Grilled Citrus-Honey Pork Chops with Mint Chimichurri
Juicy grilled pork chops brightened with a honey-citrus glaze and topped with a refreshing mint chimichurri. This american-inspired pork (gluten free) ready in about 25 minutes pairs honey, 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 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 pieces (about 1 inch thick, 2 lbs) bone-in pork chops
- 3 tbsp honey
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1/2 cup packed, finely chopped fresh mint leaves
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 1/2 tsp, divided salt
- 1 tsp, divided black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp honey, 1/4 cup fresh orange juice, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, and 1 tbsp olive oil to create a citrus-honey glaze.
- Step 2: Season 4 bone-in pork chops with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F).
- Step 3: Grill the pork chops for 4 minutes per side, brushing generously with the citrus-honey glaze during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Cook until internal temperature reaches 145°F for juicy pork.
- Step 4: While chops grill, combine 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh mint leaves, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp red wine vinegar, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper in a small bowl to make the mint chimichurri.
- Step 5: Remove the pork chops from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes. Spoon the mint chimichurri over the chops before serving to add a fresh, vibrant finish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Citrus-Honey Pork Chops with Mint Chimichurri take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 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-Honey Pork Chops with Mint Chimichurri?
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 honey from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Citrus-Honey Pork Chops with Mint Chimichurri?
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-Honey Pork Chops with Mint Chimichurri 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.
Is Grilled Citrus-Honey Pork Chops with Mint Chimichurri gluten free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.