What the heck is this?
If you are ready to turn up the flavor and fire up the grill, then these Cajun Grilled Pork Chops are calling your name. Thick, juicy pork chops coated in a smoky, spicy Cajun rub and seared to perfection on the grill. They are bold, zesty, and bursting with Southern-inspired flavor in every bite. Whether you are hosting a summer cookout, craving a simple weeknight dinner, or just need an excuse to break out the tongs, these pork chops deliver serious flavor with hardly any fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Big, bold, smoky Cajun flavors with just the right amount of heat
- Juicy and tender thanks to a simple seasoning and proper grilling
- Quick to make with everyday ingredients
- Perfect for meal prep, barbecues, and weeknight dinners
- Totally customizable for spice lovers and mild-mannered taste buds alike
The Good Stuff You’ll Need
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar (optional for a touch of sweetness)
Let’s Do This
Step 1: Preheat the Grill
Heat your grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F. Clean and oil the grates to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Make the Cajun Rub
In a small bowl, whisk together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne pepper, black pepper, salt, and brown sugar if using. This homemade rub is where the magic happens.
Step 3: Season the Pork Chops
Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Rub each chop all over with olive oil, then sprinkle generously with the Cajun seasoning on both sides, pressing the spices gently into the meat to make sure they stick.
Step 4: Grill to Perfection
Place the seasoned pork chops on the grill. Grill for about 4 to 5 minutes per side, depending on the thickness, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F. Let them get a nice sear without moving them too much. That smoky char adds flavor.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Remove the pork chops from the grill and let them rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This lets the juices redistribute and keeps the meat tender and juicy.
Serving Suggestions
These Cajun Grilled Pork Chops are amazing with classic Southern sides like:
- Creamy coleslaw
- Corn on the cob
- Grilled vegetables
- Rice pilaf or dirty rice
- Mashed sweet potatoes
For something lighter, pair them with a crisp garden salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette.
Switch It Up
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch more cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce to the rub if you love heat.
- Sweeter Touch: Add a full tablespoon of brown sugar to create a sweet-and-spicy crust.
- Cajun Butter Finish: Melt a little butter and stir in extra Cajun seasoning, then brush over the pork chops right before serving for an extra luscious bite.
- Use Chicken or Shrimp: This Cajun rub is also incredible on grilled chicken breasts or jumbo shrimp.
Make-Ahead Tips
- You can make the spice rub ahead of time and keep it stored in an airtight jar for weeks.
- You can even season the pork chops a few hours ahead of grilling to let the flavors really soak in.
- Leftovers reheat beautifully. Just warm them gently in a low oven (around 300°F) or slice them up and toss them into salads, sandwiches, or wraps.
Questions People Actually Ask
Q: Can I make these pork chops in a grill pan?
A: Definitely. Heat a heavy grill pan over medium-high heat and cook the chops just like you would on an outdoor grill. You will still get beautiful grill marks and big flavor.
Q: How do I keep pork chops from drying out?
A: Do not overcook them. Use a meat thermometer and pull them off the grill once they hit 145°F. Letting them rest afterward also helps lock in the juices.
Q: Can I marinate the pork chops instead of using a dry rub?
A: Sure can. Mix the Cajun spices with a little olive oil and lemon juice to make a marinade. Let the chops soak for 1 to 2 hours before grilling.
Cajun Grilled Pork Chops
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 pork chops 1x
Description
If you are ready to turn up the flavor and fire up the grill, then these Cajun Grilled Pork Chops are calling your name. Thick, juicy pork chops coated in a smoky, spicy Cajun rub and seared to perfection on the grill. They are bold, zesty, and bursting with Southern-inspired flavor in every bite. Whether you are hosting a summer cookout, craving a simple weeknight dinner, or just need an excuse to break out the tongs, these pork chops deliver serious flavor with hardly any fuss.
Ingredients
4 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
2 teaspoons dried oregano
2 teaspoons dried thyme
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon brown sugar (optional for a touch of sweetness)
Instructions
Heat your grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F. Clean and oil the grates to prevent sticking.
In a small bowl, whisk together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne pepper, black pepper, salt, and brown sugar if using. This homemade rub is where the magic happens.
Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Rub each chop all over with olive oil, then sprinkle generously with the Cajun seasoning on both sides, pressing the spices gently into the meat to make sure they stick.
Place the seasoned pork chops on the grill. Grill for about 4 to 5 minutes per side, depending on the thickness, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F. Let them get a nice sear without moving them too much. That smoky char adds flavor.
Remove the pork chops from the grill and let them rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This lets the juices redistribute and keeps the meat tender and juicy.
Notes
These Cajun Grilled Pork Chops are amazing with classic Southern sides like:
Creamy coleslaw
Corn on the cob
Grilled vegetables
Rice pilaf or dirty rice
Mashed sweet potatoes
For something lighter, pair them with a crisp garden salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~320 calories Per Pork Chop
- Protein: ~32g Per Pork Chop