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    Home » Recipes » Pork Recipes

    Perfect Smoked Thick Cut Pork Chops

    | Yield 4 | April 14, 2020 | Updated: May 28, 2022 by Kita | This post includes affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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    How to smoke bone in thick cut pork chops

    Thick cut pork chops are an inexpensive luxurious meal begging to be tossed over the coals for that perfect barbecue flavor. But, is it possible to smoke a chop and still have it come out juicy, tender and flavorful. The answer is yes and you’re going to want to give it a try first hand.

    Perfect Smoked Thick Cut Pork Chops | Kita Roberts GirlCarnivore.com

    Smoked Pork Chops? Pork chops are one of those cuts that I consider old school. Often just hearing the words pork chop triggers a childhood Shake and Bake nostalgia, where, more often than not, pork chops are overcooked, dry, boring, and bland as hell.

    But, does this have to be the case? As one of our most affordable proteins, I felt it was time to get a hold on this pork-pocalypse and figure out how to craft tender juicy pork that could hold it’s own against a top-quality steak.

    Turns out, this comes back to a little modern-day science. The new standard is to cook chops to a lower food-safe temperature so the pork remains succulent and perfectly palatable! We have come a long way and know pork doesn’t have to be boiled or charred to death to be safe to eat. So, let’s break down just why these thick-cut smoked chops are so damned good.

    What you need for this recipe:

    thick cut bone in pork chops ready to be grilled
    • Thick cut bone-in chops – this means chops that are over 1 ½″ thick and if they have a good layer of fat on the outside, that’s a bonus.
    • You’ll need a grill for smoking, charcoal and wood chunks or chips (depending on your smoker).
    • And a few pantry staples like salt, pepper, and a homemade barbecue sauce, if you’re feeling wild.

    How to Smoke Pork Chops:

    For these thick-cut pork chop we smoke them over charcoal and apple wood chunks in a barrel-style smoker. But, any grill or smoker can be used to master this recipe.

    bones in each facing the same direction to allow the chops to stand
    Make sure the bones are facing the same way when you skewer for easy standing and even cooking.

    This recipe calls for using a skewer to stand the chops up right, like a rib roast, so that they smoke without picking up too much char on any surface. This can be a bit tricky but once you have two on the skewer it works like table legs. Just make sure to give a little space between each chop so that the smoke hits all the surface to add flavor.

    From there you smoke the chops until almost cooked through, about 120 degrees and finally lay them on the grate to achieve that signature grill mark and finishing temp. Basting in barbecue sauce at the end isn’t necessary if you are using wood chunks, as the chops have a ton of flavor.

    Pork chops finishing on the grill grate after being smoked.

    What temp to Cook Pork Chops To

    For pulled pork you need to cook the pork to a ‘shredded’ texture, that means, low and slow for a temp right past 200 – which allows the meat to shred to that perfect barbecue consistency.

    But for these thick chops, we want to cut them with a fork and knife, so it’s important to not overcook them. This is where that digital thermometer will come in handy. Cook the chops to 145 degrees for a perfect juicy slice.

    All in all – these only take about 40 minutes on the grill to smoke all the way through.

    Perfect Smoked Thick Cut Pork Chops \ GirlCarnivore.com

    What to serve with Smoked Chops

    I am a sucker for pairing barbecue chops with macaroni and cheese and baked beans. A great side salad and slaw are also great to serve alongside this. And if you really want to win dinner points, add a pickle for that classic platter style.

    Want more delicious chop inspiration? Try some of my favorite recipes

    • Whiskey Pork Chops
    • Pan Seared Thick Cut Pork Chops
    • Bone-In Maple Chops
    • Oven Roasted Pork Chops

    If you’ve tried these smoked chops please rate the recipe and let me know where you found it in the comments below.
    I get inspired by your feedback and comments! You can also join in on the adventures on Instagram @girlcarnivore, Twitter & Facebook.

    Perfect Smoked Thick Cut Pork Chops | Kita Roberts GirlCarnivore.com
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    3 from 3 votes

    Perfect Smoked Thick Cut Pork Chops

    These smoked chops are tender, juicy, and loaded with flavor. Best of all – this isn't a complicated grilling recipe to master at all!
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: barbeque
    Author: Kita Roberts
    Prep Time10 mins
    Cook Time40 mins
    Resting Time5 mins
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 288kcal

    Equipment

    • grill
    • 1 Chimney starter
    • Charcoal
    • Wood chunks
    • Grilling Skewers
    • Grilling tongs
    • Grilling Gloves

    Ingredients

    • 4 pork chops bone-in, thick-cut about 1 ½" thick
    • Kosher salt and pepper
    • 6 tbsp Sweet tangy barbecue sauce of choice

    Instructions

    Prep the Grill

    • Get your charcoal started in your chimney starter.
    • For a kettle grill: Arrange a disposable aluminum pan in the center area of the grate for the coals.
    • When the coals have a nice layer of ash on them, arrange them on either side of the pan. Add a few chunks of wood to the embers.
    • Nestle the top cooking grate in place.
    • Clean and oil the cooking grate and cover.

    Prep the Pork

    • Pat the chops dry and season with salt and pepper.
    • Using 2 long metal kebob skewers, skewer the chops through the thick middle.
    • Slide each chop on and space out evenly on skewers, about an inch apart.

    Smoked the Pork

    • Place the chops, bone side down, standing upright on the grill (your kebob skewelers should be parralell with the grate).
    • Cover and cook until the chops temp at 120 degrees F, about 30 minutes.
    • Carefully, remove the chops from the kebob skewers and brush with barbecue sauce.
    • Arrange the chops, sauce side down, over the direct heat of the coals (around the edges) and grill 2 to 4 minutes.
    • Brush with more sauce and flip to sear the other side another 2 to 4 minutes. Chops are done when they temp 140 degrees.
    • Remove from the grill and let rest 5 minutes before dishing out with additional sauce if desired.

    Nutrition

    Nutrition Facts
    Perfect Smoked Thick Cut Pork Chops
    Amount Per Serving (1 g)
    Calories 288 Calories from Fat 135
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 15g23%
    Saturated Fat 5g31%
    Cholesterol 117mg39%
    Sodium 93mg4%
    Potassium 581mg17%
    Protein 35g70%
    Calcium 32mg3%
    Iron 1mg6%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Nutrition information provided is an estimate. For specific health concerns, please put the recipe into your Dr recommended nutrition calculator.
    Made My Recipe?Mention @girlcarnivore and tag #girlcarnivore!
    Perfect Smoked Thick Cut Pork Chops | Kita Roberts GirlCarnivore.com

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    About Kita

    Hey, I'm Kita, the Meat Maven, outdoor junkie, campfire connoisseur, adventure-seeking and world traveled recipe developer and photographer behind GirlCarnivore.com. My mission is to break down savory eats and inspire you to get a little grit under your nails while having fun with your food. READ MORE

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    Hi, I’m Kita! The meat maven for GirlCarnivore®. I’m a freelancing creator, recipe developer, photographer, and world-traveling food junkie. 

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