Pork chops: The foundation of this incredible dish. You have the flexibility to choose either bone-in or boneless pork chops, depending on your personal preference. Bone-in chops often retain more moisture and impart a richer flavor due to the bone marrow, while boneless chops offer convenience and quicker cooking. Aim for chops that are about 1-inch thick for optimal grilling results.

BBQ sauce: This is where the “BBQ” in Italian BBQ comes from, providing that signature smoky, sweet, and tangy kick. The choice of BBQ sauce allows for immense personalization. Feel free to use your absolute favorite brand, whether it’s a classic Kansas City-style sauce, a vinegar-based North Carolina sauce, or something with a spicy or sweet profile. Experimenting with different sauces can dramatically change the dish’s character.

Olive oil: A cornerstone of Italian cuisine, olive oil serves multiple crucial roles in this recipe. It helps prevent the pork chops from sticking to the grill, ensures they remain wonderfully moist during cooking, and contributes a subtle, rich flavor that complements both the pork and the herbs. Extra virgin olive oil is preferred for its superior flavor.

Garlic powder: A vital component for imparting a consistent and subtle garlic flavor throughout the pork chops. Using garlic powder eliminates the need for peeling and mincing fresh garlic, saving time and ensuring an even distribution of flavor without the risk of burning fresh garlic on the grill.

Italian seasoning: This aromatic blend is the heart of the “Italian” flair in the dish. Typically comprising a mix of dried oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary, and sometimes marjoram or sage, it infuses the pork with a warm, herbaceous, and distinctly Mediterranean character that perfectly balances the smoky BBQ sauce.

Salt: A fundamental seasoning that enhances all the other flavors in the dish. A good quality sea salt or kosher salt is recommended for its pure taste. Proper salting is key to bringing out the natural deliciousness of the pork.

Pepper: Adding freshly ground black pepper provides a subtle touch of heat and a robust, earthy depth to the seasoning blend. It works in harmony with the salt and herbs to create a well-rounded flavor profile for your pork chops.

Achieving perfectly grilled Italian BBQ pork chops is simpler than you think with a few key techniques. First, ensure your grill is properly preheated to medium-high heat. This high initial heat is essential for developing a beautiful sear and those coveted grill marks, locking in the juices. While the grill heats, prepare your pork chops by lightly brushing them on all sides with olive oil. This not only aids in non-stick grilling but also helps the seasonings adhere better and promotes even browning. Next, generously season the chops with a blend of garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Don’t be shy with the seasoning; it forms the core flavor before the BBQ sauce is applied.

Carefully place the seasoned pork chops directly onto the hot grill grates. Cook for approximately 5-7 minutes per side. The exact timing will depend on the thickness of your chops and the intensity of your grill. For boneless chops, lean towards the shorter end of the cooking time, while thicker bone-in chops may require slightly longer. The goal is an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), which ensures a safe, tender, and juicy result. During the final few minutes of grilling, brush the chops generously with your chosen bbq sauce. This allows the sauce to caramelize slightly without burning, creating a delicious glaze. Once cooked, remove the pork chops from the grill and, crucially, let them rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in incredibly tender and flavorful chops.

To ensure uniform cooking and prevent the outside from drying out while the inside remains undercooked, it’s highly recommended to let the pork chops come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before placing them on the grill. This gentle temperature adjustment helps the meat cook more evenly from edge to center, yielding a consistently tender texture. Additionally, make sure your grill grates are clean and oiled before cooking to prevent sticking and ensure those perfect grill marks.

• pork chops – Substitute with chicken breasts: For a lighter meal, boneless, skinless chicken breasts are an excellent alternative. They absorb marinades and seasonings incredibly well and can be grilled or baked following similar timings, offering a leaner protein option without sacrificing flavor. Consider flattening them slightly for even cooking.

• bbq sauce – Substitute with teriyaki sauce: If you’re looking for an East Asian-inspired twist, teriyaki sauce provides a fantastic sweet and savory glaze. Its umami-rich profile complements grilled meats beautifully, offering a different but equally delicious flavor experience.

