How Long to Grill Pork Chops? The Straight Answer for Backyard Chefs 🔥

Carla Morel
5 days ago
3 min read

Pork chops are weeknight-friendly yet flavorful enough for special occasions. But the #1 question grillers ask is simple: how long to grill pork chops?

Perfect pork chops are juicy, never dry — and it all comes down to timing, temperature, and technique.

In this guide, we’ll break down pork chop grill time by thickness, cut (bone-in vs boneless), cooking style, and grill type (charcoal, gas, and pellet). You’ll get expert tips, time charts, and the best way to grill pork chops for flawless results every time.

Ready for backyard BBQ? This guide shows exactly how long to smoke a pork butt so it turns tender, juicy, and pull-apart good.

Grilled pork chop with sear marks on a black barbecue grill, creating a smoky and appetizing look.

Why Pork Chop Grill Time Matters

Unlike brisket or pork butt, pork chops cook quickly. That speed is both a blessing and a curse — one minute too long on the grill and you’ve got tough, dry meat.

The sweet spot? Internal temperature of 145°F followed by a 3-minute rest (USDA recommended). To hit that perfectly, you need to know how long to cook pork chops on the grill for different thicknesses and styles.

Pro Tip: Always use an instant-read thermometer. Don’t trust guesswork — pork can go from juicy to dry in less than 2 minutes.

General Rule: How Long to Grill Pork Chops

Thin pork chops (¾ inch or less): 3–4 minutes per side over direct heat.
Thick pork chops (1–1.5 inches): 6–8 minutes per side with a sear + indirect finish.
Bone-in pork chops: Add 1–2 minutes since the bone slows heat transfer.
Pellet grill pork chops: 12–15 minutes at 400°F, flipping halfway.

Pork Chop Grill Time by Thickness

Here’s a quick time chart for reference:

Pork Chop Cut	Thickness	Direct Heat (High, 450°F)	Indirect Heat (Medium, 350°F)	Total Grill Time
Boneless thin chops	¾ inch	3–4 minutes per side	Not needed	6–8 minutes
Bone-in thin chops	¾ inch	4–5 minutes per side	Not needed	8–10 minutes
Boneless thick chops	1–1.5 inches	2–3 minutes per side (sear)	4–6 minutes indirect	8–10 minutes
Grilled bone-in pork chops	1–1.5 inches	3 minutes per side (sear)	6–8 minutes indirect	10–12 minutes
Pellet grill pork chops	1 inch	N/A	12–15 minutes at 400°F	12–15 minutes

Remember: Times vary by grill temp and chop size. Internal temp of 145°F is the true finish line.

Grilling Thick Pork Chops Without Drying Them Out

Thick pork chops (over 1 inch) benefit from a two-zone fire:

Sear first over high heat for those crave-worthy grill marks.
Move to indirect heat until internal temp hits 145°F.

This prevents a burnt outside and raw inside — a common mistake when grilling thick pork chops.

Grilled Bone-In Pork Chops vs Boneless

Bone-in pork chops: Richer flavor, juicier, slightly longer cook time. Great for slow grilling.
Boneless pork chops: Faster cooking, leaner, but easier to overcook. Best for quick weeknight meals.

Both are delicious, but if you want that classic BBQ experience, grilled bone-in pork chops win.

Pellet Grill Pork Chops

Pellet grills are great for consistency and adding smoky flavor.

Preheat pellet grill to 400°F.
Season chops generously.
Grill 6–7 minutes per side (12–15 minutes total).
Rest 3 minutes before serving.

This method ensures juicy chops with a kiss of smoke.

The Best Way to Grill Pork Chops

Brine or marinate first (30 minutes in saltwater or a quick marinade adds insurance against dryness).
Use two-zone heat (direct + indirect).
Season boldly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, or a rub.
Don’t skip the rest — 3 minutes under foil keeps juices locked in.