How to Grill Pork Chops: A Step-by-Step Guide

Grilled pork chops are a backyard classic — juicy, smoky, and full of flavor when done right. But they’re also easy to overcook, leaving you with dry, tough meat. The secret to perfect pork chops is understanding the right cuts, temperatures, and techniques.

Whether you’re a weekend griller or a seasoned pitmaster, this step-by-step guide on how to grill pork chops will help you get flawless results every time. And with the Arteflame grill’s 1,000°F searing power and multiple heat zones, your pork chops will come out tender inside with a beautiful golden crust outside.

🥩 Step 1: Choose the Right Pork Chops

Not all pork chops are created equal. For grilling, bone-in pork chops are best — they hold moisture and cook more evenly. Aim for 1 to 1.5-inch thick chops. Thinner cuts cook too fast and dry out.

👉 Pro Tip: Look for chops with marbling (fine lines of fat) — just like steak, this enhances flavor and tenderness.

🧂 Step 2: Season Generously

Good pork chops need bold seasoning to shine on the grill.

• Basic Seasoning: Salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.

• Classic Marinade: Olive oil (or butter), lemon juice, rosemary, and paprika.

• Sweet & Savory Option: Brown sugar, chili powder, and apple cider vinegar.

👉 Pro Tip: If time allows, dry brine your pork chops with salt for 2–4 hours in the fridge to lock in flavor and moisture.

🔥 Step 3: Prepare Your Grill

If you’re using an Arteflame grill, you get the advantage of:

• 1,000°F center grate: Perfect for quick searing.

• Flat cooktop rings with multiple heat zones: Ideal for finishing pork chops gently without overcooking.

1. Light your Arteflame with oil-soaked starter paper and firewood.

2. Allow 20 minutes for the center to reach searing temperature and the outer zones to stabilize at medium/low heat.

👉 This dual-zone setup gives you control: sear first, finish slow.

🍖 Step 4: Sear the Pork Chops

• Place pork chops directly over the center grill grate for 2 minutes per side.

• This high heat caramelizes the outside, creating a flavorful crust.

👉 Pro Tip: Don’t move them around too much — let the sear happen.

🌡️ Step 5: Finish Cooking on Lower Heat

After searing, move the chops to the outer cooktop ring (medium zone).

• Cook until internal temperature reaches 140°F (carryover cooking will bring them to the USDA-safe 145°F).

• Flip once halfway through.

👉 Why this works: Searing locks in juices, and finishing on lower heat prevents overcooking.

🪵 Step 6: Rest Before Serving

Remove the pork chops and let them rest for 5 minutes under foil. This allows juices to redistribute, ensuring tender bites.

🌟 Flavor Variations for Pork Chops on the Grill

• Herb Butter Pork Chops: Top with garlic-herb butter during the rest.

• BBQ Pork Chops: Brush with barbecue sauce during the last 2 minutes of cooking.

• Asian-Style Chops: Marinate in soy sauce, ginger, honey, and sesame oil.

• Apple-Glazed Chops: Grill apple slices alongside pork and use as a topping.

🍽️ Perfect Pairings

• Drink: A crisp hard cider or light lager.

• Sides: Grilled asparagus, roasted potatoes, or a fresh slaw.

• Dessert: Grilled peaches with honey drizzle.

🏆 Conclusion

Grilling pork chops doesn’t have to be intimidating. By choosing the right cut, seasoning well, and mastering the sear-then-finish method, you’ll serve juicy, flavorful pork chops every time.

With the Arteflame grill’s unique multi-zone design, you have the perfect tool for pork chops — sear at 1,000°F in the center, then finish gently on the outer ring. Once you try it, you’ll never look at grilled pork chops the same way again.

👉 Ready to take your pork chop game to the next level? Explore the Arteflame grill collection today.