Lemon-Thyme Grilled Pork Chops with Garlic Mashed Potatoes

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy grilled pork chops marinated in fresh lemon juice and thyme served alongside creamy garlic mashed potatoes for a classic and comforting meal. This american-inspired pork ready in about 70 minutes pairs (6 oz each) bone-in pork chops, lemon juice, fresh thyme leaves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 620 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: 30 min Serves 4 American cuisine 620 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a shallow dish, whisk together 1/4 cup lemon juice, 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 4 bone-in pork chops and turn to coat. Marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature.
  2. Step 2: Meanwhile, place 2 lbs peeled and cubed russet potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add 1 tsp salt and bring to a boil over high heat. Cook for 15-18 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.
  3. Step 3: Drain potatoes and return to pot. Add 4 tbsp butter, 1/2 cup whole milk, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Mash with a potato masher until creamy and smooth. Season with additional salt to taste and stir in 2 tbsp chopped parsley.
  4. Step 4: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove pork chops from marinade and grill for 5-6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 145°F and chops have nice grill marks. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
  5. Step 5: Serve grilled pork chops alongside garlic mashed potatoes garnished with extra parsley if desired.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Thyme Grilled Pork Chops with Garlic Mashed Potatoes take to make?

Total time is about 70 minutes (40 min prep + 30 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-Thyme Grilled Pork Chops with Garlic Mashed Potatoes?

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 lemon juice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Thyme Grilled Pork Chops with Garlic Mashed Potatoes?

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-Thyme Grilled Pork Chops with Garlic Mashed Potatoes 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-Thyme Grilled Pork Chops with Garlic Mashed Potatoes?

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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