• olive oil – Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil is a superb choice for high-heat cooking due to its exceptionally high smoke point. It also has a neutral flavor, ensuring it won’t interfere with the Italian BBQ profile, while still providing moisture and aiding in browning.

• garlic powder – Substitute with fresh minced garlic: For a more pungent and robust garlic flavor, fresh minced garlic is an ideal swap. Use about 3-4 cloves of minced garlic for every teaspoon of garlic powder. Be mindful that fresh garlic can burn more easily on the grill, so incorporate it into a marinade or rub to protect it.

• italian seasoning – Substitute with herbes de Provence: This classic French herb blend, typically including thyme, rosemary, oregano, savory, and sometimes lavender, offers a similar aromatic and savory profile to Italian seasoning. It brings a touch of Provencal sophistication to your grilled chops.

• salt – Substitute with soy sauce: For a deeper, more complex umami richness in addition to saltiness, soy sauce can be a surprisingly effective substitute, especially if leaning into the teriyaki sauce alternative. It adds depth and a savory kick that enhances the overall taste of the dish.

• pepper – Substitute with cayenne pepper: If you prefer a dish with a noticeable kick, cayenne pepper is a fantastic way to introduce heat. Start with a small amount and adjust to your desired spice level, adding a fiery dimension that can truly elevate the flavor of the dish.

• Allow the pork chops to cool completely to room temperature before attempting to store them. This crucial step prevents condensation from forming inside the container, which can lead to sogginess and create a breeding ground for bacteria, ultimately affecting both the texture and safety of your leftovers.
• Once cooled, place the pork chops in a sturdy, airtight container. Alternatively, you can wrap them individually or in portions tightly in heavy-duty aluminum foil, followed by a layer of plastic wrap. This double-layer protection ensures they stay fresh, locks in their delicious flavor, and prevents any unwanted odors from permeating other foods in your refrigerator.
• For short-term storage, if you plan to consume the pork chops within 3-4 days, keep them stored in the refrigerator. Ensure your refrigerator is set to a safe temperature (below 40°F or 4°C) to maintain food safety and optimal flavor.
• For longer preservation, especially if you want to enjoy them beyond a few days, prepare the wrapped pork chops for freezing. Place them inside a freezer-safe bag or an appropriate freezer container. It’s vital to remove as much air as possible from the bag or container to prevent freezer burn, which can lead to dry, tough, and flavorless meat.
• Always remember to label the container or bag clearly with the date of freezing. This helps you keep track of how long they’ve been stored, ensuring you consume them within 2-3 months for the best quality and flavor.
• When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen pork chops again, the safest and best method for thawing is to transfer them to the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing process helps maintain their original texture and succulent flavor, preventing rapid moisture loss.
• To reheat thawed pork chops, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chops in an oven-safe dish, cover them with aluminum foil to retain moisture, and heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This ensures they are heated thoroughly without drying out.
• Alternatively, you can gently reheat the pork chops on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of broth or water, or in the microwave. If using the microwave, cover them with a damp paper towel or a microwave-safe lid to help retain moisture and prevent them from becoming tough.
• For an extra burst of fresh flavor and a glossy finish, brush the reheated pork chops with a bit more of your favorite bbq sauce during the last minute of reheating or just before serving. This revives their delicious taste and adds a wonderful glaze.

• Oven Method (Recommended for Best Quality):

  1. Preheat your oven to a moderate 350°F (175°C). This gentle heat helps to warm the pork chops through without overcooking them.
  2. Place the pork chops in an oven-safe dish. To prevent them from drying out and to lock in moisture, loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil.
  3. Heat for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chops reaches a safe 165°F (74°C). This ensures they are thoroughly warmed.
  4. For an enhanced flavor and a fresh glaze, consider brushing with a bit more bbq sauce during the last couple of minutes of heating or right before serving.

• Stovetop Method (Quick and Effective):

  1. Heat a skillet (cast iron works wonderfully) over medium heat and add a small splash of olive oil or a knob of butter. This adds flavor and prevents sticking.
  2. Place the pork chops in the skillet and cover with a lid to trap steam and moisture.
  3. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are thoroughly heated through. Adjust heat as necessary to prevent burning.
  4. To refresh the flavor, add a bit of bbq sauce during the final minute of reheating, allowing it to warm and coat the chops.

