Italian BBQ Pork Chops Recipe

Pork chops: The main protein of the dish, you can use either bone-in or boneless depending on your preference.

BBQ sauce: Adds a smoky and tangy flavor to the pork chops. Use your favorite brand.

Olive oil: Helps to keep the pork chops moist and adds a rich flavor.

Garlic powder: Provides a subtle garlic flavor without the need for fresh garlic.

Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme that gives the dish its Italian flair.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the pork chops.

Pepper: Adds a bit of heat and depth to the seasoning.

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Brush the pork chops with olive oil and season with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Place the pork chops on the grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked. During the last few minutes of cooking, brush the pork chops with bbq sauce. Remove from the grill and let rest for a few minutes before serving.

To ensure even cooking, let the pork chops come to room temperature before grilling. This helps the meat cook more evenly and prevents the outside from overcooking while the inside remains undercooked.

• pork chops - Substitute with chicken breasts: Chicken breasts are a leaner option and can be grilled or baked similarly to pork chops.

• bbq sauce - Substitute with teriyaki sauce: Teriyaki sauce provides a sweet and savory flavor that complements grilled meats well.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it a good alternative for cooking.

• garlic powder - Substitute with fresh minced garlic: Fresh minced garlic offers a more robust and aromatic flavor compared to garlic powder.

• italian seasoning - Substitute with herbes de Provence: Herbes de Provence is a blend of herbs that includes thyme, rosemary, and oregano, providing a similar flavor profile to Italian seasoning.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a salty and umami flavor, which can enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a bit of heat and spice, which can elevate the flavor of the dish.

• Allow the pork chops to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can lead to sogginess.
• Place the cooled pork chops in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. This ensures they stay fresh and prevents any unwanted odors from seeping in.
• Store the pork chops in the refrigerator if you plan to consume them within 3-4 days. This keeps them at a safe temperature and maintains their flavor.
• For longer storage, place the wrapped pork chops in a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Label the container or bag with the date to keep track of how long they've been stored. This helps you manage your inventory and ensures you consume them while they're still at their best.
• When ready to reheat, thaw the pork chops in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing process helps maintain their texture and flavor.
• Reheat the pork chops in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This ensures they are heated through without drying out.
• Alternatively, you can reheat the pork chops on the stovetop or in the microwave. If using the microwave, cover them with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
• For a fresh twist, brush the reheated pork chops with a bit more bbq sauce before serving. This revives their flavor and adds a delicious glaze.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the pork chops in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil to retain moisture.
  3. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  4. For an extra touch, brush with a bit more bbq sauce before serving.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of olive oil.
  2. Place the pork chops in the skillet and cover with a lid.
  3. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until heated through.
  4. Add a bit of bbq sauce during the last minute of reheating for extra flavor.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the pork chops on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to prevent drying out.
  3. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. Let it rest for a minute before serving.

• Grill Method:

  1. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
  2. Wrap the pork chops in aluminum foil to keep them moist.
  3. Grill for about 5 minutes, turning once, until heated through.
  4. Brush with additional bbq sauce if desired before serving.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the pork chops in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  3. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  4. Optionally, brush with bbq sauce during the last minute of reheating.

• Grill: A cooking device that uses direct heat to cook food, perfect for achieving those beautiful grill marks and smoky flavor on the pork chops.

• Tongs: Essential for flipping and handling the pork chops on the grill without piercing the meat and losing juices.

• Basting brush: Used to apply the olive oil and later the BBQ sauce evenly over the pork chops.

• Meat thermometer: Helps ensure the pork chops are cooked to the proper internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface to season the pork chops before grilling.

• Chef's knife: Useful for trimming any excess fat from the pork chops before cooking.

• Small bowl: Ideal for mixing the olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper before applying to the pork chops.

• Paper towels: Handy for patting the pork chops dry before seasoning to ensure a good sear on the grill.

• Serving platter: Used to rest the pork chops after grilling and for presenting them at the table.

Prepare ingredients ahead: Measure and mix the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a small bowl before you start cooking.

Marinate in advance: Brush the pork chops with olive oil and season them a few hours before grilling to enhance flavor and save time.

Use a meat thermometer: This ensures your pork chops are cooked perfectly without the guesswork, speeding up the grilling process.

Preheat the grill: Make sure your grill is hot and ready to go before placing the pork chops on it.