This is an easy dinner that feels a little special without being hard to make. The pork chops get juicy and smoky, and the rhubarb BBQ glaze adds that sweet, tangy, sticky finish that makes everything taste better.
Why I Love This Recipe
What I love most is that it tastes like you put in way more effort than you really did. Pork chops can be a little boring if they are not cooked right, but this glaze gives them so much flavor and helps keep them from tasting dry.
- The smoky, sweet, and tangy flavor is hard to beat
- Pork chops cook fast, so dinner comes together pretty quickly
- The glaze makes the whole meal feel special
- It is great for spring and summer, especially when rhubarb is in season
- It pairs well with a lot of easy side dishes
Servings and Time
- Serves 4
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 12 to 15 minutes
- Total time: 22 to 25 minutes
What You’ll Need
- 4 bone-in pork chops, about 1 inch thick
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup Smoky Rhubarb BBQ Glaze
Tools Required
- Grill or grill pan
- Tongs
- Small bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Basting brush
- Meat thermometer
- Plate or tray for resting
Substitutions and Variations
- Use boneless pork chops if that is what you have, but check them early since they cook faster
- Swap smoked paprika for regular paprika if needed, though you will lose a little smoky flavor
- Use avocado oil instead of olive oil
- Try the same glaze on chicken thighs or grilled chicken breasts
- Add a pinch of cayenne if you want a little heat
Make Ahead Tips
You can season the pork chops up to 12 hours ahead and keep them covered in the fridge. You can also make the Smoky Rhubarb BBQ Glaze ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you are ready to use it. Just warm it a little so it brushes on easily. If you already made the glaze in the other recipe, use that here.
Instructions
Step 1: Season the Pork Chops
Pat 4 bone-in pork chops dry with paper towels. Place them on a plate or tray. Drizzle the pork chops with 1 tablespoon olive oil, then rub it all over both sides. In a small bowl, mix together 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder. Sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly over both sides of all 4 pork chops, pressing lightly so it sticks.
Step 2: Preheat the Grill and Get the Glaze Ready
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, about 400°F. While the grill heats, measure 1 cup of Rhubarb BBQ sauce into a small bowl (Get my recipe here!).
Set aside about 1/4 cup of the glaze for serving later, and use the remaining 3/4 cup for brushing during cooking. This keeps the serving glaze clean and fresh.
Step 3: Grill the First Side
Place the 4 seasoned pork chops on the hot grill. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes on the first side with the lid closed, until the bottoms have deep grill marks and release easily from the grates. Do not move them around too early or the meat may stick.
Step 4: Flip and Brush with Glaze
Flip the pork chops with tongs. Brush the tops with about 1/4 cup of the 3/4 cup smoky rhubarb BBQ glaze. Cook for 3 minutes. Then brush on another 1/4 cup glaze and cook 2 to 3 minutes more, or until the pork chops reach 145°F in the thickest part. The glaze should look sticky and shiny.
Step 5: Rest and Finish
Transfer the grilled pork chops to a plate or tray and let them rest for 5 minutes. Brush the rested pork chops with the last 1/4 cup of the clean reserved smoky rhubarb BBQ glaze or spoon it over the top right before serving. This gives the pork chops a fresh layer of flavor and a glossy finish.
Pro Tips
- Let the pork chops sit out for 15 to 20 minutes before grilling so they cook more evenly
- Keep one bowl of glaze for brushing and one bowl for serving so the final glaze stays clean
- Use a meat thermometer and pull the pork at 145°F so it stays juicy
- Bone-in pork chops are a little more forgiving than boneless ones and usually stay moister
- Resting the pork chops for 5 minutes really matters because it helps the juices stay in the meat
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Pork chops are lean, so they can dry out fast if they cook too long. That is why a quick, hot grill works so well here. It sears the outside fast and helps the inside stay juicy. The Smoky Rhubarb BBQ Glaze works because rhubarb brings tartness, which balances the rich pork, while sugar in the glaze helps it turn sticky and glossy as it cooks. Brushing the glaze on near the end also helps keep it from burning.
Common Mistakes
- Overcooking the pork chops so they turn dry and tough
- Brushing on the glaze too early, which can make the sugars burn
- Skipping the resting time after grilling
- Using very thin pork chops, which cook too fast and are easy to overdo
- Not preheating the grill enough, which can keep you from getting good grill marks
What to Serve With
These pork chops go really well with simple sides that let the glaze stand out.
- Roasted potatoes
- Grilled corn
- Coleslaw
- Rice or wild rice
- Green beans
- A simple cucumber salad
- Buttery dinner rolls
Macros Information
These numbers are approximate for 1 pork chop with glaze, based on 4 servings.
- Calories: 360
- Protein: 31g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
Leftovers and Storage
Store leftover pork chops in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave at low power or in a covered skillet with a splash of water. Extra Smoky Rhubarb BBQ Glaze can be stored in a separate container and spooned over the pork after reheating. I would not freeze the cooked pork chops because the texture can get a little tough, but the glaze usually freezes well.
FAQ
Can I use boneless pork chops?
Yes. Boneless pork chops work fine. Just start checking them earlier since they cook faster than bone-in chops.
Can I make these without an outdoor grill?
Yes. You can use a grill pan on the stove and follow the same basic timing.
How do I know when the pork chops are done?
Use a meat thermometer and check the thickest part. You want 145°F.
Can I use store-bought BBQ sauce instead?
You can, but the Smoky Rhubarb BBQ Glaze gives this recipe its sweet-tart flavor and makes it feel more special.
What if my glaze is very thick?
Warm it slightly before brushing so it spreads more easily.
Final Thoughts
These grilled pork chops are simple, full of flavor, and a great way to use that Smoky Rhubarb BBQ Glaze. The glaze brings just enough sweetness and tang to wake up the pork without making the dish fussy. It is the kind of dinner that feels relaxed but still a little special, which is always a win in my book. If you make it, I hope it becomes one of those recipes you come back to again and again.