These succulent grilled hickory pork chops are sure to impress! With their smoky flavor and juicy texture, they make a delicious meal for any occasion.
I love how easy they are to make on the grill, and the hickory smoke adds a special touch. Pair them with veggies, and you’ve got a tasty dinner that feels fancy! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in chops are great for grilling as they stay juicier. If you want to use boneless, go for thick cuts, but the bone adds more flavor.
Olive Oil: This adds richness. If you don’t have it, avocado oil is a good alternative with a higher smoke point.
Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce gives a nice umami flavor. You can use tamari for a gluten-free option or coconut aminos if you want a slightly sweeter alternative.
Honey: It adds sweetness and helps with caramelization. Maple syrup can serve as an easy substitute if you’re out of honey.
Hickory Wood Chips: These create that signature smoky flavor. If you can’t find hickory, consider apple or cherry wood for a different but tasty smoke profile.
How Do I Make Sure My Pork Chops Don’t Dry Out?
The key to juicy pork chops is marinating and proper cooking. The marinade not only adds flavor but also helps keep the meat moist. Here’s how to do it right:
- Always let the pork marinate for at least an hour, but 3-4 hours is better for flavor.
- Be sure to *not* overcook. Use a meat thermometer; remove when internal temp hits 145°F (63°C).
- Let the chops rest for 5 minutes after grilling. This allows the juices to redistribute, avoiding dryness.
Succulent Grilled Hickory Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 bone-in pork chops, about 1 inch thick
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 sprig fresh rosemary
- Hickory wood chips (for grilling)
- Fresh rosemary or parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
Preparing these succulent grilled hickory pork chops takes about 15 minutes for marinating, plus 10-15 minutes for grilling. For the best flavor, let the pork marinate for 3-4 hours, but if you’re short on time, even one hour will work. So, you’ll need around 4 hours and 15 minutes total if marinating for the full time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, soy sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, smoked paprika, black pepper, and kosher salt until everything is mixed well and combined into a tasty marinade.
2. Marinate the Pork Chops:
Take a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish and place the pork chops inside. Pour the marinade over the chops, making sure they’re all covered well. If using thyme or rosemary, add it in now. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or even better—3-4 hours for a richer flavor.
3. Prepare the Grill:
About 30 minutes before grilling, soak a handful of hickory wood chips in water to help create smoke while cooking. This adds that wonderful hickory flavor! Preheat your grill for indirect medium-high heat, which is about 375°F to 400°F. For a gas grill, turn on one side for direct heat and leave the other side off for indirect. For charcoal, pile the coals to one side.
4. Grill the Pork Chops:
After soaking, drain the wood chips and place them directly on the hot coals or in a smoker box if using gas. Remove the pork chops from the marinade and let any excess drip off. Place the chops on the direct heat side of the grill and sear for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until you see nice grill marks.
5. Smoke & Finish Cooking:
Move the pork chops to the indirect heat side of the grill, close the lid to let the smoke infuse, and grill for another 6-8 minutes. Flip them once during this time. The chops are done when their internal temperature reads 145°F (63°C) for medium doneness.
6. Rest and Serve:
Take the pork chops off the grill and tent them loosely with foil. This resting time of about 5 minutes keeps them juicy, allowing the juices to redistribute. Once rested, garnish with fresh rosemary or parsley if you like, serve warm, and enjoy these tasty, smoky grilled hickory pork chops!
There you have it! A delicious recipe that yields flavorful, perfectly grilled pork chops with gorgeous grill marks and that wonderful hickory smoke aroma. Enjoy your meal! 😊
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops?
Yes, you can! Boneless pork chops will work just fine, but make sure to choose thick cuts (about 1 inch) to prevent them from drying out during grilling.
What If I Don’t Have Hickory Wood Chips?
No problem! You can substitute hickory with other types of wood chips like apple or cherry, which will impart a slightly different but delicious smoky flavor.
Can I Marinate the Pork Chops Overnight?
Absolutely! Marinating overnight can enhance the flavor even further. Just be cautious not to exceed 24 hours as the pork may start to break down, affecting the texture.
How Should I Store Leftover Pork Chops?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, use low heat in the microwave or on the stove to prevent drying them out.