These are the best grilled pork chops that are tender, juicy and perfect for a summer BBQ. A simple homemade dry rub adds sweet and savory taste that really adds flavor.

Four juicy boneless pork loin chops grilled to caramelized perfection after being coated in a dark brown sugar and smoked paprika garlic dry rub.

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Why I Love These Grilled Brown Sugar Pork Chops

  • Quick and easy. A grilled pork chop dry rub made with simple ingredients imparts so much flavor! Without any marinade, these are ready in under 30 minutes.
  • Tender and juicy. A two-zone grilling method ensures that the brown sugar pork chops are grilled to perfection with a caramelized outer crust and moist, juicy meat.

Dry Rub for Pork Chops Ingredients

Bowls of dark brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper next to four trimmed, patted‑dry pork chops.

Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.

To make these brown sugar grilled pork chops, you’ll need a simple blend of pantry spices that packs big flavor.

Dark brown sugar adds just the right touch of sweetness and helps create a caramelized crust on the grill. Smoked paprika and garlic powder bring a warm, savory depth, while salt and pepper enhance every bite. Start with four boneless pork loin chops that are trimmed and patted dry to help the seasoning stick and sear beautifully.

How to Make Brown Sugar Pork Chops on the Grill

Combine brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to rub it into the meat, making sure it’s evenly coated.

Close‑up of pork chops coated in a rich brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic‑salt dry rub, resting on a plate and ready for the grill.

Preheat one side of the grill to medium-high heat and place the pork on the hot grill to sear for 2-3 minutes per side.

A pork chop sizzling on a hot grill, its brown sugar‑paprika dry rub forming a glossy, caramelized crust.

Move the pork chops to the side that is off and continue cooking for an additional 5-6 minutes per side. An instant-read thermometer should have an internal temperature of 145℉ when the meat is ready to eat.

Grilled pork chop brushed with a sweet brown sugar and spice rub, with a digital thermometer inserted showing perfect doneness.

Transfer your grilled pork chops to a serving plate and allow them to sit and rest so the juices can settle for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Sliced boneless pork chops coated in a brown sugar and smoked paprika dry rub, revealing a juicy interior, plated and ready to serve.

Looking for more pork recipes? Try easy baked pork chops, smothered pork chops or herb crusted pork tenderloin, too.

More Pork Recipes to Try

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Grilled pork chops on a white plate with parsley.

Grilled Pork Chops Recipe

5 from 5 votes
Recipe by: Jamielyn Nye
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
These are the best grilled pork chops that are tender, juicy and perfect for a summer BBQ. A simple homemade brown sugar dry rub adds sweet and savory taste that really adds flavor.
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Ingredients 

  • 2 Tablespoons dark brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ Tablespoon Kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
  • 4 boneless pork loin chops , trimmed and patted dry

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, stir together 2 Tablespoons brown sugar, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 Tablespoon salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper. Rub the mixture all over the pork chops.
  • Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (about 400℉), turning on only on one side of the burners.
  • Place pork chops directly on the side that is on and sear 2 to 3 minutes on each side.
  • Move the pork chops over to the side that is off and continue cooking an additional 5 to 6 minutes per side, or until a digital thermometer inserted in the center reads 145℉. Remove and let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Last step: Please leave a comment and rating after you make the recipe.

Nutrition

Calories: 236kcal, Carbohydrates: 7g, Protein: 29g, Fat: 9g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 4g, Trans Fat: 0.1g, Cholesterol: 90mg, Sodium: 939mg, Potassium: 535mg, Fiber: 0.4g, Sugar: 6g, Vitamin A: 254IU, Vitamin C: 0.01mg, Calcium: 19mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.

Substitutions and Variations

  • The seasoning blend I use for this recipe is just a jumping-off point. I have another pork tenderloin rub that would also be delicious.
  • You can also add red pepper flakes for heat if you like your grilled pork chops a little spicy.
  • If you have a bit of extra time and you want to marinate the meat you can! Use anyone of my marinades or whip up your own using things like soy sauce, ginger, garlic, honey, brown sugar, etc.
  • You could even slather them in sauce like I do with my BBQ chicken on the grill!

Make Ahead and Storage

  • Make ahead: If you would like, you can add the dry rub to the pork chops and rest covered in the refrigerator up to 24 hours in advance.
  • Store: Once cooled, stored grilled pork chops in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven, microwave or on the grill.