Grilling thin pork chops on a gas grill can seem intimidating. Without the right techniques, these delicate cuts of meat can easily dry out and toughen up. But with a few simple tricks, you’ll be enjoying tender, juicy pork chops off your gas grill in no time. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to grill thin pork chops to perfection on a gas grill.

Getting Started – Choosing and Prepping Thin Pork Chops

Thin pork chops cut from the loin or rib area around 1⁄2 to 3⁄4 inches thick, work best for quick cooking on the grill. Choose chops that are evenly sized so they’ll cook at the same rate.

Before grilling, trim off any excess fat or connective tissue to prevent flare-ups Pat the chops dry with paper towels so they brown nicely on the grill Brush both sides with olive oil to help prevent sticking and promote browning. Season liberally with salt and pepper. For extra flavor, you can also rub on garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder or your favorite pork chop seasoning blend. Let the seasoned chops sit at room temperature while you preheat the grill.

Preheat Your Gas Grill

Preheating is a must for achieving a good sear while preventing the thin chops from overcooking Turn all burners to high and close the lid Preheat for 10 to 15 minutes, until the thermometer reads 500-600°F. Grilling on a clean, well-oiled grate will also cut down on sticking.

Quick Tips for Grilling Success

• Grill the chops directly over the heat, without overcrowding. Leaving some space between them allows heat to circulate and cook them evenly.

• Grill thinner chops for a shorter time, about 4 minutes per side. Check for doneness early to avoid overcooking.

• Flip the chops only once during grilling. Moving them around too much can lead to dried out pork.

• Use tongs, not a fork, to flip the chops. Piercing them will cause juices to escape.

• Arrange the chops so the thicker ends face the hottest area of the grill. This evens out cooking.

• Leave the lid open as you grill to allow smoke to escape and moisture to evaporate for better browning.

Know When They’re Done

The best way to test doneness for thin pork chops is by using an instant read thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chop, away from bone. When it registers 145°F, the chops are fully cooked and safe to eat. At this point they will be slightly pink inside and juicy.

Signs of doneness without a thermometer include:

• The internal color is no longer pink when cut into
• Juices run clear when pierced with a knife
• The meat feels firm when pressed with tongs

Let Them Rest Before Eating

After grilling, resist the urge to dig in immediately. Let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows juices to redistribute so you end up with a juicier, more tender chop. Tent loosely with foil while resting.

Serve Up Some Delicious Pork Chops

With these tips and techniques, you’ll be rewarded with perfectly grilled thin pork chops hot off your gas grill – tender, juicy and full of flavor. Top with a flavorful sauce or chimichurri, or serve alongside fresh grilled veggies for a complete meal. Get creative with rubs and marinades to put your own spin on these quick and easy grilled chops. Grilling thin pork chops on a gas grill has never been simpler.

Helpful Tips for Grilling Success

Grilling thin pork chops presents some unique challenges. Here are a few helpful tips to ensure tender, juicy results when cooking these delicate cuts on the grill:

Keep a Close Eye on Doneness – Thin chops cook quickly, so vigilance is key. Start checking for doneness at the 4 minute mark by nicking a chop with a knife to peek inside, and rely on an instant read thermometer for accuracy.

Create Two Heat Zones – Sear chops over direct high heat, then move to indirect low heat on the grill to finish cooking without burning. This helps prevent overcooking.

Grill Under a Tented Foil Packet – Place chops inside a foil packet with holes poked in top before grilling. This allows for heat circulation while sealing in moisture.

Apply a Light Coating of Oil – Brush both sides of chops lightly with oil before grilling. Oil helps facilitate browning and prevents sticking. Avoid excess oil that can cause flare ups.

Let Marinades Penetrate – Marinating thin chops requires less time. Let chops sit for 30 mins – 1 hour before grilling for best flavor and tenderness.

Allow a Proper Rest – Never slice into hot-off-the-grill chops. Letting them rest 5+ minutes allows juices to redistribute so meat stays tender and moist.

Choosing the Right Thickness of Pork Chop for Grilling

When selecting pork chops for grilling, the thickness you choose can make all the difference in getting the results you want. Here’s an overview of how thickness impacts grilling method and technique:

Thin Chops – 1⁄2 to 3⁄4 inch thick

• Cook quickly, require close monitoring
• Benefit from direct high heat grilling and two-zone setup
• Tend to dry out easily if overcooked
• Require light seasoning and short marinating times

Medium Chops – 3⁄4 to 1 1⁄2 inches thick

• Offer more margin for error in grilling
• Can be grilled over direct medium heat entirely
• Need moderate seasoning and can marinate 1-2 hours
• Offer the most flexibility in grilling applications

Thick Chops – 1 1⁄2 to 2 inches thick

• Require indirect heat and grill lid closed to cook through
• Can handle heavier seasoning and longer marinating
• Benefit from reverse searing and finishing over direct heat
• Offer most leeway in achieving perfect doneness

Choose thickness based on desired prep time, flavor depth, and margin of error when grilling. Thinner chops make an easy weeknight meal while thicker chops shine for more low and slow cooking techniques.

Marinating Thin Pork Chops for Maximum Flavor

Marinating is one of the best ways to infuse thin pork chops with flavor before tossing them on the grill. Follow these tips for a foolproof marinade that guarantees juicy, flavor-packed chops:

Keep it Brief – Thin chops need less time to marinate than thicker cuts, about 30 minutes to 1 hour. Excess time can make them mushy.

Use Acidic Ingredients – Ingredients like vinegar, citrus juice, wine, and yogurt help tenderize chops. They impart flavor fast.

Include Oil – Oil helps chops brown beautifully on the grill. Opt for olive, avocado or vegetable oil.

Season Generously – The marinade is a chance to layer in robust flavor. Use spices like garlic, onion, pepper, cumin, chili powder, etc.

Try a Dry Rub – Combine dried spices and herbs like smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, garlic powder and brown sugar and coat chops for quick flavor.

Get Creative with Flavors – Tailor marinades to cuisine – Italian (balsamic, basil, oregano), Mexican (lime, cilantro, chili powder), Asian (sesame oil, soy, ginger), etc.

Marinate in a Sealable Bag – Use a zip top plastic bag to marinate chops. Press out air and seal before massaging marinade into meat.

With a flavor-packed marinade, you’re guaranteed juicy, delicious grilled pork chops in under an hour from start to finish. Grill on!

Step-by-Step Guide to Grilling Perfect Thin Pork Chops

Follow this simple step-by-step guide for foolproof thin pork chops with an unbeatable flavorful char and juicy interior every time you grill:

Step 1) Choose evenly sized, 1⁄2 to 3⁄4 inch thick boneless pork chops for quick cooking. Ribs chops work too but may take a few extra minutes.

Step 2) Trim excess fat and connective tissue from chops for better browning. Pat chops very dry with paper towels.

Step 3) Apply a light coating of oil on both sides of chops. Season generously with salt, pepper and spices like garlic powder.

Step 4) Allow seasoned chops to sit at room temperature 30 minutes before grilling. Meanwhile, preheat gas grill to 500-600°F.

Step 5) Grill chops directly over high heat 4 minutes per side with lid up. Flip only once during cooking.

Step 6) Check temperature after 8 minutes. Grill until chops register 145°F internally.

Step 7) When done, remove chops from grill and tent loosely with foil. Let rest 5 minutes.

Step 8) Serve chops hot off the grill with desired sauces or sides. Enjoy your juicy, flaw