Mastering Perfectly Cooked Pork Chops on the Traeger Grill

Juicy flavorful pork chops grilled on a Traeger pellet grill are a crowd-pleasing meal. But to get the best results, it’s important to understand how long to cook pork chops on a Traeger as well as proper techniques.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about grilling pork chops on a Traeger grill, from types of chops to cook times, brining, seasoning, and more. Let’s get grilling!

An Overview of Cooking Pork Chops on the Traeger

Traeger grills use pure hardwood pellets to impart delicious smoky flavor to meats vegetables and more. The Traeger allows you to grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise, and barbecue food with wood-fired taste.

Cooking pork chops on a Traeger gives you:

Convenience of setting precise grill temperatures
Ability to infuse pork with subtle smoky flavor
Quick cooking thanks to Traeger’s precise temperature control
Juicy chops from a true convection cooking environment

Choosing the Best Pork Chop Cuts for the Traeger

These are the top pork chop cuts to choose when grilling on the Traeger:

Bone-in rib chops – Most tender and flavorful with a nice fat cap.
Bone-in loin chops – Also tender and juicy with added flavor from the bone.
Thick-cut chops (1 inch or more) – Prevent overcooking and drying out.
Enhanced chops – Injected with broth for extra moisture.
Brined chops – Soaking in a saltwater brine hydrates the meat.

Traeger Pork Chop Cook Times

1-inch chops: Grill for 12-18 minutes at 375°F, flipping halfway.
1 1/2-inch chops: Grill for 18-24 minutes at 375°F, flipping halfway.
Check temperature early and grill until chops reach 145°F internally. Then rest 5 minutes before serving.

How to Grill Perfect Pork Chops on a Traeger Grill

Follow these steps for foolproof pork chops:

Select 1 to 1 1/2-inch thick bone-in rib or loin chops. This thickness prevents overcooking.
Trim excess fat to prevent flare-ups. Leave about 1/8 inch.
Brine the chops (optional). Soaking in a saltwater brine keeps them juicy.
Apply rub or seasoning like Traeger Pork and Poultry Rub.
Preheat Traeger grill to around 375°F using a suitable wood pellet flavor.
Sear each side briefly over direct heat for color and flavor (optional).
Grill chops over indirect heat, flipping once halfway through. Avoid basting, which can cause flare-ups.
Cook until internal temperature reaches 145°F. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
Rest chops 5 minutes before serving for juicier meat.

Handy Pork Chop Grilling Tips

When in doubt, grill an extra chop as insurance against undercooking.
Grilling over indirect heat prevents pork chops from drying out.
If using a marinade, pat off excess to prevent burning or sticking.
Cook slower at a lower temp (325°F) if chops are very thick or bone-in.
Chops continue cooking slightly while resting so don’t overcook.
Add a flavored butter under the skin before grilling for extra moisture and flavor.

Common Traeger Pork Chop Grilling Questions

Should pork chops be grilled on high heat?

No, grilling over high direct heat can cause pork chops to dry out. Indirect heat is best. Use around 375°F.

How long does it take to grill 1-inch pork chops on a Traeger?

Figure around 12-18 minutes per side for 1-inch chops grilled at 375°F, flipping halfway. Check temperature.

What temperature do you grill pork chops on a Traeger?

We recommend grilling around 375°F. Much hotter can cause dryness. Lower temperatures work but increase cook times.

Do you sear pork chops before grilling on a Traeger?

It’s optional, but searing before grilling adds nice color and caramelized flavor. Just avoid direct heat.

Should I brine or marinate pork chops for the Traeger?

Brining keeps chops very moist. Marinating infuses flavor. Both work very well so it’s a matter of preference.

Sample Traeger Pork Chop Recipes and Cook Times

BBQ Pork Chops

2 (1-inch) bone-in rib chops
Traeger Pork and Poultry Rub
Traeger Sweet and Savory BBQ Sauce
Grill at 375°F for 14-18 minutes, flipping occasionally

Cajun Blackened Pork Chops

2 (1 1/2-inch) bone-in loin chops
Cajun seasoning
Grill at 375°F for 22-26 minutes, flipping halfway

Brined Apple Cider Chops

2 (1 1/2-inch) bone-in rib chops
Brined for 2 hours
Traeger Apple Spice Rub
Grill at 375°F for 22-26 minutes, flipping halfway

The Takeaway on Cooking Pork Chops on the Traeger

The Traeger grill allows you to make incredibly flavorful and juicy pork chops with that authentically smokey taste. Use bone-in rib or loin chops at least 1 inch thick. Grill indirectly at 375°F and use a meat thermometer to monitor temperature. Rest briefly before serving. Follow these tips and you’ll have mouthwatering grilled pork chops off your Traeger grill.

Smoke pork chops on Traeger grill – Traeger pork chops – meat church rub’s

FAQ

What temperature do you cook pork chops on a pellet grill?

After massaging in your spices you should let your pork chops rest for around 15 minutes before grilling. High heat, around 450°F, is best for grilling pork chops. At this temperature, they will take between 15 ad 30 minutes to reach 145°F.

What temperature do you cook pork on a Traeger?

We recommend smoking your pork tenderloin at a Traeger temperature of 225 degrees Fahrenheit. If you prefer to grill your pork tenderloin on the grill grate, set your Traeger to 500 degrees instead.

How long does it take to smoke 1 inch pork chops at 225?

How Long Does it Take to Smoke Pork Chops at 225. It takes approximately an hour to smoke a 1 inch pork chop at 225 degrees F (or until it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees F).

How long does it take to cook a 1 inch thick pork chop on the grill?

Grilling 1 to 2-inch thick pork chops requires approximately 6 to 8 minutes per side on a preheated medium-high grill (around 400°F or 204°C). Utilize a meat thermometer to guarantee the internal temperature reaches a safe 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare to 160°F (71°C) for medium doneness.