These grilled BBQ pork chops are juicy, tender, and packed with flavor from a simple BBQ rub and a sweet, smoky barbecue sauce. Ready in less than 20 minutes, they’re the kind of easy summer dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights, backyard cookouts, and everything in between!
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Before You Get Started
A few simple tips will help you make the best grilled pork chops:
- Use a meat thermometer and cook only to 145°F.
- Wait until the final few minutes to brush on the barbecue sauce.
- Let the pork chops rest before serving.
How to Make Grilled BBQ Pork Chops
These BBQ pork chops require just a few minutes of prep before the grill does the rest of the work. Here’s how it goes:
Step 1: Season the Pork Chops
Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Rub them on both sides with olive oil and season generously with BBQ rub.
The oil helps the seasoning stick to the meat and encourages beautiful browning on the grill.
** Tip: If you have extra time, season the pork chops up to a few hours in advance and refrigerate them until you’re ready to cook.
Step 2: Prepare the Grill
Preheat a gas grill, charcoal grill, or grill pan to medium-high heat. Brush the grill grates lightly with oil to prevent sticking.
A properly heated grill helps create those flavorful grill marks while keeping the meat juicy inside.
Step 3: Grill the Pork Chops
Place the pork chops on the hot grill and cook until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F. Resist the urge to constantly flip the pork. Let it sit long enough to develop a nice crust before turning.
The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of the chops, whether they’re bone-in or boneless, and the temperature of your grill.
** Tip: The thermometer matters more than the clock. Always cook to temperature rather than relying solely on cooking times.
Step 4: Add the BBQ Sauce
During the final 3-4 minutes of cooking, brush the pork chops with barbecue sauce.
Turn the chops once or twice to allow the sauce to caramelize lightly on the surface.
This creates that sticky, flavorful barbecue coating without burning the sugars in the sauce.
Step 5: Rest Before Serving
Transfer the pork chops to a cutting board or platter and let them rest for at least 5 minutes.
This simple step allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat so they stay where they belong instead of running onto your plate.
Serve with extra barbecue sauce on the side, if desired.
Pork Chop Grilling Time Chart
Grilling times will vary based on the thickness and cut of the pork chops. Always use an instant-read thermometer and cook to an internal temperature of 145°F.
| Cut | Approximate Total Grill Time |
|---|---|
| Boneless Pork Chops (3/4-inch thick) | 4-6 minutes total |
| Boneless Pork Chops (1-inch thick) | 8-12 minutes total |
| Thick-Cut Boneless Pork Chops (1½ inches) | 10-18 minutes total |
| Bone-In Pork Chops (1-inch thick) | 10-14 minutes total |
| Thick-Cut Bone-In Pork Chops (1½ inches) | 12-16 minutes total |
How to Keep Grilled Pork Chops Juicy
Nobody wants dry pork chops. Fortunately, keeping them juicy is easier than you might think.
For the best results:
- Start with thick-cut chops whenever possible.
- Use a meat thermometer.
- Remove the pork at 145°F (a lightly pink center is normal and safe).
- Let the chops rest before serving.
- Add barbecue sauce near the end of cooking.
What to Serve with BBQ Pork Chops
These grilled pork chops pair well with just about every classic cookout side dish.
Some of our favorites include:
- Cowboy baked beans
- Southern potato salad
- Broccoli salad with bacon
- Corn salad or grilled corn on the cob
For dessert, keep things simple with banana pudding, blueberry cobbler with cake mix, or no-bake peanut butter pie.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes.
Make Ahead: Mix a batch of BBQ rub ahead of time for even faster prep.
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature should grilled pork chops be?
Pork chops are done when they reach an internal temperature of 145°F.
How long do pork chops take on the grill?
Most pork chops take about 8-14 minutes total, depending on their thickness and whether they are bone-in or boneless.
Why are my grilled pork chops dry?
Dry pork chops are usually overcooked. Use a meat thermometer and remove them from the grill at 145°F.
Can I use bone-in pork chops?
Absolutely. Bone-in and boneless pork chops both work well for this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
When should I put BBQ sauce on pork chops?
Brush on the barbecue sauce during the final 3-4 minutes of grilling. This allows the sauce to caramelize without burning.
Excellent! Made these for 4th of July dinner using Lawry’s seasoning & bbq sauce. Kept the grill around 400 and grilled them to about 170. My father said they were the best he’s ever had. Thanks for sharing this awesome recipe.
– Cris
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If you enjoyed this recipe, please leave a comment with a 5-star review at the bottom of the post. Thank you!
Grilled BBQ Pork Chops
Ingredients
- 4 thick-cut boneless pork chops
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1-2 tablespoons BBQ dry rub seasoning (or substitute with just kosher salt and freshly-ground black pepper to taste)
- ½ cup barbecue sauce, plus extra for serving (we like Stubb’s sauce, which has a vinegary tang, or Sweet Baby Ray’s, a sweeter, thicker option)
Instructions
- Pat the meat dry. Rub each chop with olive oil and sprinkle with BBQ rub to taste (I use about 1 teaspoon of olive oil and ½ teaspoon of rub on each side of each pork chop).
- Heat coals, gas grill, or grill pan to medium-high heat. Brush grates with oil to prevent sticking. Place meat on the grill and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side (for thick boneless chops). Grilling times will vary based on the thickness and cut of the pork chops. Always use an instant-read thermometer and cook to an internal temperature of 145°F. Baste with bbq sauce during the final 3 minutes.
- Transfer the chops to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve with additional sauce on the side.
Notes
- Bone-in or boneless pork chops both work well.
- Thick-cut chops stay juicier on the grill.
- Use a meat thermometer and cook to 145°F.
- Brush BBQ sauce on during the final 3-4 minutes.
- Let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Add cayenne to the rub for extra heat.
- Homemade BBQ rub or store-bought seasoning both work.
- Freeze leftovers for up to 2 months.
- Reheat gently to prevent drying out.
- Stubb’s and Sweet Baby Ray’s are both great sauce options.
Nutrition
Originally published in June, 2021, this post was updated in July, 2026.
Excellent! Made these for 4th of July dinner using Laury’s seasoning & bbq sauce. Kept the grill around 400 and grilled them to about 170. My father said they were the best he’s ever had. Thanks for sharing this awesome recipe.
Awesome! I’m so happy to hear that, Cris. Thanks for your note!
I made these for my husband and family for Father’s Day. They were AMAZING! So tender & delicious. Thank you for sharing the recipe!
We’re so glad you enjoyed them, Keri! Thank you for trying them out and taking the time to leave a review.