Are you on the hunt for the ultimate, foolproof recipe for the juiciest, most flavorful grilled pork chops you’ve ever made? A recipe that is perfect for your next summer barbecue and is guaranteed to be a massive hit with the whole family? This incredible, easy Grilled Pork Chop recipe, with its surprisingly simple and powerfully effective marinade, is your new go-to. Say goodbye to dry, tough, and boring pork forever!
This isn’t just another pork chop recipe; it’s your definitive guide to mastering this grilling classic. We’ll show you the secret to a simple marinade that tenderizes the meat and creates a beautiful, caramelized crust on the grill. This is the kind of satisfying, crowd-pleasing meal that will make you the undisputed champion of your next cookout.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Recipe Overview: The Ultimate Juicy Grilled Pork Chops
What makes this Grilled Pork Chop recipe so spectacularly delicious and foolproof is its incredible, flavor-packed marinade. The secret lies in a brilliant and slightly unconventional ingredient: lemon-lime soda. The acidity and carbonation in the soda work as a fantastic tenderizer, while its sweetness helps to create a beautiful, caramelized crust on the grill. This is combined with a classic salty-sweet base of soy sauce and honey, and infused with the aromatic, woodsy flavors of fresh rosemary and thyme. It’s an easy, make-ahead-friendly recipe that yields a perfectly juicy, never-dry pork chop every single time.
| Metric | Time / Level |
| Total Time | 4 hours 30 minutes (includes marinating) |
| Active Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Difficulty Level | Easy |
| Servings | 6 |
The Essential Ingredients for the Juiciest Pork Chops
This recipe uses a handful of simple pantry staples to create its signature savory, sweet, and tangy flavor.
- The Pork Chops (Bone-in is Best for Grilling!):
- For the best, juiciest result on the grill, it is highly recommended to use bone-in, thick-cut (about 3/4-inch thick) pork loin chops. The bone is a fantastic insulator that helps to protect the meat from the intense heat of the grill, which prevents it from drying out and also adds a huge amount of flavor as it cooks.
- The “Secret Ingredient” Marinade: This is where all the magic happens!
- Diet Lemon-Lime Soda: This is the game-changing secret ingredient! The citric acid and the carbonation in the soda work as a brilliant and powerful tenderizer for the lean pork. The sweetness (even in the diet version) also helps to create a beautiful, caramelized glaze on the grill.
- The Savory & Sweet Base: A classic and foolproof combination of reduced-sodium soy sauce provides the salty, umami backbone, while honey adds a lovely, floral sweetness that balances the salt and helps with caramelization.
- The Herbs: A classic, rustic blend of dried thyme and crushed, dried rosemary infuses the pork with a wonderful, fragrant, and earthy aroma that is a perfect pairing with the sweet and savory notes of the marinade.
Step-by-Step to the Best Grilled Pork Chops
This delicious meal comes together in just a few simple stages.
Step 1: Make the “Secret Ingredient” Marinade
In a large, resealable plastic bag or a large, shallow dish, combine the 2/3 cup of diet lemon-lime soda, the 1/2 cup of soy sauce, the 1/4 cup of honey, the 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, the 3/4 teaspoon of dried rosemary, and the 1/4 teaspoon of pepper.
Part 2: Marinate the Pork
Step 1: Add your 6 bone-in pork loin chops to the bag with the marinade. Seal the bag, pressing out any excess air, and turn it several times to ensure the pork is completely and evenly coated.
Step 2: Refrigerate the pork for at least 4 hours, or for the absolute best and most flavorful result, let it marinate overnight.
Part 3: Grill to Juicy Perfection
Step 1: When you are ready to cook, preheat your grill to a medium heat. Make sure your grill grates are clean, and then oil them well.
Step 2: Remove the pork chops from the bag, allowing any excess marinade to drip off. Discard the used marinade.
Step 3: Place the marinated pork chops on the hot grill. Cover the grill and cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side.
Pro Tip: The only 100% foolproof way to guarantee a juicy, perfectly cooked pork chop is to use an instant-read thermometer. Pork is perfectly and safely cooked when the internal temperature in the thickest part of the chop (not touching the bone) registers 145°F (63°C).
Step 4: Transfer the cooked pork chops to a clean plate and let them rest for at least 5 minutes before serving. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, guaranteeing a tender and juicy result every single time.
The Best Juicy & Easy Grilled Pork Chops (Perfect Marinade!)
A simple recipe for hearty grilled or broiled bone-in pork chops. The dish features a unique and flavorful marinade made from a combination of diet lemon-lime soda, reduced-sodium soy sauce, honey, and dried herbs like thyme and rosemary. The pork chops are marinated for at least four hours to absorb the sweet and savory flavors, then grilled over medium heat until cooked through and tender.
