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Smoked Pork Chops Recipe (Using Traeger or Wood Pellet Grill)
A simple yet flavorful brine is the key to smoking pork chops (bone-in or boneless) to tender perfection, every time.
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Brine Time
2 hrs
Total Time
2 hrs 40 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 296 kcal
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
American
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.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Leftovers will keep well for up to 3 days stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Nutrition Information
Serving
1pc
Calories
296kcal
(15%)
Carbohydrates
8g
(3%)
Protein
37g
(74%)
Fat
12g
(18%)
Saturated Fat
4g
(20%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
2g
Monounsaturated Fat
5g
Trans Fat
1g
Cholesterol
114mg
(38%)
Sodium
7161mg
(298%)
Potassium
716mg
(20%)
Fiber
1g
(4%)
Sugar
6g
(12%)
Vitamin A
21IU
(0%)
Vitamin C
1mg
(1%)
Calcium
32mg
(3%)
Iron
1mg
(6%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 296
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1pc | |
| Calories | 296kcal | 15% |
| Carbohydrates | 8g | 3% |
| Protein | 37g | 74% |
| Fat | 12g | 18% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 114mg | 38% |
| Sodium | 7161mg | 298% |
| Potassium | 716mg | 15% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 6g | 12% |
| Vitamin A | 21IU | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 32mg | 3% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.