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Home » Smoker » Smoked Pork Chops

Published: April 7, 2019 Last Modified: April 7, 2019 By Sara 39 Comments

Smoked Pork Chops

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Smoked Pork Chops Recipe | Smoked Pork | Pork Chops #pork #porkchops #smoker #lowcarb #dinner #dinneratthezoo

These smoked pork chops are thick, bone-in chops coated in homemade BBQ spice rub and smoked at low temperature until tender and juicy. An easy and unique dinner option that’s packed with flavor!

Whenever I go to restaurants, if a pork chop is on the menu, I have to order it. Especially if it’s a smoked pork chop! These homemade smoked chops are as good as the restaurant version, serve them with loaded corn casserole and parmesan roasted broccoli for an unforgettable meal.

Smoked Pork Chops Recipe | Smoked Pork | Pork Chops #pork #porkchops #smoker #lowcarb #dinner #dinneratthezoo Smoked Pork Chops Recipe | Smoked Pork | Pork Chops #pork #porkchops #smoker #lowcarb #dinner #dinneratthezoo

Smoked pork chops over mashed potatoes with green beans on the side.

In my opinion, pork chops are an underutilized cut of meat. They’re inexpensive, full of flavor and can be dressed up in so many different ways. These smoked pork chops are one of my favorite ways to use my smoker – they’re relatively quick cooking yet totally satisfying.

How do you make smoked pork chops?

The first step is to prepare a brine. You’re probably wondering, why would you need to brine pork chops? Pork is a naturally lean meat, and the brine both infuses the meat with flavor, and also helps to prevent the pork from drying out in the smoker. The brine is a mixture of salt, sugar, herbs and spices. The pork chops are then coated in homemade BBQ spice rub, before they get seared and head off to the smoker.

Pork chops in a bowl of brine.

Tips for Smoked Pork Chops

  • This recipe works best with thick cut pork chops; look for pork chops that are at least 1 1/2 inches thick. If you opt for thinner pork chops, you’ll need to reduce the smoking time so that they don’t overcook.
  • If you don’t want to make your own spice rub, you can use your favorite store bought spice mix.
  • I sear the pork chops first to add extra flavor and a little caramelization. You can sear your chops on a grill, in a grill pan, or in a skillet. If you’re pressed for time, you can even skip this step although I think it’s worth it.
  • Bone-in pork chops work best for this recipe. I wouldn’t recommend using boneless chops.

Pork chops coated in olive oil and BBQ spice rub.

How long does it take to smoke pork chops?

It takes anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour to smoke pork chops, depending on the thickness of your chops. Be sure not to let your meat sear for too long before you put it in the smoker, otherwise it will be mostly cooked through before it even absorbs any of that great smoky flavor!

Which wood is best for smoking pork?

I like to use apple wood to smoke these pork chops, as it imparts a mild and slightly sweet flavor that doesn’t overpower the meat. Other great options include cherry wood, hickory, maple, or pecan wood.

Seared pork chops in a grill pan.

When are pork chops done?

I like to cook my smoked pork chops until they’re just slightly pink in the middle, I find that the meat is perfectly juicy and tender this way. You’ll want to use a probe thermometer to keep track of the internal temperature of the pork while it’s cooking. When the thermometer reaches 145 degrees F, your pork is ready.

A plate of smoked pork chops garnished with fresh parsley.

What goes with smoked pork chops?

I like to serve a starch along with a vegetable when I make smoked pork chops. Some of my favorites include

  • Homemade Rice-A-Roni
  • Glazed Carrots
  • Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
  • Baked Potato Wedges
  • Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Once you try these smoked pork chops, you’ll never want to use any other cooking method again! Even my kids loved this one, it’s been on our permanent rotation for many months.

Smoked pork chops over mashed potatoes with green beans on the side.
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5 from 24 votes

Smoked Pork Chops

These smoked pork chops are thick, bone-in chops coated in homemade BBQ spice rub and smoked at low temperature until tender and juicy. An easy and unique dinner option that's packed with flavor!
Course Main
Cuisine American
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Brining Time 4 hours
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 286kcal
Author Sara Welch

Ingredients

  • 4 thick cut bone in pork chops at least 1 1/2 inches thick
  • 8 cups water divided use
  • 1/4 cup kosher salt do not use table salt
  • 3 tablespoons sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 2 teaspoons fennel seeds lightly crushed
  • 2 teaspoons whole peppercorns
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 cloves garlic crushed
  • 3 sprigs fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons BBQ rub

Instructions

  • Pour 1 cup of boiling water into a large bowl that will fit all of the pork chops. Make sure the bowl will fit into your refrigerator.
  • Add the salt and sugar to the water and stir until dissolved
  • Add the allspice, fennel seeds, peppercorns, bay leaf, garlic and thyme to the bowl.
  • Add 7 cups of very cold water to the bowl and stir to combine
  • Place the pork chops in the bowl, making sure that they're completely submerged. You can add more water if needed.
  • Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours, or up to 24 hours.
  • Remove the pork chops from the brine and pat dry with paper towels
  • Preheat an electric smoker to 250 degrees F. Load apple wood chips into the smoker.
  • Preheat a grill, skillet or grill pan to medium high heat
  • Drizzle the olive oil over the pork chops, then rub the BBQ spice onto both sides.
  • Place the pork chops on the grill or grill pan and cook for 2-3 minutes per side or until just slightly charred.
  • Place the pork in the smoker and cook for 45-60 minutes or until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the pork chop registers 145 degrees F.
  • Let the pork chops rest for at least 5 minutes, then serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 286kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 89mg | Sodium: 664mg | Potassium: 545mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 35IU | Vitamin C: 1.9mg | Calcium: 56mg | Iron: 1.3mg
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    Comments

