These juicy grilled pork chops are a hit at any barbecue! The sweet and spicy peach glaze adds just the right kick, making them super tasty and fun to eat.
Who knew fruit could be this good with meat? I love serving these chops with some grilled veggies. It all just screams summer on a plate! 🍑🔥
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops are my go-to for extra flavor and juiciness. If they’re not available, boneless chops work too, but be careful not to overcook them.
Peach Preserves: These give the glaze its sweetness. If you don’t have them, you can use apricot preserves for a similar taste or even a homemade fruit compote.
Apple Cider Vinegar: It adds tang. If you need a substitute, white vinegar or even lemon juice can work well.
Red Pepper Flakes: Adjust the heat to your taste! If you prefer less spice, you can use sweet paprika or simply reduce the amount.
Thyme: Fresh thyme is fantastic, but dried thyme is perfectly fine. If you don’t have thyme, rosemary or Italian seasoning can be good swaps.
How Do I Grill Pork Chops So They’re Juicy?
Grilling pork chops can be tricky, but with a few tips, you’ll have juicy results. Start by ensuring your grill is hot enough; around 400°F is ideal. This helps sear the meat quickly and lock in juices.
- Season chops well with the spice mix for best flavor.
- Don’t flip too soon—let them grill for about 5-6 minutes per side. The time will depend on thickness.
- Always use a meat thermometer! Aim for 145°F for perfectly cooked pork.
- Let them rest for at least 5 minutes after grilling. This helps the juices redistribute.
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 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Spicy Peach Glaze:
- 1 cup peach preserves
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal will take you about 15 minutes to prep and around 12 minutes to cook. You’ll have juicy, flavorful pork chops ready in about 30 minutes! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat, which is around 400°F. This will help your pork chops cook evenly and get those nice grill marks.
2. Season the Pork Chops:
In a small bowl, mix together the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Once mixed, take this spice blend and rub it evenly over each pork chop. Make sure all sides are well-seasoned so they’re packed with flavor!
3. Prepare the Spicy Peach Glaze:
In a separate bowl, combine the peach preserves, apple cider vinegar, red pepper flakes, Dijon mustard, and thyme (if you’re using it). Stir everything together until well mixed. This glaze will add a sweet and spicy kick to your pork chops!
4. Grill the Pork Chops:
Drizzle olive oil over the pork chops to keep them juicy while cooking. Then, place the chops on the preheated grill. Grill them for about 5-6 minutes on each side. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; you want them to reach an internal temperature of 145°F.
5. Glaze and Finish:
In the last few minutes of grilling, brush the spicy peach glaze over the pork chops. Let it caramelize a bit for extra flavor. This will make your pork chops glisten and look even more delicious!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooked through, remove the pork chops from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes. This helps the juices settle in and keeps the meat tender. Feel free to serve them with extra peach glaze on the side for dipping. Enjoy your juicy grilled pork chops!
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Absolutely! Boneless pork chops can be used, but keep in mind that they may cook a bit faster due to being smaller. Start checking for doneness at around 4-5 minutes per side, looking for an internal temperature of 145°F.
What If I Don’t Have Peach Preserves?
No problem! You can substitute with other fruit preserves such as apricot or mango for a similar sweet and tangy effect. You could also use a homemade fruit glaze by combining fresh peaches with sugar and cooking them down until syrupy if you’re feeling adventurous!
Can I Marinate the Pork Chops Overnight?
Yes, marinating is a great option! Rub the spice mixture on the pork chops and let them sit in the fridge for up to 24 hours. You can also add the peach glaze to enhance the flavor further. Just make sure to remove them from the fridge about 30 minutes before grilling to let them come to room temperature.
How Do I Store Leftover Pork Chops?
Store any leftover pork chops in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to keep them moist. Enjoy them cold, or warm them up to savor the flavors again!
