BBQ Pork Chops Recipe

There’s something about the sweet, smoky scent of BBQ sauce hitting a hot pork chop. It just feels like dinner, you know? A good, easy dinner that’s ready before the evening gets away from you.

These BBQ Pork Chops are exactly that. Juicy, with a flavor-packed crust, all smothered in a tangy, homemade sauce that’s the real star of the show. The best part? You can have it all on the table in about half an hour.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

First off, it’s incredibly simple. We’re talking about a handful of pantry staples that come together for a sauce with way more character than anything from a bottle.

The pork chops themselves get a quick, savory rub that creates the perfect base. And that 30-minute timeline? It’s a lifesaver on a busy weeknight, honestly.

Ingredients Needed for the Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to gather up. Most of this is probably already in your kitchen, waiting for its moment to shine.

• Boneless Pork Chops (4, about ½-inch thick): The main event. A half-inch thickness is perfect for quick cooking without drying out.
• Salt & Black Pepper: The essential foundation for seasoning the meat itself.
• Dried Thyme & Ground Cumin: These create a warm, earthy spice rub that complements the sweet BBQ sauce beautifully.
• Olive Oil: For coating the chops, which helps the seasoning stick and promotes a great sear.
• Honey: Provides the core sweetness and helps the sauce thicken into a lovely glaze.
• Apple Juice: Adds a subtle fruity note and balances the acidity; it’s the secret depth in the sauce.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Lends a complex, savory umami flavor that’s crucial for a rich BBQ taste.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor and acts as a thickening agent for the sauce.
• Molasses: Brings a deep, dark sweetness and that classic BBQ sauce color; it’s worth adding if you have it.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: The necessary tangy punch that cuts through the sweetness and brightens everything up.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives a pungent, aromatic kick that you can’t beat.
• Red Pepper Flakes (optional): Just a pinch for those who like a gentle, background warmth.

How to make BBQ Pork Chops?

The process is straightforward, but a couple of small tricks make all the difference. Let’s walk through it step-by-step.

Step 1- Make the BBQ Sauce

Start by combining all your sauce ingredients in a small saucepan. That’s the honey, apple juice, Worcestershire, tomato paste, molasses, vinegar, garlic, cumin, and red pepper flakes.

Bring it to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat, letting it bubble and thicken for about 5 to 7 minutes. Give it an occasional stir. Then, just take it off the heat and set it aside.

Step 2- Season the Pork

While the sauce simmers, pat your pork chops completely dry with a paper towel. This is key for a good sear.

In a small bowl, mix together the salt, pepper, dried thyme, and that teaspoon of ground cumin. This is your simple, yet powerful, dry rub.

Step 3- Coat the Chops

Rub each pork chop lightly with the olive oil, coating both sides. This creates a little glue for the spices.

Now, sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of each chop, pressing it in gently with your fingers.

Step 4- Sear the Pork Chops

Heat a grill pan or a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until it’s nice and hot. You want to hear a good sizzle when the meat hits the surface.

Add the seasoned chops and cook them without moving for about 4 to 5 minutes per side. You’re looking for a gorgeous, golden-brown crust.

Step 5- Glaze with Sauce

In the last minute of cooking, it’s time for the magic. Brush that homemade BBQ sauce generously over the top of each chop.

Flip them, and brush the other side, letting the sauce caramelize slightly in the pan’s heat. The smell is incredible right about now.

Step 6- Rest and Serve

Cook the chops until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F at the thickest part. Use a meat thermometer for perfect results every single time.

Transfer them to a plate and let them rest for a full 3 minutes. This keeps all the juices inside. Serve with any remaining sauce brushed over the top.

Tips

• Pat Dry: Never skip drying the pork chops. Moisture on the surface steams the meat instead of searing it.
• Don’t Crowd the Pan: Cook in batches if your pan is small. Overcrowding lowers the temperature and leads to steaming.
• Trust the Thermometer: For juicy, safe pork, 145°F is the sweet spot. Guessing can lead to overcooked, dry chops.
• The Rest is Non-Negotiable: Those few minutes of rest allow the fibers to relax and reabsorb the juices, guaranteeing a moist bite.
• Sauce Flexibility: Short on time? A good-quality store-bought BBQ sauce works perfectly here as a quick swap.

Simple Variations to Try

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Feel free to make it work with what you have or to suit a different craving.

You can use bone-in pork chops instead of boneless. Just be aware they might need a minute or two longer to cook through.

Out of apple juice? Orange juice adds a lovely citrus note, or you can use water with a tiny extra drizzle of honey.

If you’re out of Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce makes a great stand-in, offering a different kind of savory depth.

Serving Ideas & Side Dishes

These saucy, flavorful chops pair beautifully with so many classic sides. It’s all about building that perfect plate.

For a fresh contrast, a crisp cole slaw or a simple green salad is fantastic. The cool crunch balances the rich sauce.

If you’re leaning into comfort food, you can’t go wrong with creamy mashed potatoes, buttered corn, or even some macaroni salad on the side.

Print Recipe

BBQ Pork Chops Recipe

Author: Kelsey Perez Cooking Method: Grilling Cuisine: American Courses: Dinner, Lunch

Difficulty: easy Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 20 mins Rest Time 3 mins Total Time 33 mins

Servings: 4 Estimated Cost: $ 15 Calories: 380

Best Season: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Description

These tender BBQ Pork Chops are juicy, flavorful, and smothered in a homemade tangy-sweet bbq sauce. Plus, they’re ready in only 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Servings

For the Pork Chops

• 4 boneless pork chops (about 1/2-inch thick)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 2 Tablespoons olive oil (avocado or vegetable oil)

For the BBQ Sauce

• ¼ cup honey
• 3 Tablespoons apple juice
• 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 Tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 Tablespoon molasses
• 1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

1. In a small saucepan, combine honey, apple juice, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, molasses, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, ground cumin, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a simmer over medium-low heat and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Pat pork chops dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and ground cumin.
3. Rub both sides of pork chops with olive oil, then sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides.
4. Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat until hot. Add the seasoned pork chops and cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side.
5. During the last minute of cooking, brush the BBQ sauce generously over both sides of the pork chops.
6. Cook until pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. Remove from heat and let rest for 3 minutes before serving.
7. Serve with remaining BBQ sauce brushed over the top.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 380kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 15 gg24%

Saturated Fat 4 gg20%

Trans Fat 0 gg

Cholesterol 95 mgmg32%

Sodium 720 mgmg30%

Potassium 620 mgmg18%

Total Carbohydrate 32 gg11%

Dietary Fiber 1 gg4%

Sugars 28 gg

Protein 28 gg57%

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Calcium 4 mg

Iron 15 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

• Want to use store-bought sauce? Skip making the homemade BBQ sauce and brush your favorite bottled sauce during the last minute of cooking.
• Brining tip: For extra juicy chops, brine them for 30 minutes before cooking.
• Oven option: Sear on stovetop, then finish in a 375°F oven for 10–15 minutes until internal temp reaches 145°F.
• Slow cooker version: Season chops, place in slow cooker, pour sauce over, and cook on low 4–6 hours.

Keywords: BBQ pork chops, easy pork chop recipe, quick dinner, homemade bbq sauce, skillet pork chops