Pork Chops on George Foreman Grill Recipe: Juicy Thickness With Grill Marks

Pork Chops on George Foreman Grill Recipe: Juicy Thickness With Grill Marks

This method delivers juicy pork chops with perfect grill marks every time on your George Foreman grill.

I’ve refined the timing and seasoning to ensure tender, flavorful results without drying out the meat.

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Difficulty
Medium
🥩
Diet
Meat
⏱️
Total Time
30 min
🔥
Calories
Med Cal

Ingredients for Pork Chops on George Foreman Grill

These center-cut chops and bold seasonings create restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.

Ingredient Amount Notes
Bone-In Pork Chops 🥩 4 whole 1-inch thick, center-cut preferred
Kosher Salt 🧂 1 ½ tsp Diamond Crystal preferred for even seasoning
Freshly Ground Black Pepper 🌶️ 1 tsp Coarse grind for texture
Garlic Powder 🧄 1 tsp Not garlic salt
Smoked Paprika 🌶️ 1 tsp Adds depth to crust
Dried Thyme 🍃 ½ tsp Crushed between fingers
Olive Oil 🫒 2 tbsp Extra-virgin for brushing
Brown Sugar 🍚 1 tsp Light or dark, for caramelization
Dijon Mustard 🟡 1 tbsp For tangy glaze
Apple Cider Vinegar 🍏 1 tsp Balances sweetness
Unsalted Butter 🧈 1 tbsp Optional for basting

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The pork chops are critical here. Bone-in, center-cut with 1-inch thickness ensures they stay juicy on the George Foreman’s high heat. Look for pale pink color with good marbling—this fat keeps them moist. Most supermarkets carry suitable cuts, but Costco or a local butcher will have the best selection. Avoid thin-cut chops; they dry out too quickly.

No smoked paprika? Regular paprika plus a pinch of cayenne works, but you’ll lose some depth. Fresh garlic at half the amount can replace garlic powder—just mince it finely. Brown sugar can be swapped for honey or maple syrup (use 1.5 tsp for either). Dijon mustard is non-negotiable for the glaze, but yellow mustard in a pinch adds tang without the same complexity.

Pork chops keep in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze for 6 months. Season them just before grilling to avoid drawing out moisture. Leftovers reheat well—wrap in foil and warm at 325°F for about 10 minutes.

❤️

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Set It & Forget It: No babysitting the stove—just season, press, and let the grill do the work in half the time of a skillet.
  • Smoky Depth: That smoked paprika and garlic powder combo gives these chops a rich, almost charred flavor without the hassle of outdoor grilling.
  • Weeknight Hero: I throw these together between soccer practice and bedtime—bone-in chops stay juicy even when dinner’s chaotic.
  • Leftovers? No Problem: Honestly, they reheat better than most proteins. Cold or warmed, those spices keep the flavor bold the next day.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Pork Chops on George Foreman Grill

Preheat the grill and prepare the chops properly for optimal juiciness and pronounced grill marks.

Step 1: Season the Bone-In Pork Chops

Pat the 4 whole Bone-In Pork Chops dry with paper towels to ensure the seasoning adheres properly and promotes even browning. In a small bowl, combine the 1.5 tsp Kosher Salt, 1 tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper, 1 tsp Garlic Powder, 1 tsp Smoked Paprika, and 0.5 tsp Dried Thyme.

Rub this seasoning blend evenly over all surfaces of the bone-in pork chops, pressing gently to ensure it sticks. This dry brine method enhances flavor penetration and ensures the crust forms perfectly on the George Foreman grill.

Step 2: Create the Glaze

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the 2 tbsp Olive Oil, 1 tsp Brown Sugar, 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard, and 1 tsp Apple Cider Vinegar until fully emulsified. The brown sugar will caramelize during grilling, while the Dijon mustard and apple cider vinegar provide a tangy balance.

