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Smoked Thick Pork Chops

Hey there, my fellow foodie folks! Today, I’m gonna let you in on a little secret – the mouthwatering world of smoked thick pork chops! Get ready to tantalize those taste buds and have your belly doing the happy dance. So, grab your apron, your pellet grill, and let’s dive right into this smoky adventure!

smoked thick pork chops

How to make smoked thick pork chops

Alright, let’s get this pork party started! Here’s a quick rundown on how to make the juiciest smoked thick pork chops using a pellet grill:

  1. Select the Perfect Pork Chops: First things first, you gotta choose the right chops! I usually go for bone-in, thick-cut beauties – around 1.5 inches thick. That way, you ensure a tender, moist result that’ll make your taste buds sing in delight.
  2. Give It a Good Rub: Time to get your hands dirty, but it’s oh-so-worth-it! Whip up a fabulous dry rub using a mix of your favorite spices. You know, like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and a dash of brown sugar for some sweetness. Yum!
  3. Prep Your Grill: Fire up that pellet grill, my friends! Set it to a medium-low temperature – around 225°F (107°C). Oh, and don’t forget to add some applewood or hickory pellets for that smoky magic.
  4. Smokin’ Time: Once your grill is preheated and ready to rock, place those seasoned pork chops on the grates. Let them bathe in that smoky goodness for around 2 to 3 hours. Patience, my friends, will be your best friend in this process!
  5. Safety First: While we’re all about having fun, we gotta be safe too! Use a meat thermometer to check if your thick pork chops have reached an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). That’s when you know they’re perfectly cooked and safe to devour!

smoked thick pork chops on pellet grill

What size pork chops

Now, let’s talk about choosing the right size for those pork chops. You know, it’s like Goldilocks – not too thin and not too thick. For that perfect balance of tenderness and flavor, go for chops that are about 1.5 inches thick. Trust me, it’s just the right amount of meaty goodness that’ll make you go “Mmm!”

Best dry rub to use 

Ah, the age-old question! When it comes to the dry rub, everyone’s got their secret recipe. But let me spill the beans on my favorite combo – paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and a touch of brown sugar. This blend creates a symphony of flavors that’ll dance on your tongue and leave you wanting more. Sweet, spicy, and oh-so-savory – it’s a taste explosion!

Which wood pellets to use

Now, let’s talk about that magical smoky element! When it comes to choosing wood pellets for smoking pork, it’s all about enhancing the flavor. I’m a huge fan of applewood or hickory pellets – they give your thick pork chops that irresistible smokiness and add a lovely hint of sweetness. It’s like a match made in BBQ heaven!

smoked thick cut pork chops

What side dish to serve

You’ve got your succulent smoked pork chops, and now you need some delicious sides to complete the meal. Oh, the options are endless! I love serving mine with some grilled asparagus drizzled with balsamic glaze, creamy macaroni and cheese, and a fresh garden salad. It’s a flavor explosion on your plate, my friends

In closing, my fabulous foodie friends, I hope you’ve enjoyed this flavorful adventure into the world of smoked thick pork chops! From selecting the right chops to crafting the perfect dry rub, smoking them to tender perfection, and serving them up with delicious sides – it’s a culinary journey that never disappoints.

Remember, cooking is all about exploring, experimenting, and finding what tickles your taste buds just right. So, get out there, fire up that pellet grill, and unleash your inner chef!

And as I always say, “Life’s too short for bland food, so spice it up and savor every bite!”

Thank you for joining me on this smoky ride. Until next time, happy grilling and happy eating, my friends!

Smoked Thick Pork Chops

Savor the irresistible aroma and taste of our smoked thick pork chops. A culinary masterpiece that will leave you craving for more. Order now!

Course Main Course
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Servings 3

Ingredients

  • 4 bone-in thick-cut pork chops approximately 1.5 inches thick
  • 2 tablespoons paprika
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust to your preferred level of spiciness
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 cup applewood or hickory wood pellets

Instructions

Preparing the Dry Rub

  1. In a small bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and brown sugar. Give it a good mix, so all those flavors get cozy together.

Seasoning the Pork Chops

  1. Pat dry the pork chops with paper towels to ensure a nice, dry surface for the rub to stick to.
  2. Generously sprinkle the dry rub on both sides of each pork chop. Don't be shy – rub it in with your hands to get those flavors deep into the meat. We want that goodness to seep in, don't we?
  3. Once all the chops are beautifully seasoned, cover them with plastic wrap and let them hang out in the fridge for about 1 hour. This marinating time will take your pork chops from tasty to tantalizing!

Preparing the Grill

  1. Fire up your pellet grill, setting it to a medium-low temperature of around 225°F (107°C). Remember, we're in for some slow and smoky magic!
  2. While the grill preheats, soak your applewood or hickory wood pellets in water for about 30 minutes. This will ensure they smolder and release that delightful smokiness during the cooking process.

Smoking the Pork Chops

  1. Remove the pork chops from the fridge and let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes. We don't want to shock them with sudden heat!
  2. Drain the soaked wood pellets and add them to your grill's smoker box or pellet hopper.
  3. Place the seasoned pork chops on the grill grates, making sure to leave some space between them for even smoking.
  4. Close the lid and let the magic happen! Smoke those pork chops for around 2.5 to 3 hours, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). That's the sweet spot for perfect, juicy pork chops.

Enjoy the Feast!

  1. Once your thick smoked pork chops are cooked to perfection, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes. This little break lets the juices redistribute, ensuring maximum flavor in every bite.
  2. Grab a plate, serve up those glorious chops, and get ready to indulge in a barbecue sensation like no other! Pair them with your favorite sides – like grilled asparagus, creamy mashed potatoes, or some fresh coleslaw.
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