FREE 5-Ingredient Recipe EBook

• Why You’ll Love This Grilled Pork Chops Recipe
• Ingredients & Substitutions
• How To Grill Pork Chops
• How Long To Grill Pork Chops?
• What Pork Chop Grill Temp To Use?
• Tips For The Best Grilled Pork Chops
• Storage Instructions
• What To Serve With Grilled Pork Chop Recipes
• More Easy Pork Chop Recipes
• Tools For Grilling Pork Chops
• Grilled Pork Chops (Easy & Juicy) Recipe card
• Recipe Reviews

No more dry meat on the grill! This is the best grilled pork chop recipe if you’re looking for that irresistible combination of tender, juicy taste and charred grill marks. I’ll show you how to do it with the help of a perfect grilled pork chop marinade and step-by-step method.

Plus, just like a juicy grilled steak or grilled salmon , these chops cook fast without heating up your kitchen! Try grilling them for your next family dinner or backyard barbecue.

Why You’ll Love This Grilled Pork Chops Recipe

• Tender, juicy, flavorful chops
• Sweet and savory grilled pork chop marinade
• Simple ingredients
• Quick and easy to make
• Works on a gas grill, charcoal grill, or even a grill pan
• Perfect for BBQs, cookouts, or a simple weeknight dinner

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here I explain the best ingredients for grilling pork chops, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card .

Pork Chops:

• Cuts of pork chops – You can make most grilled pork chop recipes using any cut of pork chops: shoulder chops (known for their richer, fattier meat), rib chops (tender and juicy), loin chops (a lean option with mild flavor), or sirloin chops (robust pork flavor but sometimes tougher in texture).
• Bone-in vs. boneless – Choose bone-in or boneless pork chops based on your preference. Grilling pork chops with the bone makes them more juicy and less prone to drying out, but boneless pork chops are a little easier to eat.
• Thickness – Pork chops vary in thickness, which effects the cooking time. If you can, choose ones that are at least 1 inch thick to ensure juicy results and more easily avoid overcooking.

Grilled Pork Chop Marinade:

• Olive Oil – This makes up the base of the marinade and locks in moisture. You can substitute other heat-safe oils, like avocado oil.
• Coconut Aminos Or Soy Sauce – This balances out the acidity of the vinegar (below). Coconut aminos is my go-to soy sauce substitute , but you can use low sodium soy sauce if that works for you.
• Honey – Adds a touch of sweetness and balances the flavors. Either regular or sugar-free honey will work. I much prefer these over the brown sugar that some recipes use.
• Apple Cider Vinegar – An acid is a key component of any good marinade, because it tenderizes the meat. You can substitute other acidic ingredients here, such as white wine vinegar or lemon juice.
• Garlic – Fresh minced garlic gives the marinade the best flavor, but you can use 1 teaspoon of jarred garlic or 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder instead.
• Spices – Paprika , onion powder , sea salt, and black pepper. You can also throw in some red pepper flakes if you want extra heat, or some dried herbs (like thyme or oregano) for extra flavor.

VARIATION: Use a seasoning instead of a marinade.

If you prefer a dry rub instead of a marinade, season pork chops with 2-3 tablespoons of pork chop seasoning or jerk seasoning instead.

How To Grill Pork Chops

This section shows how to cook pork chops on the grill, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card .

1. Whisk together the marinade. Mix together the olive oil, coconut aminos, honey, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, paprika, onion powder, sea salt, and black pepper in a bowl.
2. Marinate the pork chops. Place the chops in a large zip lock bag or a large bowl. Pour the marinade over the pork chops, coating evenly. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.

1. Bring to room temperature. Discard any marinade and let the chops sit at room temperature while preheating the grill (or a grill pan ) to medium-high heat.
2. Grill pork chops. Place the pork chops on the grates over direct heat. Grill, flipping every few minutes, until internal temperature reaches 145 degrees F.
3. Rest. Transfer to a plate and let them rest for 5 minutes to let the juices settle inside.

How Long To Grill Pork Chops?

Total pork chop grill time is 9-13 minutes for boneless pork chops or 14-18 minutes for bone-in pork chops, and they cook more evenly if you flip them every 3-4 minutes. For the juiciest results, cook until they reach an internal temperature of 140 degrees F, then rest for 5 minutes to let them reach 145 degrees F.

What Pork Chop Grill Temp To Use?

Grill pork chops over medium-high heat, between 400 and 450 degrees F.

