Pork Chop Grill Temp (What Temperature to Grill Pork Chops)
on Mar 23, 2023
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Nothing’s worse than rubbery, overcooked pork chops that lack flavor. Want to know the secret to tender, juicy grilled pork chops at home? You’ve got to pay attention to both the grill temperature and the internal temperature.
Ready to make an impression at your next backyard barbecue? We’re covering everything you need to know to serve the most mouthwatering pork chops you’ve ever grilled!
What’s the Best Temperature to Cook Pork Chops On The Grill
Pork doesn’t respond well to high temperatures. When grilling pork chops, we recommend a medium-high grill temperature of 375°F to 450°F for best results.
How Long to Cook Pork Chops On The Grill
The cooking time for pork chops is mostly dependent on the thickness. Since there’s no definitive answer to the question of how long to cook pork chops on the grill, the internal temp is always the best way to test doneness. If you don’t have a meat thermometer, you can use the table below as a general guide:
| Thickness | Bone-in pork chops | Boneless pork chops |
| ¾ inch | 8-10 min | 6-8 min |
| 1 inch | 12-14 min | 8-10 min |
| 1 ¼ inch | 16-18 min | 12-14 min |
| 1 ½ inch | 18-22 min | 14-18 min |
What’s the Ideal Internal Temp for Grilled Pork Chops?
According to the most recent recommendation from the USDA, grilled pork should be cooked to an internal temp of 145°F and allowed to rest for 3 minutes before serving.
During this resting period, the internal temp of the pork will increase by about 5 degrees. Prior to this, the recommended internal temp for pork chops was 160°F. The lower temperature produces pork chops that are safe to eat while maintaining their juiciness and tender texture.
Regardless of if you’re cooking thicker or thinner chops, you should aim for an internal temp of 145°F.
Carryover Cooking for Grilled Pork Chops
According to the USDA, pork should be cooked to an internal temp of 145°F or 63°C. It’s also recommended that you allow pork chops to rest for 3 minutes before serving. During this resting period, the internal temp will continue to rise due to a process called carryover cooking.
To account for the increase in temperature during carryover cooking, you’ll want to remove the pork chops from the grill before they actually reach 145°F. It’s best to take them off the grill when they reach 135-140°F. This way, the final temperature will be 145°F after the resting period.
How To Tell If Grilled Pork Chops Are Done Cooking
A digital instant-read thermometer is the cheat code to pork chops that are grilled to perfection. As long as they’ve got the right internal temp, you can count on your pork chops being juicy and tender.
When you suspect that the pork chops are nearly done, insert the probe of the thermometer horizontally through the thickest part. Be careful not to touch any bone, since this will lead to an inaccurate reading. Wait a few seconds for the reading, which will determine whether or not it’s time to take the meat off the grill.
Even if you don’t have a meat thermometer handy, there are a couple of other methods of knowing when grilled pork chops are done cooking.
- Use your finger or a fork to gently prod the pork chop to see how firm it is. If it still feels soft, the meat is undercooked and will need a bit more time on the grill. If it feels firm, but still has some spring to it, this means it’s done. If it feels hard or tough, chances are it’s overcooked.
- After removing the pork chops from the grill, allow them to rest for 5 minutes. Use a sharp knife to cut into the thickest one to check the color. Even when pork chops reach an internal temp of 145°F, the meat may still appear a bit pink. As long as the juices run clear, this is a good indication that they’re done. If the juices look pink, you’ll need to cook the pork chops for a couple more minutes.
Tips for Preventing Pork Chops From Drying Out
- Purchase thick pork chops for a juicy finished product. If they’re less than ¾ inch in thickness, they’re quite likely to dry out very quickly.
- Before cooking, take the time to brine or marinate the pork chops. This helps to add flavor and also breaks down the protein for a more tender texture.
- Allow the pork chops to completely defrost and reach room temperature before putting them on the grill. This ensures they’ll cook more evenly.
- After taking the pork chops off the grill, allow them to rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the meat to retain its valuable juices.
Grilling vs Barbecue
It’s a common misconception that grilling and barbecuing are the same thing. With a barbecue, meat is cooked low and slow, while grilling is usually done at higher temperatures for faster cooking.
FAQ
Are Pork Chops Safe to Eat If They Are Pink Inside?
As long as the meat has reached an internal temp of 145°F, it’s safe to eat. It’s normal for pork chops to look a bit pink at this temperature.
Should I Keep The Lid On When Grilling Pork Chops?
Yes. When you keep the lid closed, there’s more consistent heat and the pork chops will be cooked evenly.
Are Pork Chops Done at 160 F Degrees?
In times gone by, the USDA recommended an internal temp of 160°F for pork chops. They have since revised their recommendation and have advised that it’s safe to cook pork chops to an internal temp of 145°F.
How Long Does It Take to Grill 1-inch Pork Chops?
If you’re using a grill temp of 375°F to 400°F, boneless 1-inch thick pork chops will be fully cooked in 8-10 minutes. Bone-in pork chops will take a while longer, about 10-12 minutes.
How Long to Grill Pork Chops at 350 F Degrees?
If you’re using a lower grill temp of 350°F, pork chops will need 20-40 minutes of cooking time. The time will vary depending on the thickness of the meat and whether or not they have bones. Another factor influencing cooking time is whether the pork chops are covered in foil. As always, the internal temp is the best way to truly know when you can take pork chops off the grill.
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How to Grill Pork Chops (With the Right Grill Temp)
Ingredients
- 4 pork chops, bone-in, thick-cut
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, optional
Instructions
- In a deep bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, vinegar, mustard and olive oil.
- Add the pork chops to the bowl and turn to coat completely. Optional: cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
- Preheat an outdoor grill to high heat or about 450°F.
- Remove the chops from the marinade and place on the grill. Discard the remaining marinade.
- Place the marinated pork chop on the grill. Cover the lid and cook for 2-3 minutes, flip and cook another 2-3 minutes.
- Move the chops to indirect heat to cook for 8-15 minutes longer (see note).
- Remove the chops to a plate and allow to rest for 5 minutes, covered lightly with foil. (This allows the juices to retreat back into the meat.) Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate only and will vary based on ingredient brands and cooking methods used.
