These juicy grilled pork chops are packed with flavor and topped with a sweet and spicy peach glaze that’s hard to resist. Perfect for a summer BBQ!
Honestly, that glaze makes everything better! I can never eat just one chop—I always want seconds (or thirds!). 🍑🔥
Grilling these pork chops is a breeze. I just marinate them, toss them on the grill, and let the magic happen. They are great served with a side of veggies or rice!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops offer great flavor and juiciness. If you can’t find bone-in, boneless chops work too, but they’ll cook quicker. You can also use thick pork loin steaks as a substitute.
Olive Oil: A must for marinating, it helps the spices stick. If you don’t have olive oil, avocado oil or canola oil are good alternatives that keep the flavors intact.
Spices: Garlic powder and onion powder add depth. For fresh flavors, you can use minced garlic and finely chopped onion instead. Smoked paprika gives that unique smoky taste; if you’re out, regular paprika with a hint of cumin can work.
Peach Preserves: This is the star of the glaze for sweetness. If peach preserves are unavailable, apricot preserves or even mango chutney can provide a similar texture and taste.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This adds nice acidity. If you don’t have it, white wine vinegar or regular vinegar can step in, but use a bit less to avoid overpowering the glaze.
How Do You Achieve Juicy Grilled Pork Chops?
The key to juicy pork chops is in the marinating and grilling process. Proper marinating allows the flavors to penetrate and makes the meat more tender. Here’s how to get it right:
- Marinade Time: Let your pork chops soak in the spice mixture for 30 minutes at room temperature or longer in the fridge. This makes a huge difference in flavor!
- Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium-high. It’s essential to sear the pork chops quickly to lock in the juices. Aim for just 4-5 minutes per side.
- Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check that the chops reach 145°F (63°C). This ensures they’re cooked but not dry.
- Resting: After grilling, let the chops rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows juices to redistribute within the meat, keeping it juicy.
How to Make Juicy Grilled Pork Chops With Spicy Peach Glaze
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
For the Spicy Peach Glaze:
- 1 cup peach preserves
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking time, plus at least 30 minutes to marinate the pork chops. So, plan for a total of around 55 minutes from start to finish. This time includes letting the chops soak up all those tasty flavors!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork Chops:
Start by mixing the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl. Rub this mixture all over the pork chops to coat them nicely. Let these chops marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator if you want even more flavor. Getting that seasoning in there is key to juicy pork!
2. Make the Spicy Peach Glaze:
While the pork chops are marinating, you can whip up the spicy peach glaze. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the peach preserves, apple cider vinegar, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir everything well and allow the mixture to simmer for about 5-7 minutes. You want it to thicken slightly. Once it’s ready, remove it from the heat and set it aside to cool a bit.
3. Grill the Pork Chops:
Get your grill ready by preheating it to medium-high heat. When the grill is nice and hot, place the pork chops on it. Grill for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature of the pork reaches 145°F (63°C). In the last couple of minutes of grilling, brush a generous amount of your spicy peach glaze onto the pork chops. This will give them a beautiful, sticky finish!
4. Rest and Serve:
After grilling, remove the pork chops from the grill and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This resting time allows the juices to redistribute, making your chops even juicier. Serve the pork chops drizzled with any remaining spicy peach glaze and sprinkle with fresh parsley for a nice touch. Enjoy your flavorful meal!
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead of Bone-In?
Absolutely! Boneless pork chops can be used, but they may cook a bit faster. Be sure to adjust the grilling time to about 3-4 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level of the Glaze?
If you prefer less heat, reduce the cayenne pepper and crushed red pepper flakes in the glaze. You can also add a teaspoon of honey to balance the spice with sweetness. For extra heat, feel free to add more red pepper flakes or even a dash of hot sauce!
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Peach Preserves?
No worries! You can substitute peach preserves with other fruit preserves like apricot or mango for a unique twist. If using fresh fruit, consider cooking down diced peaches with a bit of sugar and vinegar to create a similar glaze consistency.
How to Store Leftover Pork Chops?
Store any leftover pork chops in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chops in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth, covering them to keep them moist. Alternatively, microwave gradually in short intervals to avoid drying them out.
