Honey-Lime Grilled Pork Chops with Cilantro Chimichurri

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

Juicy grilled pork chops marinated in honey and lime, paired with a bright and fresh cilantro chimichurri sauce for a flavorful finish. This american-inspired pork ready in about 52 minutes pairs 1 inch thick bone-in pork chops, honey, fresh lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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: 40 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 American cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 minced garlic clove, 3/4 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create a marinade.
  2. Step 2: Place 4 bone-in pork chops (1 inch thick) in a shallow dish and pour marinade over them, coating evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, prepare cilantro chimichurri by combining 1/2 cup chopped cilantro, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp red wine vinegar, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, 3/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper in a bowl. Mix well and set aside.
  4. Step 4: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove pork chops from marinade and discard marinade.
  5. Step 5: Grill pork chops for 5-6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 145°F and they have nice grill marks.
  6. Step 6: Let pork chops rest for 5 minutes, then serve topped generously with cilantro chimichurri sauce.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Honey-Lime Grilled Pork Chops with Cilantro Chimichurri take to make?

Total time is about 52 minutes (40 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 Honey-Lime Grilled Pork Chops with Cilantro 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 Honey-Lime Grilled Pork Chops with Cilantro 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 Honey-Lime Grilled Pork Chops with Cilantro 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 Honey-Lime Grilled Pork Chops with Cilantro Chimichurri?

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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