    1. Kate says

      May 3, 2020 at 6:19 pm

      I’ve made this recipe a handful of times, always using my own rub(store bought). Tonight we made grilled pork chops and used this recipe (brine and bbq rub seasoning). Oh my word!!!! The rub is outstanding! We might use the rub recipe next time we smoke ribs. My husband is very particular and he said it’s a killer recipe! Thank you!

      Reply
    2. Billie Brown says

      April 27, 2020 at 9:33 am

      Can I use boneless pork chops?

      Reply
      • Sara says

        April 27, 2020 at 4:17 pm

        It should be fine just watch them carefully so that they don’t dry out!

        Reply
    3. Jim Tillison says

      March 28, 2020 at 5:52 pm

      5 stars
      They turned out great! Thanks. My family loved them. They will definitely be prepared again. So juicy and delicious.

      Reply
    4. Brian says

      March 19, 2020 at 6:33 am

      Ever sear them at the end? I hav to cook for 50 or more and it would be easier to sear them just b4 serving them.

      Reply
      • Sara says

        March 19, 2020 at 12:16 pm

        That’s totally fine to do!

        Reply
      • Jason says

        May 21, 2020 at 4:20 pm

        Yes, I would definitely sear at the end. I am making them tonight and MHO is that the smoke will infuse better before the meat is cooked in any way. Just a thought! Thanks for the recipe!

        Reply
        • D says

          May 26, 2020 at 9:13 pm

          I used a Traeger grill & bought seasoned pork loins from Costco. I smoked them for 75 minutes first side , 30 minutes second side & 30 minutes on high on the second side, served with steamed rice.

          Reply
    5. Diane says

      September 5, 2019 at 5:57 pm

      5 stars
      These are by FAR the best pork chops I’ve ever made… ever! And I’ve made a lot of recipes!

      Reply
    6. Jess says

      July 11, 2019 at 12:57 pm

      5 stars
      Very juicy!

      Reply
    7. Gerry says

      June 27, 2019 at 10:58 am

      If I chose to not sear the pork chops would I still use the olive oil?

      Reply
      • Sara says

        June 27, 2019 at 5:01 pm

        No you can skip the olive oil!

        Reply
        • Stephanie says

          May 12, 2020 at 7:15 am

          5 stars
          This is an amazing recipe! I am not fond of pork chops but I loved every bite of this recipe! Don’t skip out on the brining or the searing. You wont be disappointed! I have made this twice now. Once with an electric smoker (treager) and another with a charcoal (pit barrel) smoker. They were both good but the charcoal pit barrel smoker is THE BEST!

          Reply
    8. Debbie says

      June 8, 2019 at 12:24 pm

      5 stars
      These came out wonderful! I served them with a fruit salad on the side!

      Reply
    9. Jamielyn says

      April 17, 2019 at 2:54 pm

      5 stars
      This is inspiring me to make pork chops for dinner! Haven’t had them in awhile and these look delicious!

      Reply
    10. Beth Pierce says

      April 16, 2019 at 8:01 pm

      5 stars
      This recipe is absolutely mouth watering! Great recipe for an Easter dinner!

      Reply
    11. Katie Wyllie says

      April 16, 2019 at 4:06 pm

      5 stars
      Such a yummy recipe! We love pork chops and have them at least once a week.

      Reply
    12. Bree says

      April 16, 2019 at 2:45 pm

      5 stars
      These smoked porkchops turned out incredible! My whole family was raving over the flavor!

      Reply
    13. Kristyn says

      April 16, 2019 at 1:54 pm

      5 stars
      These pork chops looks so juicy & crispy!! The way I like them! Thanks!

      Reply
    14. Patricia @ Grab a Plate says

      April 10, 2019 at 9:26 am

      5 stars
      These look and sound really tasty! I love the idea of being able to enjoy these at home!

      Reply
    15. Catalina says

      April 9, 2019 at 1:26 pm

      I am drooling over these pork chops. Perfect for our Sunday dinner!

      Reply
    16. Allyson Zea says

      April 9, 2019 at 11:32 am

      These are so juicy and so delicious! I love how easy they are in the smoky flavor!

      Reply
    17. Taylor says

      April 9, 2019 at 7:01 am

      5 stars
      Love the smokey flavor! Absolutely delicious!

      Reply
    18. Anna says

      April 8, 2019 at 7:30 pm

      5 stars
      Best pork chops ever! I will be making them again soon!

      Reply
    19. Jennifer says

      April 8, 2019 at 12:24 pm

      5 stars
      These are the BEST porkchops!!! My family loved them!

      Reply
    20. Jenn says

      April 8, 2019 at 10:27 am

      5 stars
      Ahhh yes! So super excited to try these smoked pork chops for dinner this week! Thank you!

      Reply
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