These grilled hickory pork chops are juicy and packed with flavors! A perfect blend of smoky hickory and tender meat makes this dish hard to resist.
Honestly, you can almost smell the grill just thinking about it! I love serving them with a side of veggies for a tasty meal that’s sure to impress family and friends!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in chops are my favorite for grilling as they stay juicy and flavorful. If you have boneless chops, they will also work; just be mindful of the cooking time as they may cook faster.
Olive Oil: This oil adds richness to the marinade. If you’re looking for a substitute, try avocado oil or canola oil. Both have high smoke points and mild flavors.
Apple Cider Vinegar: The acidity balances the richness of the pork. You can use white wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar in a pinch if cider vinegar is not available.
Brown Sugar: It gives a nice sweetness to the marinade. You may use honey or maple syrup as natural alternatives, but adjust the quantity, as they are sweeter.
Spices: Smoked paprika is key for that hickory flavor. If you don’t have it, regular paprika or chili powder can be a substitute, though the taste will vary. Don’t skip the garlic; it really enhances the overall flavor!
How Do I Get My Pork Chops to Be Juicy and Flavorful?
Marinating the pork chops is essential for making them juicy and flavorful. When marinating:
- Use a resealable bag or shallow dish to ensure all surfaces of the pork are coated.
- Let the meat sit in the marinade for at least 2 hours, but ideally overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate deeply.
Also, don’t rush the grilling process! Grill at medium-high heat to create a nice crust while keeping the inside tender. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness at 145°F—this will keep your chops juicy.
Succulent Grilled Hickory Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 bone-in pork chops, about 1 inch thick
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for mild heat)
- Hickory wood chips (for grilling, soaked in water for 30 minutes)
- Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 20 minutes of active cooking time, plus at least 2 hours for marinating. It’s best if you can let the pork chops marinate overnight for maximum flavor, bringing the total time to about 12 hours (if you include overnight marination).
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, minced garlic, smoked paprika, ground black pepper, salt, onion powder, dried thyme, and cayenne pepper if you’d like a bit of spice. This marinade is packed with flavor and will help to tenderize the meat.
2. Marinate the Pork Chops:
Place the pork chops in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chops, making sure they are completely coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. For the best flavor, let them marinate overnight!
3. Prepare the Grill:
Before you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 375-400°F. While it’s heating up, drain your soaked hickory wood chips and place them in a smoker box or wrap them in aluminum foil with holes poked in it. The goal is to get the chips smoldering to infuse your pork chops with that lovely hickory smoke flavor.
4. Grill the Pork Chops:
Take the pork chops out of the marinade and let the excess drip off. Place the chops directly on the grill grates. Grill them for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F. Make sure to rotate them halfway through cooking on each side to get nice grill marks and even cooking.
5. Rest the Meat:
Once the pork chops are done grilling, take them off the grill and transfer them to a plate. Tent the chops loosely with foil and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This helps to keep them juicy as it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
6. Serve:
Finally, garnish your delicious grilled hickory pork chops with fresh thyme sprigs if desired, and serve immediately. Enjoy them with your favorite sides like grilled vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad!
Enjoy your succulent, smoky grilled hickory pork chops that are sure to delight your taste buds!
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Yes, you can use boneless pork chops! Just be aware that they might cook faster than bone-in chops, so keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking.
How Long Should I Marinate the Pork Chops?
The pork chops should marinate for at least 2 hours, but for deeper flavor, marinating overnight is highly recommended. The longer they marinate, the more infused the flavors will be!
What If I Don’t Have Hickory Wood Chips?
If you don’t have hickory wood chips, you can substitute with other types of wood chips like mesquite or applewood, which will also provide a wonderful smoky flavor. Just make sure they’re suitable for grilling!
How Do I Store Leftover Pork Chops?
Store any leftover grilled pork chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at a low temperature or on the grill to keep them from drying out.
