How Long Do You Cook Pork Chops On The Grill

ByLily

Grilled pork chops usually take 6 to 8 minutes per side over direct medium heat, depending on thickness. So if you are wondering how long do you cook pork chops on the grill, the short answer is 12 to 16 minutes total for a standard one-inch chop. Thinner chops cook faster, and thick bone-in cuts need a bit more time.

This guide breaks down exact times by thickness, doneness, and grill setup. You will also get simple steps so your chops come out juicy instead of dry.

How Long Do You Cook Pork Chops On The Grill

The cook time depends mostly on two things: how thick the chop is and how hot your grill runs. Below are reliable time ranges for medium heat, around 350 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.

Grill Times By Chop Thickness

  • Half-inch thin chops: 3 to 4 minutes per side
  • Three-quarter-inch chops: 4 to 5 minutes per side
  • One-inch chops: 6 to 8 minutes per side
  • One and a half inch chops: 8 to 10 minutes per side
  • Bone-in chops: add 2 to 3 minutes per side

Always flip once, halfway through. Flipping too often slows cooking and dries out the meat.

Internal Temperature Matters More Than Time

Time is a guide, but temperature is the truth. Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part, away from bone and fat.

  • Medium rare: 145 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Medium: 150 to 155 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Well done: 160 degrees Fahrenheit and up

The USDA recommends 145 degrees Fahrenheit with a three-minute rest. At that temp, the pork is safe and still juicy.

Step By Step Grilling Process For Perfect Chops

Follow these steps and your chops will cook evenly every time.

  1. Take the chops out of the fridge 20 to 30 minutes before grilling. Room temp meat cooks more even.
  2. Pat them dry with paper towels. Wet meat steams instead of sears.
  3. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and any rub you like.
  4. Preheat the grill to medium heat, about 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Clean and oil the grates.
  5. Place chops on direct heat. Close the lid.
  6. Grill 6 to 8 minutes per side for one-inch chops. Flip only once.
  7. Check the internal temp about 2 minutes before your expected finish time.
  8. Move chops to indirect heat if they are browning too fast.
  9. Pull them off at 140 to 145 degrees Fahrenheit. The temp will rise a few degrees while resting.
  10. Let them rest 5 minutes on a cutting board before serving.

Tips For Bone-In And Thick Cut Chops

Bone-in chops take longer because the bone slows heat transfer. Use a two-zone setup: sear over direct heat, then finish over indirect heat with the lid down.

For very thick chops, this reverse method works great:

  • Grill over indirect heat for 8 to 10 minutes per side
  • Then sear 1 to 2 minutes per side over direct high heat
  • Rest and check temp before serving

Common Mistakes That Ruin Grilled Pork Chops

Most dry chops come from a few easy-to-fix errors.

  • Cooking by time only and skipping the thermometer
  • Using high heat the whole time, which burns the outside before the inside cooks
  • Not resting the meat, so juices run out on the plate
  • Flipping constantly instead of once
  • Grilling cold chops straight from the fridge

Avoid these and your chops will stay tender. Also avoid pressing down on the meat with a spatula. That squeezes out juice.

How To Tell When They Are Done Without A Thermometer

If you do not have a thermometer, look for these signs. The meat will feel firm but still have a little give. Juices will run clear, not pink. The center will be light pink for medium, which is fine and safe.

Still, a cheap instant-read thermometer is the best tool you can buy for grilling. It removes all the guesswork.

Resting And Serving Your Grilled Pork Chops

Resting is not optional. Give the chops 5 minutes on a board, loosely covered with foil. This lets the juices settle back into the meat.

Slice against the grain if you cut them up. Serve with simple sides like grilled vegetables, corn, or a baked potato.

If you have leftovers, cool them fast and store in the fridge within two hours. They keep for 3 to 4 days.

Quick Recap On Grill Times

For the average one-inch chop, plan on 6 to 8 minutes per side over medium heat. Thin chops need 3 to 5 minutes per side. Bone-in and thick cuts need 8 to 10 minutes per side, often with indirect heat to finish.

Always cook to 145 degrees Fahrenheit, rest for 5 minutes, and you will get juicy pork chops every time. Bookmark this page next time you fire up the grill and you wont have to guess again.

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