Grilling a juicy, flavorful pork chop with a bone in can take between 8-15 minutes depending on the thickness of the chop and whether it’s cooked directly over high heat or indirect heat. The bone conducts heat more slowly than the meat so it’s important to monitor internal temperature, not just time. With some simple strategies you can get a perfectly cooked grilled pork chop every time.
Quick Answer
For a 1-inch thick bone-in pork chop grilled over direct high heat, cook for 4-7 minutes per side, flipping just once halfway through. Use an instant read thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 145°F. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Factors That Affect Grill Time
There are several factors that impact how long it takes to grill a bone-in pork chop:
Thickness
The thickness of the pork chop is the main factor that determines grill time. The general rule of thumb is to grill bone-in pork chops for 4-7 minutes per inch of thickness. Here are some guidelines based on thickness:
- 1/2 inch thick – grill for 4-5 minutes per side
- 3/4 inch thick – grill for 5-6 minutes per side
- 1 inch thick – grill for 6-7 minutes per side
- 1 1/2 inches thick – grill for 8-10 minutes per side
Direct vs Indirect Heat
Cooking over direct high heat will grill a pork chop faster than indirect heat. With direct heat, place the pork chop right over the hot grill grates. For indirect heat, turn off the burners directly under where the pork chop will go and place a drip pan there. Heat the other burners to high and place the chop over the turned off section.
Indirect heat can add 5-10 minutes to the grill time but helps prevent burning.
Bone vs Boneless
A bone-in pork chop will take longer to grill than a boneless chop of equal thickness. The bone partially shields the meat from direct heat, slowing down cooking time. Go 1-2 minutes less per side for a boneless pork chop.
Temperature of Grill
Make sure you preheat your gas or charcoal grill to high heat, around 450-500°F. The hotter the grill, the faster the pork chop will cook.
Marinade
Marinating the pork chop can slightly increase grill time since acidic ingredients like lemon juice or vinegar start to cook the meat. Add 1-2 minutes per side if marinated.
Bone vs Boneless
A bone-in pork chop will take longer to grill than a boneless chop of equal thickness. The bone partially shields the meat from direct heat, slowing down cooking time. Go 1-2 minutes less per side for a boneless pork chop.
Doneness Preference
Cook pork to 145°F for medium doneness or 160°F for well done. The lower temperature means less time on the grill.
Steps to Grill a Bone-In Pork Chop
Follow these simple steps for perfectly grilled pork chops every time:
- Pat pork chops dry and season generously with salt, pepper and any other rubs or herbs.
- Ignite grill and heat to 450-500°F, cleaning grates well.
- Place pork chops over direct heat. Grill for 4-7 minutes per side based on thickness. Flip only once halfway through.
- Check internal temperature with an instant read thermometer, removing at 145°F. Temperature will rise 5-10°F during rest.
- Let chops rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Tips for Grilling Pork Chops
- Bring chops to room temperature before grilling.
- Use a digital instant read thermometer for accuracy.
- Let chops rest before slicing to retain juices.
- Go for thicker chops, at least 1 inch, for best results.
- Try a dry rub or marinade for extra flavor.
- Flip only once during grilling.
How Long to Grill Different Cuts of Pork
While pork chops are a popular grilling choice, other cuts of pork also taste amazing prepared over a hot grill. Here is a guide to approximate grill times for various pork cuts:
| Pork Cut | Thickness | Approximate Grill Time |
|---|---|---|
| Pork Chop (bone-in or boneless) | 1 inch | 6-7 minutes per side |
| Baby back ribs | N/A | 1 1/2 – 2 1/2 hours indirect |
| Pork tenderloin | 1 pound | 12-18 minutes, turning |
| Pork loin roast | 2-3 pounds | 45-60 minutes indirect |
| Pork kebabs | 1-inch chunks | 8-12 minutes, turning |
| Pork sausage or hot dogs | N/A | 4-8 minutes direct |
How to Tell When Pork Chops Are Done
Using a few methods to check for doneness helps ensure your pork chops come off the grill perfectly cooked, not under or overdone:
Temperature Method
The most reliable way to tell pork is fully cooked is to use an instant read digital meat thermometer. Insert into the thickest part of the chop without touching bone. Pork should reach 145°F for medium doneness.
Visual Test
The exterior of the pork chop will turn from pink to lightly charred when it is fully cooked. Juices should run clear when pricked with a fork.
Touch Test
A fully cooked pork chop will spring back slightly when pressed in the center.
Time Method
While grill times serve as a good starting point, always rely on temperature or visual cues to determine final doneness over just timing. Variables like grill temperature and wind can alter timing.
Common Mistakes
It’s easy to over or undercook pork on the grill if you aren’t careful. Avoid these common mistakes for perfect chops:
- Not preheating grill – Leads to uneven cooking.
- Grilling at low temps – Causes chops to dry out.
- Chops too thick – Makes it hard for heat to penetrate.
- Flipping multiple times – Can dry out chops.
- Not letting chops rest – Causes loss of juices.
- No meat thermometer – Risk of undercooking.
Cooking Tips
Employ these tips for the most flavorful, juicy grilled pork chops:
- Bring chops to room temp before grilling.
- Season chops well with salt, pepper, herbs, spices and rubs.
- Use brines, marinades or dry rubs for added moisture and tenderness.
- Let chops rest for 5-10 minutes after grilling.
- Slice chops across the grain after resting.
Recipe Ideas
Try these delicious recipes for grilled pork chops cooked to perfection:
Garlic Herb Grilled Pork Chops
Coat bone-in pork chops with a garlic herb butter before grilling until caramelized. Simple and full of flavor.
Hoisin Glazed Pork Chops
Marinate thick pork chops in a sweet hoisin, soy and ginger marinade. Grill and brush with marinade during cooking.
Jamaican Jerk Pork Chops
Infuse pork chops with Jamaican jerk seasoning and vibrant citrus flavors before grilling. Serve with grilled pineapple.
Maple Dijon Pork Chops
Bring the flavors of maple syrup, Dijon and thyme together in a quick marinade for grilled pork chops with sweet and savory flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should pork chops be grilled with direct or indirect heat?
You can use either direct or indirect heat to grill pork chops. Direct heat over high heat will cook chops faster with grill marks. Indirect heat provides more even cooking if chops are thick.
What is the minimum thickness for grilling pork chops?
Aim for at least 1-inch thick pork chops for grilling. Thinner chops tend to dry out too quickly over high heat. For best results, go for 1 1/2 inches thick.
What temperature do you grill pork chops at?
Always preheat your grill to high heat, around 450-500°F, for pork chops. The high heat helps sear the exterior while cooking the interior thoroughly without drying out the meat.
Should you flip pork chops more than once?
It’s best to only flip pork chops once during grilling. Flipping repeatedly can cause chops to dry out. Let chops cook undisturbed once you flip them.
Do you put pork chops on cold or hot grill?
Always start pork chops on a hot grill, not cold. Preheat your grill fully before cooking. Putting chops on a cold grill causes uneven cooking.
Conclusion
Grilling pork chops with a bone in takes a little finesse but results in juicy, flavorful chops with great texture. Allow 8-15 minutes depending on thickness, use both direct and indirect heat, and rely on an instant read thermometer for perfectly cooked chops at 145°F every time. With the right prep and cooking methods, you can master grilled pork chops.