Grilled Citrus-Marinated Pork Chops with Fresh Herb Chimichurri

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy pork chops marinated in bright citrus juices and grilled to perfection, served with a zesty and fresh herb chimichurri sauce. This latin american-inspired pork ready in about 27 minutes pairs divided olive oil, fresh orange juice, fresh lime 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/8 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup fresh orange juice, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Place 4 bone-in pork chops in a resealable plastic bag and pour marinade over. Seal and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, up to 4 hours.
  2. Step 2: Meanwhile, prepare chimichurri by combining 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh parsley, 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro, 1 minced small shallot, 2 tbsp red wine vinegar, 1/8 cup olive oil, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, and 1/2 tsp salt in a bowl. Stir well and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove pork chops from marinade and pat dry with paper towels. Season both sides with remaining 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  4. Step 4: Grill pork chops for 4-5 minutes per side, until internal temperature reaches 145°F and juices run clear. Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Serve pork chops topped with generous spoonfuls of fresh herb chimichurri.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Citrus-Marinated Pork Chops with Fresh Herb Chimichurri take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 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 Grilled Citrus-Marinated Pork Chops with Fresh Herb 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 divided olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Citrus-Marinated Pork Chops with Fresh Herb 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-Marinated Pork Chops with Fresh Herb 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.

What goes well with Grilled Citrus-Marinated Pork Chops with Fresh Herb Chimichurri?

Latin 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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