These juicy grilled hickory pork chops are packed with flavor! The smoky aroma from hickory wood makes them even more delicious and mouth-watering.
Let’s be real, who doesn’t love a perfectly grilled chop? I enjoy pairing them with some fresh veggies or a side of mashed potatoes for a tasty meal. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in chops are great for flavor and juiciness. If you prefer a leaner option, boneless pork loin chops work too, but they may cook faster, so keep an eye on them!
Olive Oil: This helps the marinade stick and keeps the chops moist. You can substitute with avocado oil or canola oil. Both are neutral and high in smoke point, making them suitable for grilling.
Garlic: Fresh garlic really boosts the flavor. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can substitute, but you will get less intensity. I love using fresh for that extra zing!
Herbs: Thyme and rosemary add a wonderful aroma. If you don’t have these, dried Italian seasoning or herb de Provence can work instead. I like adding fresh herbs when I can for bright flavor.
Hickory Wood Chips: Hickory gives a robust smoky flavor. If unavailable, try mesquite or applewood chips for different flavor profiles. Each wood type will bring its unique hint to the meat.
How Do I Grill Pork Chops Without Drying Them Out?
Keeping pork chops juicy while grilling is all about the marinade and cooking technique. Follow these steps for the best results:
- Marinate the chops long enough to infuse flavor—ideally 1 to 4 hours.
- Heat the grill to medium-high, allowing for a good sear but not too hot to char the outside too quickly.
- Grill for 4-5 minutes per side. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness at 145°F (63°C) for the perfect level of doneness.
- Let the pork chops rest for about 5 minutes after cooking. This will help keep the juices from running out when you cut into them.
These tips and ingredients will ensure you serve succulent, flavorful grilled hickory pork chops that your family and friends will love! Enjoy your grilling!
Succulent Grilled Hickory Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 bone-in pork chops, about 1-inch thick
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, for caramelization)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Hickory wood chips (for smoking on grill)
- Fresh parsley or rosemary sprigs for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep, plus at least 1 hour for marinating. The cooking time on the grill is about 10 minutes. So, in total, you’ll need around 1 hour and 25 minutes (including marinating and cooking). It’s well worth the wait for those succulent flavors to develop!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, thyme, rosemary, black pepper, salt, brown sugar (if you’re using it), and lemon juice. Make sure it’s well mixed for a tasty coating on the pork chops!
2. Marinate the Pork Chops:
Take your pork chops and place them in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the chops, ensuring each one is well coated. Cover or seal and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. If you have a bit more time, letting them marinate for up to 4 hours will enhance the flavor even more!
3. Prepare the Grill:
While the chops marinate, soak a handful of hickory wood chips in water for about 30 minutes to help them smoke nicely. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. For charcoal grills, add the soaked wood chips directly to the coals just before cooking. If you’re using a gas grill, use a smoker box or foil packet to hold the chips near the burners.
4. Grill the Pork Chops:
Once the pork chops have finished marinating, remove them from the marinade and let any excess drip off. Place the chops on the hot grill over direct heat. Grill for about 4-5 minutes on each side, turning only once, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). The wood chips will create a delicious smoky aroma!
5. Rest the Meat:
After grilling, remove the pork chops from the grill and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This rest period will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, giving you tender, juicy chops.
6. Serve:
Finally, garnish your beautiful pork chops with freshly chopped parsley or sprigs of rosemary. Serve them hot alongside roasted vegetables or a fresh salad, and enjoy the smoky, succulent flavors!
This recipe is a surefire way to impress family and friends with your grilling skills. Enjoy your delicious hickory pork chops!
Can I Use Frozen Pork Chops for This Recipe?
It’s best to use fresh pork chops for optimal flavor and texture, but if you only have frozen, make sure to fully thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before marinating for best results!
What Can I Use Instead of Brown Sugar?
If you don’t have brown sugar, you can substitute with white sugar or honey. Just keep in mind that different sweeteners may slightly alter the final flavor, so adjust to your taste!
How Long Do I Need to Marinate the Pork Chops?
For the best flavor, marinate the pork chops for at least 1 hour. However, marinating them for up to 4 hours allows for deeper flavor absorption, making them even tastier!
What Should I Serve with Grilled Pork Chops?
These hickory pork chops pair beautifully with roasted vegetables, a light salad, or creamy mashed potatoes. You can also serve them with a tangy apple sauce for a delicious contrast!