Grilled Citrus-Glazed Pork Chops with Garlic and Thyme

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy grilled pork chops brushed with a tangy citrus glaze infused with garlic and fresh thyme for a bright, flavorful meal. This american-inspired pork ready in about 25 minutes pairs (about 6 oz each) bone-in pork chops, fresh orange juice, fresh lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup fresh orange juice, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 2 tbsp honey, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves to create the citrus glaze.
  2. Step 2: Pat dry 4 bone-in pork chops and season them evenly with 1 tsp sea salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  3. Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat and brush the pork chops with 1 tbsp olive oil. Grill chops for 4 minutes per side, brushing with the citrus glaze after flipping.
  4. Step 4: Continue grilling for an additional 2 minutes per side while brushing repeatedly with the glaze until the internal temperature reaches 145°F and the glaze is caramelized.
  5. Step 5: Remove chops from grill, let rest for 5 minutes, then serve garnished with remaining fresh thyme.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Citrus-Glazed Pork Chops with Garlic and Thyme take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Grilled Citrus-Glazed Pork Chops with Garlic and Thyme?

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 fresh orange juice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Citrus-Glazed Pork Chops with Garlic and Thyme?

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 Grilled Citrus-Glazed Pork Chops with Garlic and Thyme 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 Grilled Citrus-Glazed Pork Chops with Garlic and Thyme?

American pork 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.

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