Lemon-Garlic Marinated Grilled Pork Chops with Fresh Herbs

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

Tender pork chops marinated in a zesty lemon and garlic mixture, grilled to perfection and garnished with fresh herbs. This mediterranean-inspired pork ready in about 22 minutes pairs (about 1 inch thick) bone-in pork chops, olive oil, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 370 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: 12 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 370 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil, 5 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 cup lemon juice, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 1 tbsp chopped fresh oregano, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Place 4 bone-in pork chops in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the pork chops and toss to coat evenly. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, up to 4 hours.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove pork chops from marinade and let excess drip off.
  4. Step 4: Grill pork chops for 5-6 minutes per side, turning once, until internal temperature reaches 145°F and the meat is slightly charred.
  5. Step 5: Remove from grill, let rest for 5 minutes, then serve garnished with additional fresh herbs if desired.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Garlic Marinated Grilled Pork Chops with Fresh Herbs take to make?

Total time is about 22 minutes (10 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 Lemon-Garlic Marinated Grilled Pork Chops with Fresh Herbs?

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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Garlic Marinated Grilled Pork Chops with Fresh Herbs?

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 Lemon-Garlic Marinated Grilled Pork Chops with Fresh Herbs 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 Lemon-Garlic Marinated Grilled Pork Chops with Fresh Herbs?

Mediterranean 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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