These Grilled Kansas City Pork Chops are big on flavor and easy to make! With a tasty rub of spices and a nice smoky grill finish, they’re perfect for a summer cookout.
Who doesn’t love juicy, tender pork chops? I always throw in some corn on the side, and it becomes a meal to brag about! 🌽👌 Just fire up the grill and enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in chops add flavor and moisture, but you can use boneless pork chops if that’s what you have. Just remember they may cook a bit faster, so check for doneness earlier.
Kansas City-style Barbecue Sauce: This sauce is sweet and tangy, perfect for grilling. If you don’t have it, try using a different barbecue sauce like Memphis or Texas-style, but adjust the sweetness if needed. Homemade barbecue sauce can also be a fun alternative!
Olive Oil: Olive oil is great for marinating, but you can swap it with vegetable oil, canola oil, or even avocado oil for a similar effect.
Spices: Smoked paprika gives a nice smoky taste. If it’s unavailable, regular paprika works too, but you might want to add a touch of liquid smoke. For a spicy kick, add some cayenne pepper or chili powder.
How Do I Grill Pork Chops to the Right Temperature?
Grilling pork chops to the right temperature can be tricky, but it’s key for juicy meat! An internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) is your goal. Here’s how to achieve it:
- Preheat the grill to medium-high, around 400°F (200°C), ensuring it’s clean and oiled.
- Cook the pork chops for 4-5 minutes on one side without moving them. This helps get those nice grill marks.
- Flip them over, brush with barbecue sauce, and cook for another 4-5 minutes.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part. If it’s 145°F, they’re done!
- Let them rest for 5 minutes after grilling; this step keeps the juices locked in.
How to Make Grilled Kansas City Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (1 inch thick)
- 1 cup Kansas City-style barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus at least 1 hour to marinate the chops. If you can, marinate overnight for the best flavor! The grilling will take about 15 minutes, so overall, get ready to enjoy your meal in about 1 hour and 30 minutes or more, depending on marinating time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper. This zesty mixture will add a great flavor to the pork chops!
2. Marinate the Pork Chops:
Rub the marinade generously all over each pork chop, making sure they’re well-coated. You can place the chops in a resealable plastic bag or a covered dish. For the best taste, let them marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour, or even better, overnight!
3. Preheat the Grill:
While the chops are marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F (200°C). Make sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to help prevent the meat from sticking.
4. Grill the Pork Chops:
Take the pork chops out of the marinade, letting the excess drip off. Place the chops on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes on one side. Flip them over and grill for another 4-5 minutes.
5. Add Barbecue Sauce:
After flipping the chops the second time, brush a generous amount of Kansas City-style barbecue sauce on the cooked side. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, then flip again and brush sauce on the other side. Keep grilling for another 2-3 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
6. Rest the Chops:
Once the pork chops are cooked through, take them off the grill and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep the meat juicy and delicious!
7. Serve:
Now it’s time to enjoy your grilled pork chops! Serve them garnished with fresh parsley, if you like, and have some extra barbecue sauce ready on the side for dipping. Enjoy!
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Yes, you can use boneless pork chops! Just be aware that boneless chops may cook faster than bone-in chops, so reduce grilling time by about 2-3 minutes on each side. Ensure they also reach the safe internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you want more heat, consider adding cayenne pepper or chili powder to the marinade. Start with 1/4 teaspoon and adjust according to your taste. You can also serve with a spicy barbecue sauce for an added kick!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pork chops in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm gently in the oven or microwave, covered to retain moisture.
Can I Grill These Chops Indoors?
If you don’t have access to an outdoor grill, you can use a grill pan on the stove. Heat it over medium-high heat and follow the same cooking instructions. Just make sure to ventilate the kitchen, as indoor grilling can produce smoke!