Tips For The Best Grilled Pork Chops

Grilled pork chop recipes are pretty simple, but here are some tips I’ve learned along the way:

• Don’t marinate longer than 24 hours. Just like baked pork chops , you don’t want to marinate longer than 24 hours because the meat can get mushy.
• Flip every few minutes. Since the pork chops cook over direct heat, this prevents flare ups, burning, and dry spots. They also cook a bit faster this way compared to flipping only once! But…
• Don’t flip too soon. If the pork chops stick to the grill, they are not ready to flip. Let them cook until they easily release.
• Use a meat thermometer. The time will vary depending on the thickness of your pork chops and your exact grill temperature, so the best way to know they are cooked perfectly is to use a probe thermometer (it will beep when they are perfect!) or instant-read thermometer .
• Remove from heat 5 degrees before target temp. Pork chops are very lean, so they can dry out easily. The ideal internal temperature for pork chops is 145 degrees F. But because the temperature will rise 5 degrees after you remove them from heat, it’s best to remove them at 140 degrees F and let them rest, so that they stay juicy.

Storage Instructions

• Store: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Meal prep: Prepare the marinade and marinate the pork chops overnight for best results.
• Reheat: You can reheat pork chops on the grill over indirect heat, in the oven at 350 degrees F, or in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel. Check on them often, because they can be prone to drying out.
• Freeze: Cool completely, then store in a freezer bag or airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.

What To Serve With Grilled Pork Chop Recipes

Just about anything can go with these juicy chops, but I like to keep my sides quick, light, and easy. Here are my favorite picks:

• Grilled Vegetables – While the grill is hot, throw on some veggie sides. Try grilled asparagus , crispy broccoli on the grill , or some perfectly charred grilled eggplant (or another eggplant recipe ).
• Salads – A grilled peach salad is perfect for grill mains, but a strawberry spinach salad or burrata salad makes a beautiful summery side.
• BBQ Favorites – You can’t go wrong with cookout favorites like elote corn , potato salad (or cauliflower potato salad ), or classic coleslaw .
• Potatoes – Cook them on the grill, or make air fryer baked potatoes while you’re grilling pork chops.

More Easy Pork Chop Recipes

Need a quick and easy weeknight meal? These chops cook fast and stay juicy:

Air Fryer Pork Chops

Stuffed Pork Chops

Pan Seared Pork Chops

Baked Pork Chops

Tools For Grilling Pork Chops

• Grill Pan – If you don’t have a grill, this pan still creates excellent grill marks right on your stovetop.
• Meat Thermometer – Complete with quick readings so you know your meat is safe to eat.

Ingredients

Tap underlined ingredients to see the ones I use.

• 4 12-oz Bone-in pork chops (at least 1 inch thick; or boneless pork chops work too) ▢
• 1/4 cup Olive oil ▢
• 1/4 cup Coconut aminos (or low-sodium soy sauce) ▢
• 2 tbsp Honey (or sugar-free honey substitute) ▢
• 2 tbsp Apple cider vinegar ▢
• 2 cloves Garlic (minced) ▢
• 1 tsp Paprika ▢
• 1 tsp Onion powder ▢
• 1 tsp Sea salt ▢
• 1 tsp Black pepper ▢

Instructions

Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.

1. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, coconut aminos, honey, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, paprika, onion powder, sea salt, and black pepper.
2. Place the pork chops in a large zip lock bag. Pour the marinade over the pork chops, making sure each chop is evenly coated with the mixture.
3. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight.
4. When ready to cook, remove the pork chops from the marinade, discarding any remaining marinade. Let them sit at room temperature while the grill preheats. (This helps with more even cooking.)
5. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (~400-450 degrees F or 204-232 degrees C) for at least 10 minutes (or a grill pan on the stove for at least 5 minutes ).
6. Place the pork chops over direct heat. Grill for 4 minutes , flip and grill for another 4 minutes . Repeat this process one more time for a total of around 9-13 minutes for bone-in pork chops or minutes for boneless pork chops, or 14-18 minutes , until the internal temperature reaches 140 degrees F (60 degrees C). The time will vary depending on the thickness of your pork chops and your exact grill temperature.
7. Once the pork chops are done, remove them from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. The internal temperature will rise another 5-10 degrees F.

LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1 pork chop

Nutrition info uses sugar-free honey , but regular also works.

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

Add Your NotesYour Notes

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead.

Grilled Pork Chops

Free Printable: Low Carb & Keto Food List

• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• The Basic Keto Meal Formula
• Understanding Macros
• Keto Food Swaps
• Keto Food List
• Electrolyte Basics
• Keto Diet Types
• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• Recipe Reviews

Even though I have a great guide to starting a keto diet , people often ask me for a quick keto cheat sheet they can use. That’s why I created this simple keto diet cheat sheet , so that you can have all the info you need handy. We’ll cover the basic keto formula for building meals, foods to eat and to avoid, delicious keto swaps for high-carb foods, electrolyte basics, and 4 ways to follow the keto lifestyle.