Brush this glaze lightly over both sides of the seasoned bone-in pork chops. Reserve a small amount for basting during grilling if desired. This step ensures a flavorful, slightly sticky surface that will create beautiful grill marks.

Step 3: Preheat and Grill the Pork Chops

Preheat your George Foreman grill to its highest setting. Once fully heated, lightly brush the grill plates with some of the remaining olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the bone-in pork chops on the grill, ensuring they are not overlapping.

Close the lid and cook for 6-8 minutes, depending on thickness. The George Foreman grill cooks from both sides simultaneously, so resist the urge to open the lid. You’ll know the chops are ready when they reach an internal temperature of 145°F and display distinct grill marks.

Step 4: Rest and Serve

Transfer the bone-in pork chops to a clean plate and tent loosely with aluminum foil. Let them rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. This resting period is crucial for maintaining the promised juiciness.

Optional: For added richness, melt the 1 tbsp Unsalted Butter and drizzle it over the pork chops just before serving. The butter will enhance the glaze and add a silky finish to each bite.

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Pro Tips For Making Pork Chops On George Foreman Grill

  • Preheat the Grill: I learned this the hard way—always preheat your George Foreman for at least 5 minutes. Cold grills stick and leave your pork chops pale and sad.
  • Pat Dry First: sounds weird, but it works: Blot the chops with a paper towel before seasoning. Wet meat steams instead of searing, and you’ll lose that crust.
  • Skip the Thick Cuts: Bone-in chops thicker than 1 inch often don’t cook through on a George Foreman without burning outside. Stick to ¾-1 inch for even doneness.
  • Rest Before Serving: After grilling, tent the chops with foil for 5 minutes. I was skeptical until I tried it—juices redistribute, and they stay tender.

Common Mistakes When Making This Dish

Overcrowding the Grill

Never place more than 2 pork chops on a standard George Foreman grill at once. The chops need space for proper heat circulation. Crowding leads to uneven cooking and prevents those perfect grill marks I love. 🔥

Skipping the Preheat

Always preheat your grill for at least 5 minutes before adding the pork chops. Cold grill plates cause sticking and prevent the crust from forming. I learned this the hard way at my first BBQ competition.

Underseasoning the Meat

Don’t be shy with the rub. These bone-in chops need at least 1.5 tsp kosher salt and 1 tsp smoked paprika to develop the bold flavor profile. The seasoning should form a visible crust on the meat.

Opening the Lid

Resist the urge to peek! Opening the lid releases heat and interrupts the cooking process. The George Foreman works best when left closed for the full 6-8 minutes. Trust the process.

Skipping the Rest

Those juicy results come from resting the chops for 5-10 minutes after grilling. Cutting too soon lets all the juices escape onto the cutting board. I always tent mine with foil to keep them warm.

Ignoring Thickness

Thin chops dry out quickly. Always use 1-inch thick, center-cut bone-in pork chops for this method. Thinner cuts need 2-3 minutes less cooking time but won’t have the same juiciness.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4
Amount Per Serving
Calories 320kcal
% Daily Value
Total Fat 20g26%
Saturated Fat 6g30%
Cholesterol 90mg30%
Sodium 580mg25%
Total Carbohydrate 3g1%
Dietary Fiber 1g4%
Sugars 1g
Protein 34g68%
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

1

How do I prevent my chops from sticking?

Preheat the grill for at least 5 minutes, then brush lightly with oil. Ensure chops are dry and seasoned before placing them on the hot surface.

2

Can I use boneless chops?

Yes, but reduce cooking time to 4-5 minutes. Bone-in chops are preferred for juiciness, but boneless work if that’s what you have.

3

What if my chops are thinner than 1 inch?

Cook for 2-3 minutes less and monitor internal temp closely. Thin chops dry out faster, so keep an eye on them.

4

Is the glaze optional?

Technically yes, but it adds caramelization and depth. For best results, use the full 1 tbsp Dijon mustard and 1 tsp brown sugar blend.

★★★★★4.7(15 reviews)
Chef Melanie

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