These grilled lemon herb pork chops are juicy, flavorful, and super easy to make! With a zesty lemon marinade and fresh herbs, they’ll make your taste buds dance.
You can’t go wrong with a little tangy flavor! I love serving these with a side of veggies or a light salad for a refreshing meal. Give them a try, and you’ll impress everyone!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: I recommend using bone-in chops for extra flavor and juiciness, but boneless works just as well. If you want a leaner option, try pork loin chops.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice is ideal for the best flavor. If you’re in a pinch, bottled lemon juice can be used, but it may not pack the same punch. Always adjust to taste!
Herbs: Fresh herbs really enhance this dish. If you don’t have fresh rosemary or thyme, dried versions can substitute, but use half the amount since dried herbs are stronger.
Olive Oil: While olive oil is great for its flavor, you can use any cooking oil you prefer, like canola or avocado oil, for grilling.
How Do I Get My Pork Chops Juicy and Flavorful?
The key to juicy pork chops is marinating them right! This allows the flavors to soak into the meat. Use a mix of acid (lemon juice) and oil to tenderize and keep moisture. Here’s how to do it:
- Mix a flavorful marinade of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and herbs.
- Marinate the pork chops for at least 30 minutes, but a couple of hours is even better!
- Preheat the grill to ensure a good sear. This helps lock in the juices.
- Cook them to an exact temperature of 145°F for tenderness—don’t overcook!
Let your pork chops rest for a few minutes after grilling. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring every bite is moist and delicious. Enjoy!
How to Make Grilled Lemon Herb Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops, about 1 inch thick
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1-2 lemons)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 tsp dried rosemary)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time, plus a marinating time of at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours). The grilling will take about 8-10 minutes, making it a quick and delicious meal option!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. This zesty marinade is what makes the pork chops so flavorful!
2. Marinate the Pork Chops:
Place the pork chops in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the pork chops, ensuring they are well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes—this is where the magic happens!
3. Get the Grill Ready:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F / 204°C). It’s crucial to have a hot grill for that nice sear on the pork chops.
4. Grill the Pork Chops:
Remove the pork chops from the marinade and let any excess drip off. Place the pork chops on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; the internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
5. Rest and Serve:
Once cooked, remove the pork chops from the grill and let them rest for 3-5 minutes. This helps keep them juicy. Serve them hot with lemon wedges and your choice of sides like grilled vegetables or a fresh salad!
Enjoy your perfectly grilled lemon herb pork chops—juicy, flavorful, and bright from fresh herbs and citrus!
Can I Use Chicken Instead of Pork Chops?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken breasts or thighs for pork chops using the same marinade. Just adjust the cooking time as chicken usually needs about 6-7 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Herbs?
No worries! You can use dried herbs instead. Use about half the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh, as dried herbs are more concentrated. For this recipe, that would be about 1 teaspoon each of dried rosemary and thyme.
Can I Marinate the Pork Chops Overnight?
Definitely! Marinating the pork chops overnight will deepen the flavors even more. Just ensure the chops are well sealed and stored in the refrigerator while marinating.
How Should I Store Leftover Pork Chops?
Store any leftover pork chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat to prevent drying out.