Charcoal-Grilled Spiced Pork Chops with Garlic Herb Butter
Juicy pork chops grilled over charcoal with a smoky spice rub, finished with melting garlic herb butter for rich flavor. This american-inspired grilling ready in about 42 minutes pairs about 6 oz each bone-in pork chops, brown sugar, smoked paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4, about 6 oz each bone-in pork chops
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 4 tbsp, softened butter
- 2 tbsp, minced fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp, minced fresh thyme
- 2, minced garlic cloves
Instructions
- Step 1: Mix 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp ground black pepper, 1 tsp salt, and 1 tsp garlic powder in a small bowl to create a spice rub.
- Step 2: Rub the spice mixture evenly over 4 bone-in pork chops, pressing gently to adhere. Let rest at room temperature for 20 minutes.
- Step 3: Prepare a charcoal grill for direct medium heat, approximately 375°F.
- Step 4: In a small bowl, combine 4 tbsp softened butter with 2 tbsp minced fresh parsley, 1 tbsp minced fresh thyme, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Set aside.
- Step 5: Grill the pork chops for 5-6 minutes per side, flipping once, until an internal temperature of 145°F is reached and the surface has a deep smoky crust.
- Step 6: Remove chops from grill and immediately top each with 1 tbsp garlic herb butter. Let rest for 5 minutes to melt the butter and redistribute juices before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Charcoal-Grilled Spiced Pork Chops with Garlic Herb Butter take to make?
Total time is about 42 minutes (30 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Charcoal-Grilled Spiced Pork Chops with Garlic Herb Butter?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep brown sugar from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Charcoal-Grilled Spiced Pork Chops with Garlic Herb Butter?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Charcoal-Grilled Spiced Pork Chops with Garlic Herb Butter for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Charcoal-Grilled Spiced Pork Chops with Garlic Herb Butter?
American grilling like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
