, so I like to leave it on, but you can certainly trim it before grilling if you prefer.

Be sure to check out the full collection of grilling recipes here on Primavera Kitchen! If you enjoyed this recipe, please leave a star rating and comment below.