• Microwave Method (Fastest Option):

  1. Place the pork chops on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. To retain moisture and prevent the chops from becoming rubbery, cover them with a microwave-safe lid or even a damp paper towel.
  3. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through to stir or flip the chops for more even heating. Let it rest for a minute before serving.

• Grill Method (Recreating the Original Experience):

  1. Preheat your grill to medium heat. A slightly lower heat is best for reheating to avoid charring.
  2. Wrap the pork chops individually in aluminum foil. This is key to keeping them moist and juicy during reheating.
  3. Grill for about 5 minutes, turning once, until the chops are heated through.
  4. Unwrap and brush with additional bbq sauce if desired for a fresh glaze before serving.

• Air Fryer Method (Crispy Edges):

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the pork chops in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd it.
  3. Heat for about 5-7 minutes. For even reheating and browning, remember to flip the chops halfway through the cooking time.
  4. Optionally, brush with a fresh layer of bbq sauce during the last minute of reheating to give them a delicious, slightly caramelized finish.

• Grill: Whether it’s charcoal, gas, or electric, a grill is essential for imparting that quintessential smoky flavor and achieving those beautiful, appetizing grill marks on your pork chops. It’s the heart of this BBQ experience.

• Tongs: A pair of sturdy, long-handled tongs is indispensable for safely flipping and handling the pork chops on the hot grill. Using tongs helps avoid piercing the meat, which can cause precious juices to escape and lead to dry chops.

• Basting brush: This tool is perfect for evenly applying the initial coating of olive oil and later for brushing the BBQ sauce onto the pork chops. An even application ensures consistent flavor and a beautiful glaze.

• Meat thermometer: The most reliable way to ensure your pork chops are cooked perfectly and safely. An instant-read meat thermometer helps you achieve the ideal internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), guaranteeing juicy, tender pork every time.

• Cutting board: Provides a clean, stable, and sanitary surface for preparing and seasoning your pork chops before they hit the grill. Choose one that is easy to clean and sanitize after handling raw meat.

• Chef’s knife: A sharp chef’s knife is useful for any necessary trimming of excess fat from the pork chops, ensuring a cleaner cut and preventing flare-ups on the grill.

• Small bowl: An essential for conveniently mixing the olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper into a uniform rub before applying it to the pork chops.

• Paper towels: Handy for patting the pork chops dry before seasoning them. This step is important because a dry surface promotes better searing and a more flavorful crust on the grill.

• Serving platter: Used not only for elegantly presenting your freshly grilled pork chops at the table but also for letting them rest after grilling, allowing the juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.

Prepare ingredients ahead: Streamline your cooking process by measuring and mixing all your dry seasonings—the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper—in a small bowl hours or even the day before you plan to cook. This way, when it’s time to grill, your seasoning blend is ready to go, saving precious minutes.

Marinate in advance: For an even deeper flavor infusion and a significant time-saver on cooking day, brush the pork chops with olive oil and season them with your prepared herb and spice mix a few hours prior to grilling, or even overnight. This allows the flavors to truly penetrate the meat, enhancing tenderness and reducing active prep time when you’re ready to cook.

Use a meat thermometer: Eliminate guesswork and prevent overcooking (which can lead to dry chops) by always using an instant-read meat thermometer. This ensures your pork chops are cooked perfectly to the safe internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) the first time, speeding up the grilling process by avoiding repeated checks or adjustments.

Preheat the grill efficiently: Always make sure your grill is thoroughly hot and ready to go before you place the pork chops on it. A well-preheated grill will cook more efficiently, sear the meat better, and prevent sticking, ultimately leading to faster and more consistent cooking results. While the grill preheats, you can complete other quick prep tasks.

Batch cook sides: If you’re serving sides like roasted potatoes or grilled asparagus, consider preparing larger batches that can be cooked simultaneously on the grill or in the oven alongside your pork chops. This maximizes your cooking appliance’s space and saves time by consolidating cooking efforts.