Easy Smoked Pork Chops (with Brine)
by Sommer Collier — last updated on Sep 26, 2024 
A simple yet flavorful brine is the key to making these Easy Smoked Pork Chops to tender perfection every time! And with our simple steps you’ll learn how to smoke boneless or bone-in pork chops at 350° in only 30 minutes.
Sommer’s Recipe Notes
Smoky, juicy, and tender Smoked Pork Chops are just about the most satisfying main dish there is. A thick cut of pork is super meaty and savory, but with a slightly sweeter taste than beef or other types of meat.
It’s also a great protein to infuse with seasonings because it takes on the flavors and aromatic ingredients. We soak our pork chops in a simple apple cider brine for several hours to get the meat perfectly tenderized, then season and cook on a Traeger smoker at 350.
Why You’ll Love These Easy Smoked Pork Chops
- Easy to make – Use this easy brine and smoking method to create the most amazing, flavorful, absolutely BEST pork chops ever…And in only about 30 minutes!
- Packed with flavor – The brine makes these pork chops extra juicy every time! And here I show you how long to smoke pork chops at 350 so they let all those flavors really shine.
- Meal-prep wonder – I love to make extra pork chops and keep them on hand for the week because they’re perfect for sandwiches, salads and bowls.
These smoked pork chops are the ultimate homemade pork dish with a gourmet twist!
Ingredients and Tips
- Water – To make the base of this brine, you’ll need hot tap water.
- Salt – Use either kosher salt or sea salt to seal in the moisture.
- Apple cider – I prefer apple cider, but you can also use apple juice, to give a sweetness to the brine.
- Pork chops – You can use either bone-in pork chops or boneless pork chops — it’s totally your personal preference.
- Spices – You will need a mix of lemon pepper, dried thyme, ground sage, garlic powder and onion powder.
Recipe Variations and Dietary Swaps
- Spicy – Turn up the heat and stir some cayenne pepper and paprika into the brine mixture.
- Maple syrup – To make the brine even sweeter, mix in some maple syrup or brown sugar.
- Roasted chops – If you don’t have a smoker, roast the chops in the oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes.
How To Make Smoked Pork Chops with Brine
Making Smoked Pork Chops might sound like a long and tedious process, but this recipe is surprisingly easy and simple! All you need is a smoker, your brine and dry rub, and in no time you’ll be enjoying the juiciest pork chops!
Find the full Easy Smoked Pork Chops with Brine recipe with detailed instructions and storage tips in the printable form at the bottom of the post!
Storage Notes
- Storing Leftovers – Place leftovers in an airtight container or wrap in foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating Leftovers – Reheat the cooked and seasoned pork chops in a pan or skillet over medium or high heat.
Serving Suggestions
A generous-sized pork chop is practically a meal all on its own! But yes, they are also great as a main with side dishes…
Smoked pork is a classic southern food that is delicious to pair with other comfort food staples like creamy mashed potatoes, cornbread stuffing muffins (with apple and pancetta), and homemade macaroni and cheese.
They are also perfect to enjoy with backyard barbecue-inspired sides! Serve them with potato salad, baked beans, and tangy coleslaw for a taste of summer any time of the year.
And who doesn’t love pork chops with cinnamon spiced apples? No one, that’s who. The sweetness of the apples and smoky flavor of the meat are a match made in heaven!
Frequently Asked Questions
Use your favorite wood chips or wood pellets… I used a hickory and cherry wood blend. But you can go with mesquite or pecan wood if you like.
Bone-in or boneless pork chops that are 1-1.5 inches thick will take approximately 20-30 minutes to smoke. Slightly thicker chops will take a few minutes longer.
Depending on how thick your chops are, it should take only about 30 minutes to smoke them at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
The internal temp of smoked pork chops with brine should be 142-145°F in the thickest part of the chop. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
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Smoked Pork Chops Recipe (Using Traeger or Wood Pellet Grill)
Video
Ingredients
For the Pork Chop Brine –
- 1 cup hot tap water
- ¼ cup kosher salt or sea salt
- 1 cup apple cider or juice
For the Smoked Pork Chops –
- 4 – 1 to 1.5 inch pork chops boneless or bone-in
- 1 teaspoon lemon pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon ground sage
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- For the Brine: Place the salt and hot tap water in a large zip bag. Shake the bag around to dissolve the salt. Then add the apple cider and pork chops. Zip the bag closed and place in a bowl in case of leakage. Place the bowl in the refrigerator and brine the chops for at least two hours, but overnight is better.
- When ready to cook, preheat the smoker to 350°F. (Use your favorite wood chips or wood pellets… I used a hickory and cherry wood blend.)
- Remove the pork chops from the brine and pat dry. In a small bowl combine the lemon pepper, thyme, sage, garlic powder, and onion powder. (There’s no need to add salt if the pork chops are brined. If you did not brine add 1 teaspoon of salt.) Mix the rub seasoning and sprinkle over both sides of the pork chops.
- Once the smoker reaches 350°F, place the pork chops on the smoker. Close the lid and smoke for 15 minutes. Flip the pork chops over and insert a cooking thermometer probe into the thickest part of the pork chop. Continue to smoke for another 10 to 15 minutes, until the pork chops reach 142-145°F in the middle.
- Remove from the smoker and allow the pork chops to rest for five minutes before serving.
My son who doesn’t like meat much loved it!
this pork recipe is super easy and delicious! thank you so much for sharing this recipe
I made these for dinner last night and everyone loved them! So tasty + easy!
Super easy brine! Love the seasoning mix! So simple and yet so good! The pork chops turned out absolutely perfect. Full of incredible flavor! And so moist!!!
I’m always looking for good pork chop recipes, have tried so many, some work and some I’ve not been happy with, regardless have never tried smoking them, a nice change for me, thank you!
These have great flavor and are always a hit with the family. Works with so many sides too!