Pork Chop on a Pellet Grill

To speak the truth, there’s just nothing quite like a pork chop on a pellet grill. Smoked pork chops are thick, juicy, and favor-packed.

That being said, they are extremely easy to make on a pellet grill.

First, the pork chops are covered in a delectable pork rub that provides them with a nice crusty exterior, and the inside is extremely succulent with a beautiful smoke flavor.

Well, if you are ready, it is actually time to fire up your pellet grill and go on with making this pork chop on pellet grill recipe.

This simple recipe is definitely for you, particularly if you are one of those people who is a lover of pork chops.

After having a bite of this smoked pork chop, it will always be one of the first items that you cook on the pellet grill.

The pellet grill actually cooks the pork over indirect heat at a low temperature; that way, the meat will never get dried out like it can on a gas grill.

What Are Pork Chops?

Normally, pork chops are a cut of meat that is obtained from the pork loin or pork shoulder.

They are available as either bone-in or boneless cuts of meat, and they are mostly trimmed of fat before cooking.

Make sure you search for cuts that are pink in color and come with a small amount of marbling when you are picking pork chops.

After cooking, these pork chops will come out tender and juicy.

However, with all that being said, ensure that you stay away from pork chops that are pale in color or come with excessive fat, given that these kinds tend to be tough and dry.

Top Tips for the Best Smoked Pork Chops

• Make sure you don’t overcook them. It’s okay if you have a little pink in the center, and when they get to 145 degrees F, you can safely consume them.
• In order to check for doneness, ensure that you do not slice or cut the meat while it is on the grill, as this will just dry it out.
• For at least 5 to 10 minutes before serving, you are to allow the meat to rest, tented with foil. Doing this will permit the meat fibers to reabsorb the juices.
• Rather than prongs, it is highly recommended that you use tongs. You definitely don’t want to lose any more internal juice than necessary.
• Keep in mind that you should not peak while smoking, as this will reduce the temperature of the smoker and allow your precious smoke to escape.

Easy Smoked Pork Chops

These smoked pork chops are extremely easy to make and also extremely delectable.

All you need to make this recipe is a brine, which is optional, and a quick rub, and you are ready to go.

• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: American
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour and 45 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pork chops (bone-in and around ½ to ¾ inch thick)

Pork Rub

• ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper
• ½ teaspoon of dry mustard
• 1 tablespoon of black pepper
• 1 tablespoon of paprika
• 1 ½ teaspoons of kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon of brown sugar

Laid-Out Instructions

• You are to brine your pork chops. However, keep in mind that this step is an option.
• Either the brine step or not, proceed to preheat your wood pellet grill to 225 degrees Fahrenheit, and then fill it with your favorite wood pellet. I will be using hickory for this recipe.
• That being done, get a small bowl and place the rub ingredients in it. Then, combine them.
• Make sure you dab the pork chops dry and then drizzle lavishly with rub, patting it in. Also, allow the pork chops to rest for 30 minutes at room temp.
• After that, you are to place the chops directly on the grill and cook until the temperature reaches 145 degrees F. It should take around an hour and 15 minutes, or more or less.
• You can turn the pork chops over about halfway through, but remember that this is based on your preference. However, I normally don’t bother, particularly with the excellent heat circulation.
• Now that that is done, proceed to allow the chops to cool for 5 minutes before you proceed to serve them.

What Should You Serve With Smoked Pork Chops?

You have the option of serving this dish with a side of applesauce. Below are some other great side dish ideas that you can also try:

• Perfect grilled asparagus
• Loaded smoked baked potato
• Traeger scalloped potatoes
• Traeger au gratin potatoes
• Roasted garlic mashed potatoes
• Greek salad
• Rich and creamy coleslaw
• Pesto potato salad
• Fresh tomato and watermelon salad
• Roasted Mexican potatoes

Storage

If you have any leftover smoked pork chops, which I doubt, you can just store them in the fridge in a tightly sealed container, which will make them last for up to three days.

In addition, you have the option of freezing them, which will make them last for up to three months.

However, in the case that you have a lot of leftovers, then I suggest that you slice them or leave them whole (this is based on your preference).

After that, get a Ziploc bag and place them in it, then pop them in the freezer for meal prep, work, or school lunches.

Recipe FAQs

Which Pellets to Use for Smoked Pork Chops?

As previously mentioned, practically any blend of pellets will go well with this recipe.

Even so, below are a few of my favorites:

Apple

Using this will allow you to have a subtle touch of fruitiness, and this is something that goes well with any pork.

Hickory

If you go for this, then you should be ready for more of a bold, assertive flavor that pairs well with the homemade pork chop seasoning.

Cherry

It is a fact that this wood is a nutritious pellet that stands up to the flavor of any meat and is excellent for grilling.

How Long Should I Let Pork Chops Rest?

In order to allow the juices to redistribute, pork chops will only need to rest for around 5 to 10 minutes.

I’m sure you also want those juices to flow back into the chops and not go running out on your plate when you put them in.

These smoked pork chops are extremely good. They are juicy and succulent, and they come with the perfect amount of smoke flavor.

If you use Traeger, turning them is not a necessary step, even when you are using a low temperature. This is thanks to the fact that the heat is so evenly circulated, which makes everything come out perfect.

Can You Smoke Thin Cut Pork Chops?

The short answer to his is yes, you can smoke thin-cut pork chops.

But keep in mind that you will need to adjust the cooking time in order to ensure that they cook evenly.

Just follow the exact laid-out instructions above, but you are to smoke them at 250 degrees Fahrenheit for around 30 minutes, or simply until the internal temperature of the pork chops reaches 145 degrees F.

Final Thoughts

If you don’t have a meat thermometer, the next best way to determine whether or not a pork chop is done is to check for doneness by cutting into the chop.

If it is done, the juices are expected to run clear, and there should be no pink in the middle either.

However, you will find a little pink at the outside edge of the chop, as this is the smoke ring.

With all that being said, you can now go ahead and have your pork chops on a pellet grill, as you now know how to make them.