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup diet lemon-lime soda
- 1/2 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 3/4 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 6 bone-in pork loin chops (3/4 inch thick and 7 ounces each)
Instructions
- In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the lemon-lime soda, soy sauce, honey, thyme, rosemary, and pepper to create the marinade.
- Add the pork chops to the bag, seal it, and turn to coat the chops completely. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
- When ready to cook, drain the pork chops and discard the used marinade.
- Preheat a grill to medium heat or preheat the broiler. Lightly oil the grill rack.
- Grill the pork, covered, for 4-5 minutes on each side, or broil 4 inches from the heat for the same amount of time, until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chop reads 145°F.
- Let the pork chops stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Marinating the pork for at least 4 hours (or overnight) is a crucial step to infuse the meat with flavor and to help tenderize it.
- For food safety, it is important to discard the marinade that was in contact with the raw pork.
- Letting the cooked pork chops rest for 5 minutes before serving allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chop.
What to Serve With Your Grilled Pork Chops
These beautiful and versatile grilled pork chops are a fantastic centerpiece for a classic summer barbecue.
- Classic BBQ Sides: Serve them alongside some classic cookout favorites, like a creamy potato salad, a crisp coleslaw, or some smoky baked beans.
- Grilled Vegetables: Simple, grilled corn on the cob or some thick slices of zucchini and bell pepper are a wonderful, healthy accompaniment.
- A Simple Green Salad: For a lighter meal, a simple green salad with a bright vinaigrette is a perfect, fresh counterpoint.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Make-Ahead: This is the perfect make-ahead recipe for a party! You can place the pork chops in the marinade in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours in advance. This will not only save you time but will also result in an even more flavorful and tender pork chop.
- Storage: Store any leftover cooked pork chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
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Creative Recipe Variations
- Use a Different Soda: If you’re not a fan of lemon-lime soda, you can easily substitute it with an equal amount of another favorite soda. A cola or a Dr. Pepper® would both be fantastic choices that would lend a classic, dark, and sweet barbecue flavor to the marinade.
- Add a Spicy Kick: For a delicious, spicy-sweet flavor, you can add about 1 to 2 teaspoons of your favorite hot sauce or a generous pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to your marinade.
- Use a Different Cut of Meat: This delicious and versatile marinade is also absolutely fantastic with other cuts of pork, like a whole pork tenderloin. You could also use it on boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
Enjoy The Ultimate Juicy Grilled Pork Chops!
You’ve just created a truly special dish that is a perfect harmony of wholesome, classic ingredients and delicious, satisfying flavors. These classic Grilled Pork Chops are a testament to the power of a simple, from-scratch marinade to create a meal that is truly extraordinary. It’s a rewarding and deeply satisfying recipe that is sure to become a new staple in your summer grilling repertoire.
We hope you enjoy every last, perfect, and delicious bite!
If you enjoyed making this recipe, please leave a comment below or share it with a friend who loves an easy and impressive meal!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the absolute secret to a juicy, not dry, grilled pork chop?
There are two main secrets! First, be sure to start with a thick-cut, bone-in pork chop. The bone helps to insulate the meat and keep it moist. Second, and most importantly, be very careful not to overcook them. The best way to check for doneness is with an instant-read thermometer. Pork is perfectly cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Q2: What is the correct and safe internal temperature for cooked pork?
According to the USDA, pork is perfectly and safely cooked when the internal temperature in the thickest part of the meat reaches 145°F (63°C), followed by a 3- to 5-minute rest. This will result in a pork chop that is incredibly juicy and may still have a hint of beautiful, blush pink in the center, which is both perfectly safe and delicious.
Q3: How long should I marinate my pork chops?
For a thick-cut, bone-in pork chop like this one, a longer marination time is fantastic for a deeper flavor and a more tender result. The recipe suggests 4 hours or overnight, which is a perfect amount of time for the acidic soda to work its magic.
Q4: How do I keep my pork chops from sticking to the grill?
The two most important secrets are to make sure your grill grates are very clean and very well-oiled. Preheat your grill first, then use a grill brush to scrape off any old, stuck-on debris. Then, use a wadded-up paper towel, dipped in a high-smoke-point oil (like canola or vegetable oil) and held with a pair of long tongs, to wipe a thin, even layer of oil over the hot grates right before you add your pork chops.
Q5: Can I make this recipe in a skillet on the stovetop instead of on a grill?
Yes, you can. Simply heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet (a cast-iron skillet is best!) over a medium heat. Cook the marinated pork chops for about 4-6 minutes per side, until they are golden brown and cooked through to 145°F.