How to Cook Thin Pork Chops on a Traeger Grill for Perfectly Juicy Results

Traeger grills are ideal for cooking thin pork chops to tender, juicy perfection. With a little know-how, you can easily make flavorful, mouthwatering pork chops on your Traeger using just a few simple steps.

Follow this complete guide to learn how to cook thin pork chops on your Traeger grill for the best results every time.

Choosing the Right Thin Pork Chops

The first step is selecting high-quality thin pork chops at the store. Here’s what to look for:

• Thickness – Opt for chops 1⁄2 to 1 inch thick. Thinner than 1⁄2 inch can overcook quickly.

• Bone-in or boneless – Bone-in chops have more flavor but boneless cook faster Either works,

• Marbling – Good marbling means more moistness and flavor. Avoid lean, dry looking chops

• Size – For Traegers, smaller 6-8 oz chops cook best. Larger chops may require two-zone cooking.

For easy Traeger cooking, choose evenly sized, well-marbled bone-in or boneless chops around 1⁄2 inch thick. This thickness cooks up quickly and evenly.

Prepping and Seasoning the Pork Chops

Proper seasoning and prep ensure delicious flavor. Here are some tips:

• Pat dry – Blot chops with paper towels before seasoning.

• Use a rub – For flavor, coat both sides with a pork rub.

• Brown sugar – For caramelization, add brown sugar to the rub.

• Get creative – Use unique spices like smoked paprika, chili powder or cumin.

• Drizzle oil – Lightly drizzle chops with oil so seasoning adheres.

• Let sit – After seasoning, let chops rest 15-30 minutes before grilling.

Taking the time to season and prep the pork chops makes all the difference in the final flavor.

Setting Up the Traeger Grill

Before cooking, get your Traeger grill ready by:

• Assembling – Ensure grill is fully assembled and secured. Consult manual if needed.

• Burn-in – Perform initial burn-in as directed to prime the grill.

• Add pellets – Make sure hopper is full of preferred smoking wood pellets.

• Preheat – Turn on grill, set to 450°F and preheat 15 minutes.

• Clean grates – While heating, clean grates with brush to prevent sticking.

With the Traeger preheated and ready, it’s time to start grilling those chops!

Grilling Thin Pork Chops on the Traeger

Grilling thin chops on your Traeger takes just a few simple steps:

• High heat – Use grill temp of 450°F for quick, even cooking.

• Direct heat – Place chops directly over hot fire for best sear.

• Don’t move – Let chops sear 4-5 minutes undisturbed to get a crust.

• Flip once – Flip and cook second side another 4-5 minutes.

• Check temp – Use a meat thermometer to test doneness. Remove at 145°F.

• Rest – Let chops rest 5 minutes before serving for juicier meat.

The direct high heat of the Traeger grill quickly cooks the chops while adding delicious smoky flavor.

Traeger Pork Chop Tips and Tricks

Follow these tips for the best results:

• If chops are very lean, spritz with apple juice during grilling to prevent drying.

• For added flavor, use different wood pellets like apple, pecan, or cherry.

• If pork chops are thick, use two-zone cooking with higher heat on one side.

• Check the internal temp in the thickest part of chops to ensure doneness.

• Let chops rest at least 5 minutes before serving to retain moisture.

• For caramelized chops, baste with BBQ sauce the last few minutes.

With the right techniques, you can make incredibly flavorful, juicy grilled pork chops on your Traeger grill every time.

Common Traeger Pork Chop Questions

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

What temperature should I cook pork chops on a Traeger?

For thin chops, use a high temp of around 450°F. They’ll take 15-30 minutes to reach 145°F internally.

Do you flip pork chops on a Traeger?

Yes, flip the chops once halfway through grilling for even cooking on both sides.

How long do you cook 1-inch pork chops on a Traeger?

1-inch chops take 18-25 minutes at 450°F, flipping once halfway through. Cook to 145°F.

Should you wrap pork chops in foil on a Traeger?

Wrapping is optional. It can help retain moisture but may soften the crust.

How long do you rest pork chops after Traeger?

Let pork chops rest 5 minutes after grilling before cutting to allow juices to redistribute.

What pellets are best for pork chops?

Fruit woods like apple, cherry and pecan give pork a slightly sweet, smoky flavor.

Get Perfect Grilled Pork Chops Every Time

Cooking thin pork chops on your Traeger grill is fast, easy and delicious. Follow these tips:

• Choose 1⁄2 to 1 inch bone-in or boneless chops with good marbling.

• Season chops at least 30 minutes before grilling.

• Cook at 450°F for 15-30 minutes, flipping once.

• Test temperature – 145°F for slightly pink chops.

• Rest 5 minutes then serve and enjoy!

With the right techniques, you’ll get mouthwatering grilled pork chops off your Traeger grill every time.