Mastering the Perfect Grilling Time for 1-Inch Thick Pork Chops

For the best grilled pork chops every time, these juicy chops are grilled in less than 30 minutes with an easy-to-make spice rub that tastes great.

Pork chops have long been known as a working man’s meal. They’re economical, lean, healthy, and quick to cook. When I make my grandmother’s classic schnitzel recipe, I love pounding and lightly frying the meat. But most of the time, I like to grill pork chops, and this easy Mediterranean marinade is one of my favorites. When I want something even easier and less flavorful, this grilled pork chop recipe always works for me. I love serving them with a tangy tomato and caper salad. Unfortunately, pork chops have a reputation of coming to the dinner table dry and withery as shoe leather. No thanks! Today is the day to get rid of that thought because you will no longer talk about tough, dried-out pork chops. Whether bone-in or boneless, these pork chops turn out tender, juicy, and a little smoky.

Juicy, flavorful grilled pork chops are a summertime staple. When armed with the right timing, you can achieve tender, mouthwatering chops off the grill every time. But grilling the ideal 1-inch thick pork chop requires paying close attention to cooking times. Undercook them and you risk foodborne illness. Overcook them and you’ll end up with dry, chewy chops. So how long should you grill 1-inch thick pork chops to perfection? Let’s find out.

Factors that Impact Grilling Time

Several factors impact just how long you need to grill 1-inch thick pork chops

Thickness – The thicker the chop, the more time it needs over direct heat. 1-inch chops take longer than thinner 1⁄2 to 3⁄4-inch versions.
Bone-in vs Boneless – Bone-in chops cook more slowly as the bone insulates the meat. Boneless cooks faster.
Temperature – Higher heat speeds cooking. Medium-high heat between 400-450°F is ideal.
Method – Direct heat grilling cooks faster than indirect heat or smoking.
Marinade – Acidic marinades slightly speed cooking by beginning to break down proteins.
Grill Type – More powerful gas grills may cook chops faster than lower BTU models.

Take these factors into account when timing 1-inch pork chops to avoid under or overcooking.

Recommended Grilling Time

For 1-inch thick boneless pork chops grilled over direct medium-high heat, the recommended grilling time is:

4 to 5 minutes per side – This allows the chops to cook through without drying them out. Use tongs to flip each chop only once during cooking.
8 to 10 minutes total – For 1-inch chops, expect approximately 8 to 10 minutes total grilling time, depending on your desired level of doneness.
Increase time for bone-in – Add about 1 minute per side for bone-in chops which cook more slowly.
Decrease time for thinner – For 3⁄4 to 1⁄2-inch chops, reduce grilling time by about 1 minute per side.

These grilling times serve as a general guideline. Always rely on a thermometer for perfectly cooked pork.

Utilizing a Meat Thermometer

While the above times work well for most grills, using an instant read thermometer is the only way to guarantee the ideal internal temperature:

145°F (63°C) – The minimum safe temperature according to USDA. Produces slightly pink juicy chops.
160°F (71°C) – The temperature for medium doneness with moist, tender meat.
170°F (77°C) – Cooks chops well-done with an interior fully white throughout.

For peak juiciness and flavor, target an internal temp of 145-160°F. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chop, taking care to avoid directly touching any bones.

Let Chops Rest Before Serving

Once pork chops come off the grill, resist cutting into them right away. Allowing them to rest 5 minutes enables juices to redistribute for a moister, more tender bite. Tenting chops loosely with foil while resting keeps them piping hot.

Grilling Tips for Perfect Pork Chops

Utilize these extra pointers to take your grilled 1-inch pork chops to the next level:

Pat chops dry before grilling to encourage browning and prevent sticking.
Preheat grill fully to 400-450°F before adding chops for proper searing.
Brush or rub a light coating of oil over chops to prevent grill sticking.
Flip chops gently with tongs just once during grilling to prevent moisture loss.
Arrange chops evenly spaced for consistent cooking. Avoid crowding.
Glaze or sauce chops just during the last 1-2 minutes to avoid burning.

With the right grilling times and temperatures for 1-inch thick pork chops, you can achieve grilled chops that are tender and juicy on the inside with a perfect sear. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy and allow chops to rest before serving. In no time, you’ll be a master of grilled pork chop perfection.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do 1⁄2 inch pork chops take to grill?

Grill 1⁄2 inch boneless pork chops for approximately 3-4 minutes per side over direct medium-high heat for medium doneness. Check internal temperature with a thermometer.

Can you grill frozen pork chops?

It’s best to thaw pork chops before grilling for food safety and to ensure even cooking. Grilling frozen chops can lead to undercooked meat.

What is the difference between direct and indirect grilling?

Direct grilling involves cooking directly over the fire or heat source. Indirect positions the food to the side of the fire for slower cooking via radiant heat.

Is it better to marinate pork chops before grilling?

Marinating for 30 minutes up to 24 hours can tenderize chops and impart extra flavor. Acidic marinades with lemon juice, vinegar, or yogurt work especially well.

What if my pork chops burn on the grill?

To avoid burning, don’t overcrowd chops and flip them gently halfway through grilling. If burning occurs, carefully scrape off any charred areas and adjust heat to prevent further burning.

What meat thermometer do the pros use?

Many chefs recommend Thermapen instant read thermometers which provide ultra-fast and highly accurate temperature readings to avoid over or under cooking.

Can I use a barbecue sauce glaze on grilled pork chops?

Definitely! Brush on your favorite barbecue sauce during the last 1-2 minutes of grilling to avoid burning. This adds delicious flavor and color.

How long do grilled pork chops last in the fridge?

Store grilled pork chops in an airtight container for 2-3 days. Reheat gently before serving. Freeze for longer storage up to 4-6 months.

how long grill 1 inch pork chops

How Long to Grill Pork Chops

Pork chops cook relatively quickly on the grill. Grilling time will vary based on how thick the pork chops are, between 5 and 15 minutes.

Why You’ll Love It

There is no need to marinate or brine these pork chops before grilling them. They can go from the package to dinner on the grill in less than 30 minutes.
With this simple recipe, you can always grill pork chops that are smoky, tender, and juicy.
It’s important to cook the pork chops for the right amount of time based on their thickness. I’ll tell you how long to cook them for each thickness so that your pork chops are always juicy and never dry!