These juicy grilled pork chops are full of flavor, thanks to a sweet and spicy peach glaze. The combination of tender meat and zesty glaze makes for an amazing meal!
Who knew fruit could make meat taste so good? I love how the peachy sweetness balances the spice. Serve with a fresh salad, and you’ve got a dinner that impresses without much fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in chops are great for flavor, but you can use boneless if that’s what you have. Just adjust the cooking time since boneless chops cook faster.
Peach Preserves: If you’re in a pinch, use apricot preserves or even mango chutney for a similar sweet touch. Both can give a tasty twist!
Hot Sauce: Depending on your taste, any brand of hot sauce works. I like to use a milder version for a hint of spice without overwhelming the peach flavor. You can also try sriracha or even chili flakes for a different heat.
Apple Cider Vinegar: White vinegar or lemon juice can stand in if you don’t have apple cider vinegar. They give a nice tang which complements the sweetness well.
How Do I Keep My Pork Chops Juicy on the Grill?
Juicy pork chops can be yours with a few simple steps! The key is to not rush the cooking process. Here’s how to keep them moist:
- Pat the chops dry before seasoning to help the spices stick.
- Let them sit at room temperature after seasoning for about 15-30 minutes. This helps them cook evenly.
- Use medium-high heat to sear the chops quickly, locking in moisture.
- Always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. Pull them off the grill when they hit 145°F (63°C).
- Let them rest after grilling. This lets the juices redistribute for a juicier bite.
How to Make Juicy Grilled Pork Chops With Spicy Peach Glaze
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
For the Spicy Peach Glaze:
- 1 cup peach preserves
- 1-2 teaspoons hot sauce (adjust to desired spice level)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
For Garnish (Optional):
- Fresh parsley or chives
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to cook. So, in about 25 minutes, you’ll have juicy, flavorful pork chops ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork Chops:
Start by patting the pork chops dry with paper towels. Then, rub each chop with olive oil to help the seasoning stick. Sprinkle salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika generously on both sides. This will give your chops lots of flavor! Let them rest at room temperature while you whip up the glaze.
2. Make the Spicy Peach Glaze:
In a small saucepan, mix together the peach preserves, hot sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Place the saucepan over medium heat and keep stirring until the mixture is warmed through and blended nicely, which should take about 3-5 minutes. Taste the glaze and feel free to add more hot sauce if you like it spicier! Once it’s ready, remove it from the heat and set aside.
3. Preheat the Grill:
Now it’s time to heat your grill! Aim for a medium-high heat—about 400°F (200°C). If you’re using a charcoal grill, wait until the coals are ashed over and spread them evenly for the best grilling results.
4. Grill the Pork Chops:
Place your seasoned pork chops on the grill. Cook them for about 5-6 minutes on one side. When it’s time to flip them, brush a generous amount of the spicy peach glaze on top. Continue grilling for another 5-6 minutes until the internal temperature of the pork chops reaches 145°F (63°C)—this ensures they’re perfectly cooked!
5. Glaze Again:
If you want an extra burst of flavor, brush on a bit more glaze during the last minute of cooking. It will caramelize nicely and add even more taste!
6. Rest and Serve:
Once the pork chops are done, take them off the grill and let them rest for 3-5 minutes. This step is crucial—it helps lock in the juices. Serve them warm and feel free to garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a nice touch!
Enjoy your juicy grilled pork chops with that delightful spicy peach glaze! They’ll be a hit at your dinner table!
Can I Use Bone-In Pork Chops Instead of Boneless?
Absolutely! Bone-in pork chops generally have more flavor and stay juicier during cooking. Just make sure to monitor the grilling time, as they may take a bit longer than boneless chops to cook through.
What If I Don’t Have Peach Preserves?
No worries! You can substitute peach preserves with other fruit preserves such as apricot or mango. For a homemade version, you can combine chopped fresh peaches with sugar and cook them down until thickened. Adjust the sweetness to your liking!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm them up in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or on the grill for a quick warm-up, brushing with a bit of glaze to maintain moisture.
Can I Adjust the Spice Level of the Glaze?
Yes, definitely! You can customize the heat by adding more hot sauce for extra spiciness or reducing it if you’d like a milder glaze. For a different flavor, try adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper instead!