You can keep reading to view this info, or download my keto cheat sheet printable pdf to print out or save ad-free on any device (plus the pdf has more details!).

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ foods) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System + EBooks (Only $37)

The Basic Keto Meal Formula

Eating keto doesn’t have to be complicated! While there are plenty of delicious easy keto recipes to choose from, you don’t even have to cook from a recipe to get started.

Simply follow the keto cheat sheet formula of protein + veggie + fat for your meals.

Be sure to choose a moderate amount of protein, only low carb vegetables (mostly ones that grow above ground), and generous fat to attain an optimal macro ratio. That’s approximately 60-75% of calories from fat, 20-25% protein, and 5-10% from carbohydrates. The table below will give you ideas for what to choose.

Understanding Macros

Macros are macronutrients for short. They include fat, protein, and carbohydrates.

You can calculate your own macros using the macro calculator , but the macro keto cheat sheet below will explain how to look at macros when following a keto lifestyle.

Carbs Are A Limit.

Keeping carbs low is what gets you into ketosis and keeps you there. Ketosis means that you’re using fat as your primary energy source instead of sugar, and requires keeping carbs very low.

A good starting point is 20-25 grams net carbs per day, but you can experiment after a few weeks to see if your body stays in ketosis at higher levels. People who are very active may be able to do more and stay in ketosis, up to around 50 grams per day.

“Carbs are a limit” means that you set a limit for how many carbs to eat per day and don’t exceed it. You don’t have to hit that limit, so if you’re under that’s okay, just don’t go over. Ideally most of your carbs would come from low carb vegetables, and if you’re eating enough veggies, you’ll usually get close to the limit naturally.

A common misconception is that reaching ketosis requires a certain macro ratio, but it’s really only restricting your carb intake that gets you there [ * ]. In the absence of sufficient carbs to use as energy, the body will switch to using fat as fuel. This is called the metabolic state of ketosis.

Protein Is A Goal.

Protein is made up of amino acids, the building blocks of all our cells. It’s a crucial for keeping our muscles strong and for many cellular functions [ * ].

“Protein is a goal” means that you always want to eat enough protein to reach the goal each day, but not exceed it too much. You want enough for your needs, but excess protein can trigger gluconeogenesis, which is protein being converted to sugar [ * ] and can kick you out of ketosis.

Fat Is A Lever.

Fat is the primary macronutrient in a keto lifestyle, because being in ketosis means that fat is your primary fuel source. Fat as a fuel source will come from your food, and if you are losing weight, from your body.

A big advantage of a keto lifestyle is the high fat intake. It keeps you full and satisfied, making it easier to stick to, and using it as the primary fuel source makes it easier on your body to burn body fat, with a lower chance of breaking down your muscle (provided you get enough protein).

Aside from reaching your protein goal and limiting your carbs, the remainder of your calories on a keto diet comes from fat.

Don’t fear fat – it’s your main energy source on keto, and getting enough of it trains your body to use fat for fuel instead of sugar. That means that as long as you are not overdoing your overall calorie intake, you’ll efficiently burn your body fat for fuel as well.

“Fat is a lever” means that you can increase or decrease your fat intake depending on your goals and hunger levels. Increase it (along with exercise) to gain muscle, or decrease it to lose weight.

Keto Food Swaps

One of my favorite challenges is creating recipes, or just discovering, keto food swaps. These are delicious keto replacements for traditionally high-carb or high-sugar foods.

So, I created this keto diet cheat sheet with all the swaps in one place! I also have more keto food swaps in my Easy Keto Cookbook .

Keto Swaps For Breakfast

Keto Swaps For Bread

Keto Swaps For Meals & Side Dishes

Keto Swaps For Snacks & Sauces

Keto Swaps For Cooking & Baking

Keto Swaps For Drinks

If you’re looking specifically for keto alcohol options, browse the full keto alcohol guide .

Keto Food List

When looking for a keto cheat sheet printable, the most-requested information is a keto food list.

The great thing is that keto doesn’t have to feel restrictive. It’s incredibly satisfying and there’s such a wide variety of foods you can eat!

Foods To Eat On Keto

• Leafy greens – Such as spinach, chard, and lettuce.
• Above-ground veggies – Such as peppers, zucchini, and cauliflower.
• Full-fat cream & cheese – Such as heavy cream, sour cream, and full-fat hard cheeses.
• Natural meats – Such as beef, lamb, and pork.
• Berries – Such as raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries.
• Avocados
• Unsweetened nut milks – Such as almond milk and coconut milk.
• Almond flour and coconut flour
• Eggs
• Healthy fats – Such as coconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil and butter.

