Grilled pork chops with apples is a tasty dish where juicy pork is cooked on the grill with sweet, tender apples. It’s perfect for a fun outdoor meal or a cozy dinner at home.
I find that turning the pork and apples a few times keeps everything cooking evenly. I once left the grill on too long—lesson learned, but it still tasted great!
I like to serve this with a side of mashed potatoes or a simple salad. It’s a balanced meal that’s easy to make and really satisfying!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in or boneless, I prefer bone-in for more flavor. Keep an eye out for chops that are evenly thick. If unavailable, thin chops cook faster but can dry out easily. A substitution could be chicken breasts if needed.
Apples: Crisp apples like Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp work great. They add natural sweetness and texture. If apples aren’t in season, a pear or peaches can give a similar juiciness and mild sweetness.
Honey or Maple Syrup: Adds a lovely glaze and slight sweetness. I like honey for a richer flavor, but maple syrup gives a subtle caramel note. For a non-sweetener option, a splash of apple cider vinegar works well.
Garlic & Spices: Fresh garlic infuses flavor, and a touch of cinnamon or ginger pairs well with apples. If garlic isn’t available, garlic powder is fine. For extra warmth, a pinch of nutmeg is lovely.
Oil or Butter: For grilling, I prefer neutral oils like canola or vegetable. Butter can be added after cooking for richness. If avoiding dairy, just use a high-heat oil to prevent sticking and burning.
How do I grill pork chops without overcooking or drying them out?
Use a two-zone grill: hot for searing and medium for finishing. Prepare one side with direct heat and the other with indirect heat. This helps control cooking and prevents dryness. Always use a meat thermometer to check for safety and juiciness.
- 1. Preheat your grill, setting one side to high heat and the other to medium or low.
- 2. Sear the pork chops over direct heat for 2-3 minutes per side until browned.
- 3. Move the chops to indirect heat and cook until internal temp reaches 145°F.
- 4. Rest the chops for 3 minutes before serving to lock in moisture.
How to Make Grilled Pork Chops with Apples?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pork Chops
- 4 bone-in pork chops
Apples
- 2 large apples (such as Fuji or Honeycrisp), sliced
Seasonings & Others
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Optional Sauce
- 1/4 cup apple cider or juice
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
How Much Time Will You Need?
Prep: 10 minutes / Cook: 20 minutes / Rest: 5 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork Chops
Rub the pork chops with olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Let them sit for a few minutes.
2. Preheat the Grill
Heat your grill to medium-high heat. Oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
3. Grill the Pork Chops
Grill the pork chops for 6–8 minutes per side until fully cooked. Check for an internal temperature of 145°F.
4. Cook the Apples
While grilling, sauté sliced apples in a pan over medium heat for 5–7 minutes until tender.
5. Make the Sauce (Optional)
Combine apple cider, honey, and Dijon mustard in a small pan. Simmer for 3–5 minutes to thicken.
6. Rest and Serve
Let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes. Serve with cooked apples and sauce on the side.
