How Long to Grill Juicy Pork Chops at 400°F
Updated May 21, 2025, Published Jun 10, 2024
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Wondering how long to grill juicy pork chops at 400°F? Learn how to perfectly cook tender, juicy pork chops with this easy recipe! These chops are marinated in a flavorful blend of herbs, soy sauce, and a hint of Dijon mustard, then are grilled to perfection, delivering a mouthwatering experience with every bite. Perfect for your next barbecue or weeknight dinner, this recipe promises juicy, flavorful pork chops that will leave your taste buds begging for more!
Round out your meal with my recipes for crispy Brussels sprouts and oven roasted potatoes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Summer grilling isn’t complete without the perfect grilled juicy pork chops recipe. In Italy, we grill pork more than any other meat! This recipe is inspired by the beautiful memories of grilling in our beach home in Sardegna, and my dad’s delicious meat marinades inspire the depth of flavors.
Searing the pork chops on the grill briefly helps lock in the juices, resulting in a juicy, tender interior and a beautiful caramelized exterior. I know you’ll love these mouthwatering BBQ pork chops!
Made With Amoré,
Ingredients
You’ll only need a few basic ingredients from your local grocery store to make these mouthwatering grilled pork chops! Let me tell you about these key ingredients.
- Pork Chops: The main protein of the dish, bone-in chops contribute additional flavor, while boneless chops offer ease of eating. Either works great here. (Want to use thin or extra thick chops? Check out my tips for cooking thin pork chops or cooking thick pork chops on the stovetop/oven–they can be tweaked to apply to the grill also!)
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Provides a savory and salty umami flavor to enhance the taste of the pork chops without being overly salty. Regular soy sauce can be used, but be mindful of the increased salt content. Tamari or coconut aminos are good alternatives, especially for a gluten-free option.
- Brown Sugar, Maple Syrup, or Honey: Adds sweetness to balance the savory and salty components, creating a well-rounded flavor profile in the marinade.
- Dijon Mustard: Contributes a tangy and slightly spicy element, enhancing the overall flavor complexity of the marinade.
See recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Substitutions & Variations
- Swaps for Olive Oil: Substitute with vegetable oil, avocado, or canola oil.
- Swaps for Thyme Leaves: Rosemary, oregano, or sage can be used as alternatives, depending on your flavor preferences. If you like this kind of spice, you will also love this fried pork chop recipe.
- Stuffed Pork Chops: Try my fun recipes for Mediterranean stuffed pork chops or these baked stuffed pork chops!
- Citrus Zest Infusion: Incorporate orange or lemon zest into the marinade to add a burst of citrus. The bright, citrusy notes will complement the savory and sweet elements, creating a refreshing twist.
- Spicy Kick: For those who love a bit of heat, include a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade. This adds a spicy kick that enhances the overall flavor profile. Add a bit of paprika for a smoky flavor.
How to Make Juicy Grilled Pork Chops
These simple steps provide clear instructions for perfectly grilling pork chops every time. Scroll down to the recipe card for more info!
- To make the marinade, whisk together the olive oil, soy sauce, chopped thyme, brown sugar (or maple syrup/honey), Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
- Place the pork chops in a shallow dish or a zip-top bag. Pour the marinade over the chops, making sure they are well-coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for 1-8 hours, allowing the flavors to infuse into the meat.
- Preheat your gas grill to 400°F (medium-high heat). Remove the chops from the marinade and sear on the hot grill for 2 minutes on each side to seal in the juices.
- Reduce the heat to medium and continue grilling the pork chops for 4-7 minutes per side. Use an instant-read thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 140-145°F for medium doneness. Cooking time may vary based on the thickness of the chops.
- Place the grilled chops on a large plate, then tent them with foil and let them rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Garnish the grilled pork chops with fresh parsley and serve immediately. Congrats–you’ve created pork chop perfection!
Recipe FAQs
Grill pork chops at 400°F for approximately 4-8 minutes per side (depending on thickness), or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F for medium doneness.
Grilling pork chops at 400°F ensures a good balance between achieving a flavorful sear and allowing the interior to cook thoroughly without drying out. Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the chops, and use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness.
Choose thick cuts, marinate, sear quickly on high heat, reduce to medium, use an instant-read thermometer, avoid overcooking, and let them rest for at least 5 minutes before serving. Make sure you pick quality, thick bone-in or boneless pork chops!
Yes, sometimes cooked pork chops can be pink inside, and as long as they are cooked to the proper temperature, they are safe to eat. However, always check the chops with an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature, aiming for 140-145°F for medium doneness. Ensure the thermometer doesn’t touch the bone for an accurate reading.
Serving Juicy Grilled Pork Chops
Want to enjoy these grilled pork chops with a few delicious side dishes? Enjoy these pork chops with stuffed tomatoes with rice, oven roasted zucchini and squash, or summery grilled peach salad with burrata and arugula. Finish off your meal with a dessert like biscuit strawberry shortcake, creamy frozen lemon bars, and classic tiramisu recipe!
My expert Tips
Expert Tips
- Choose Quality Pork: Start with high-quality, preferably thick-cut, bone-in pork chops. The thickness of your pork chops helps retain juiciness during grilling, so a thicker cut is your best choice.
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your gas grill to the specified temperature (400°F) before placing the pork chops on it. This ensures even cooking and a proper sear.
- Rest for Juiciness: After cooking, allow the grilled pork chops to rest for at least 5 minutes (covered with aluminum foil). This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and juicy texture.
Other Pork Chop Recipes You’ll Love
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Juicy Grilled Pork Chops Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
For the Marinade
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar, or maple syrup or honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons thyme leaves, chopped
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Pork Chops
- 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops, at least 1-1 ½ inches thick
- fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
Marinating the Pork Chops
- Whisk together the marinade ingredients in a bowl until they're well combined.
- Place the pork chops in a shallow dish or a zip-top bag. Pour the marinade over the chops, making sure they are well-coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1-8 hours, allowing the flavors to infuse into the meat.
Grilling the Pork Chops
- Preheat your gas grill to 400°F (medium-high heat).
- Remove the pork chops from the marinade and discard the remaining marinade. Sear the pork chops on the hot grill for about 2 minutes per side for the initial sear. This helps to lock in the juices.
- Reduce the heat to medium and continue grilling the pork chops for an additional 4-7 minutes per side. Use an instant-read thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 140-145°F for medium doneness. Cooking time may vary based on the thickness of the chops.
- Once the desired internal temperature is reached, transfer the grilled pork chops to a clean plate, cover with foil, and let them rest for 5 minutes. During this time, the carryover cooking will raise the internal temperature to 145°F.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve your juicy grilled pork chops. Enjoy!
Notes
- Choose Quality Pork: Start with high-quality, preferably thick-cut, bone-in pork chops. The thickness of your pork chops helps retain juiciness during grilling, so a thicker cut is your best choice.
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your gas grill to the specified temperature (400°F) before placing the pork chops on it. This ensures even cooking and a proper sear.
- Rest for Juiciness: After cooking, allow the grilled pork chops to rest for at least 5 minutes (covered with aluminum foil). This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and juicy texture.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
We love this all summer!