These smoked pork chops are seasoned with barbecue rub and then smoked and finished off with a coating of BBQ sauce. They're simple to make and produce juicy and tender meat that is full of smokey flavor!
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Why this Recipe Works
Looking for a mouthwatering meal that's both easy to make and bursting with flavor? Look no further than this smoked pork chops recipe!
These juicy and tender pork chops are seasoned with BBQ rub, then smoked to perfection, resulting in a smoky flavor that will leave your taste buds craving more. Whether you're hosting a backyard cookout or simply want a delicious family dinner, these smoked pork chops are sure to impress.
Not only are these smoked pork chops incredibly flavorful, but they're also a breeze to prepare. With just a few basic store-bought ingredients and a smoker, you can achieve tender and juicy chops that will have everyone asking for seconds!
What Pork Chops are Best for Smoking?
There are several cuts of pork chops commonly available in most supermarkets. Bone-in pork chops are typically available as rib chops, loin chops, sirloin chops, and blade chops. Boneless chops are either loin or rib chops with the bone removed.
For smoked pork chops, I recommend using rib chops or loin chops. Bone-in or boneless pork chops will work, but I find bone-in chops are a little less prone to drying out.
The key to the best smoked pork chops is to use very thick pork chops. Look for them to be 1½ to 2 inches thick. This thickness will allow time to get lots of smokey flavor into the meat without overcooking and drying out your pork chops.
Ingredient Notes
- Pork Chops - I recommend using thick-cut bone-in pork chops at least 1½ inches thick. Thinner pork chops tend to dry out and are better suited for faster cooking methods.
- Barbecue Rub - You can choose your favorite rub or try my homemade all-purpose barbecue rub seasoning.
- Sauce - Basting the pork chops with sauce at the end is optional but adds a ton of flavor to the pork chops.
See the recipe card at the bottom of this post for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your smoker to 250℉.
- Season the pork chops with barbecue rub on all sides.
- Place the pork chops in the smoker and cook for 60-90 minutes until they reach an internal temperature of 130℉.
- Baste the pork chops with barbecue sauce and increase the temperature of the smoker to 325℉. Cook for another 15-20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 140-145℉. Alternatively, you can sauce and finish the pork chops on your grill over medium heat for 8-10 minutes until they reach 145°F.
- Transfer the pork chops to a cutting board, then tent loosely with foil and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Expert Tips
- Use thick-cut pork chops between 1½ and 2 inches thick.
- Use a digital meat thermometer with a leave-in probe to track the internal temperature of the meat as it cooks. This will help avoid overcooking.
- Rest the meat for 10 minutes after cooking. This gives the meat time to reabsorb and distribute the natural juices and results in more juicy meat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Reheat leftovers in a baking dish in a 325°F oven for 10-12 minutes until warmed through. Smaller portions can be reheated in the microwave.
I recommend applewood for smoked pork chops. The combination of pork and applewood is a match made in heaven! Cherry or hickory are also good choices.
Like most meats, smoking time can vary a bit when smoking pork chops but plan on 60 to 90 minutes for 1½ inch thick chops cooking at 250°F.
What to Serve with Smoked Pork Chops
These flavorful smoked barbecue pork chops are perfect for a flavorful meal at your next backyard cookout. They go great with classic cookout side dishes like my smoked baked beans, creamy Southern-style coleslaw, and more. Here are some of my other favorites:
- Broccoli Salad {Chicken Salad Chick Copycat}
- Hawaiian Mac Salad
- Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- Garlic Butter Green Beans
More Recipes For the Smoker
📖 Recipe
Smoked Pork Chops
Ingredients
- 4 Thick cut bone-in pork chops, 1½ inches thick or more
- 2-3 Tablespoons barbecue rub
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your smoker to 250℉.
- Season the pork chops with barbecue rub on all sides.
- Place the pork chops in the smoker and cook for 60-90 minutes until they reach an internal temperature of 130℉.
- Baste the pork chops with barbecue sauce and increase the temperature of the smoker to 325℉. Cook for another 15-20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 140-145℉. Alternatively, you can sauce and finish the chops on a grill over medium heat for around 8-10 minutes until they reach 145℉.
- Transfer the pork chops to a cutting board, then tent loosely with foil and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use thick-cut pork chops between 1½ and 2 inches thick.
- Use a digital meat thermometer with a leave-in probe to track the internal temperature of the meat as it cooks. This will help avoid overcooking.
- Rest the meat for 10 minutes after cooking. This gives the meat time to reabsorb and distribute the natural juices and results in more juicy meat.
Nutrition
* All nutrition information we provide are estimates based on third party calculators. We encourage you to calculate these on your own for accurate results.
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