Foods To Avoid On Keto

• White flour & sugar
• Rice & grains – Such as barley, wheat, and corn.
• Milk & yogurt – Such as fruit on the bottom yogurt, sweetened Greek yogurt, and all milk.
• Cereal
• Processed food – Such as granola bars, candy
• Most fruit – Such as apples, bananas, and grapes
• Hydrogenated fats – Such as vegetable oil, soybean oil, and margarine
• Sweetened beverages & condiments – Such as soda, ketchup, and sweet dressings
• Starchy veggies – Such as peas, carrots, and beets.
• Potatoes – Such as sweet potatoes and white potatoes.

That’s the short keto diet cheat sheet version of all the keto food categories, but I recommend downloading the full Keto Cheat Sheet System. It includes a super detailed printable keto food list with over 100 items, including 2 color-coded pages with net carb counts, along with 6 more pages of keto cheat sheets:

Get The Keto Cheat Sheet System PDF (Only $37)

Electrolyte Basics

Getting enough electrolytes is crucial for anyone, but especially so on a keto diet. The reason is that ketosis has a diuretic effect, which increases excretion of water and electrolytes, especially sodium [ * ]. This is often the cause of the keto flu.

For more details on electrolytes and avoiding keto flu, check out the full keto flu guide here .

The important thing to know about electrolytes is that replenishing them will keep keto flu away and keep your body functioning well. I always recommend an electrolyte drink and whole food sources of anything your body needs before resorting to supplements, so I made a list of what to eat to get each of the 3 major electrolytes – sodium, magnesium and potassium.

Here’s your keto diet cheat sheet for getting electrolytes from food:

Keto Diet Types

People follow a keto lifestyle for different reasons. Some do it just to lose weight, others are after better overall health, increased energy, and reduced inflammation.

Strictly speaking, the defining factor of a keto diet is the metabolic state of ketosis, which is achieved by restricting carbs. However, many people (myself included) also reduce or eliminate processed, inflammatory, or low-nutrient foods.

Below is your keto cheat sheet summary of the different ways that people follow keto. You choose what works best for your goals and lifestyle!

• Strict Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, count all calories and macros, and eat clean, unprocessed foods.
• Lazy Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, and track only net carbs OR eat keto foods without tracking.
• Dirty Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, with “if it fits your macros” approach including processed foods.
• Low Carb – Up to 50-100g net carbs daily, less strict.

For a more detailed listing of these different types of keto with pros and cons, grab the Easy Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF below!

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ swaps) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System (75 pages, Only $37!)

Grilled Pork Chops (Easy & Juicy)

Discover the BEST grilled pork chops recipe: Tender, juicy, flavorful meat seasoned with the perfect pork chop marinade… and it’s so easy!

Scan this QR code with your phone’s camera for the full recipe, including tips, step-by-step photos, and storage, or to save it to your account. You can also find it at: https://www.wholesomeyum.com/grilled-pork-chops/

Ingredients

• 4 12-oz Bone-in pork chops (at least 1 inch thick; or boneless pork chops work too)
• 1/4 cup Olive oil
• 1/4 cup Coconut aminos (or low-sodium soy sauce)
• 2 tbsp Honey (or sugar-free honey substitute)
• 2 tbsp Apple cider vinegar
• 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 1 tsp Paprika
• 1 tsp Onion powder
• 1 tsp Sea salt
• 1 tsp Black pepper

Instructions

1. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, coconut aminos, honey, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, paprika, onion powder, sea salt, and black pepper.
2. Place the pork chops in a large zip lock bag. Pour the marinade over the pork chops, making sure each chop is evenly coated with the mixture.
3. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight.
4. When ready to cook, remove the pork chops from the marinade, discarding any remaining marinade. Let them sit at room temperature while the grill preheats. (This helps with more even cooking.)
5. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (~400-450 degrees F or 204-232 degrees C) for at least 10 minutes (or a grill pan on the stove for at least 5 minutes ).
6. Place the pork chops over direct heat. Grill for 4 minutes , flip and grill for another 4 minutes . Repeat this process one more time for a total of around 9-13 minutes for bone-in pork chops or minutes for boneless pork chops, or 14-18 minutes , until the internal temperature reaches 140 degrees F (60 degrees C). The time will vary depending on the thickness of your pork chops and your exact grill temperature.
7. Once the pork chops are done, remove them from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. The internal temperature will rise another 5-10 degrees F.

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1 pork chop

Nutrition info uses sugar-free honey , but regular also works.

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead. :)