Grilled BBQ Pork Chops with Tangy Homemade Sauce

BBQ Pork Chops turn out moist, juicy, and beautifully glazed with a sweet-tangy barbecue sauce. Grill them with a homemade or store-bought BBQ sauce for a fast, flavorful main dish at your next cookout. This simple recipe delivers big taste with minimal effort.

BBQ Pork Chop pieces on a fork.

Summer is ideal for grilling, and these grilled BBQ pork chops are a favorite. Brushing chops with a homemade barbecue sauce while they cook creates a sticky, caramelized coating that adds both flavor and color. Grilling is one of the best ways to keep pork chops tender and juicy — give it a try for a quick, satisfying meal.

Barbecued Pork Chops in a pan.

Table of Contents

  • Why you’ll love this recipe
  • Ingredients
  • How to make BBQ Pork Chops
  • Substitutions
  • Variations
  • Storage / Freezing
  • Top tip
  • FAQ
  • Serve these with Pork Chops
  • Other Pork Recipes
  • BBQ Pork Chops Recipe

Why you’ll love this recipe

  • Short ingredient list and fast cook time make this perfect for a quick lunch or an easy cookout main.
  • Grilling sears the outside while keeping the pork chops juicy and tender.
  • This recipe showcases your favorite barbecue sauce — whether store-bought or homemade — for a delicious glazed finish.

Ingredients

This BBQ pork chop recipe uses a few simple pantry staples. You’ll need:

Ingredients for grilled BBQ Pork Chops
  • BBQ sauce – homemade or your favorite store-bought sauce. (A quick homemade sauce uses ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce.)
  • Seasonings – garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to season the chops.
  • Pork chops – boneless pork chops are used here, but bone-in chops work as well; adjust cooking time for thickness.

See the recipe card below for exact quantities.

How to make BBQ Pork Chops

Grilling these pork chops is straightforward. Follow these steps:

Process to make pork chops on the grill.
  1. Prepare the BBQ sauce (if making from scratch) in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir until combined and warmed, then remove about half to a bowl to serve with the finished chops.
  2. Mix garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Preheat the grill to medium or medium-high heat.
  3. Season both sides of the pork chops with the spice mixture and place them on the grill. Cook for 3 minutes, then turn.
  4. Brush the turned chops with BBQ sauce on the tops and sides. Cook another 6 minutes, then turn and baste again.
  5. Cook an additional 6 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F. Transfer chops to a plate, cover loosely with foil, and rest for about 5 minutes before serving with the reserved BBQ sauce.

Substitutions

If you need to swap ingredients, try these options:

  • BBQ sauce – Make a quick sauce from ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce if you don’t have a jarred version.
  • Seasonings – Omit or change spices to suit your pantry. A pre-made pork rub also works well.
  • Pork chops – Use other pork cuts if needed; thicker cuts will require longer cooking, while thinner cuts will cook more quickly.

Variations

To change the flavor profile:

  • Try different barbecue sauces — smoky, spicy, or sweet — to vary the finish.
  • Use a more complex seasoning blend or a barbecue rub for extra depth.
  • Apply the same method to other proteins, such as chicken breasts or thighs, for an easy BBQ switch-up.

Storage / Freezing

Storage: Cool pork chops to room temperature, then store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.

Freezing: Place cooled chops in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Top tip

Use a meat thermometer to check doneness. Cook pork chops to an internal temperature of 145°F, then allow them to rest so the juices redistribute.

Brushing BBQ sauce on pork chops.

FAQ

Common questions about grilling BBQ pork chops:

What temperature should I grill BBQ pork chops at?

Preheat the grill to medium or medium-high (around 375°F). This sears the outside while locking in juices.

Should I oil the grill before grilling pork chops?

Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Use tongs to hold a folded paper towel dipped in oil and rub the grates carefully to avoid flare-ups.

How do I know when the pork chops are done?

Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chop. The safe internal temperature is 145°F; cook to 160°F if you prefer them more done.

Should I let the pork chops rest after grilling?

Yes. Resting for about 5 minutes allows juices to redistribute and keeps the chops tender.

Can I use BBQ sauce while grilling pork chops?

Yes. Basting with BBQ sauce during grilling creates a tasty, caramelized glaze.

Juicy Pork Chops on a fork with BBQ sauce.

Serve these with Pork Chops

These pork chops pair well with classic summer sides like potato or pasta salads, grilled vegetables, corn on the cob, or grilled pineapple for a sweet contrast.

  • Deviled Egg Pasta Salad
  • Jello Cottage Cheese Salad
  • Instant Pot Corn on the Cob
  • Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapple

Other Pork Recipes

More pork recipes to try include air fryer breaded pork chops, ranch-seasoned pork chops, Dr. Pepper pulled pork, and slow-cooker pork chops.

  • Air Fryer Breaded Pork Chops
  • Simple Ranch Pork Chops
  • Dr. Pepper Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
  • Slow Cooker Pork Chops
Text on image Grilled BBQ Pork Chops.
Text on image Grilled BBQ Pork Chops.
img 95730 17

BBQ Pork Chops

BBQ Pork Chops are moist, juicy, and glazed with sweet and tangy BBQ sauce. Grill them with homemade sauce for a simple, flavorful cookout dish.
Prep: 10
Cook: 20
Resting Time: 5
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

BBQ Sauce

  • 2/3 cup Brown sugar, packed
  • 1 cup Ketchup
  • 3 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

Pork Chops

  • 1/4 tsp Garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp Onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Black pepper
  • 4 Boneless pork chops

Instructions

  • Place the BBQ sauce ingredients in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture comes to a simmer. Remove about half to a bowl for serving and set aside.
  • Preheat the grill to medium or medium-high. Combine garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper and season both sides of the pork chops.
  • Grill the pork chops for 3 minutes, then turn and brush with the sauce from the pan. Cook another 6 minutes, turn, and baste again.
  • Continue cooking for another 6 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F. Transfer to a plate, cover loosely with foil, and let rest about 5 minutes.
  • Serve with the reserved BBQ sauce.

Notes

Check the internal temperature to ensure the pork reaches 145°F before resting and serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 419 kcal
, Carbohydrates: 55 g
, Protein: 30 g
, Fat: 9 g

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