Hey Y’all, Craig here from With the Bickhams! Today, I’m sharing a recipe that might just be the best pork chop recipe ever – no exaggeration! These pork chops are sweet, juicy, and cooked to perfection on my Z Grill. The combination of low and slow cooking, along with a flavorful Honey Brown Sugar Bourbon glaze, makes these chops absolutely irresistible. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll want to make it over and over again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Pork Chops:
- 5 pork chops, washed and dried
- Olive oil spray
- Your favorite sweet-based seasoning (I use my own brown sugar-based mix)
For the Honey Brown Sugar Bourbon Glaze:
- 1 to 2 cups of ketchup
- 1/2 cup of brown sugar
- 4 tbsp of Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp of white vinegar
- 1 tbsp of seasoning (salt, black pepper, granulated garlic, granulated onion)
- 4 to 5 tbsp of honey
- 1 tsp of maple extract
- 2 tbsp of apple juice
- 2 tbsp of bourbon
- About 6 drops of red food coloring
Step 1: Preparing the Pork Chops
One of the keys to juicy, tender pork chops is to use a cut that’s a little fattier. For this recipe, I opted for the cheaper cuts of pork, but pork steaks work great too. To me, they’re a bit more tender than the center cut.
- Season the Pork Chops:
- Start by washing and drying the pork chops. Then, season them well with your favorite sweet-based seasoning. I like to use my own brown sugar-based mix for that perfect balance of sweetness and spice.
- Just before placing the chops on the grill, spray them with a bit of olive oil. This helps the seasoning stick and keeps the chops from drying out during cooking.
Step 2: Cooking on the Z Grill
Cooking pork chops low and slow is essential for achieving that juicy, tender texture we all crave. The Z Grill is perfect for this because it maintains a consistent temperature, allowing the meat to cook evenly without drying out.
- Preheat the Z Grill:
- Preheat your Z Grill to 225 degrees F. This low temperature is ideal for slow-cooking pork chops, allowing them to absorb the smoky flavor while retaining their moisture.
- Cook the Pork Chops:
- Place the seasoned pork chops on the grill and let them cook for about an hour. Start checking the internal temperature at the one-hour mark. You’re aiming for an internal temperature of 135 degrees F before applying the glaze.
Step 3: Making the Honey Brown Sugar Bourbon Glaze
Now, let’s talk about this glaze – it’s what takes these pork chops to the next level. The combination of sweet, tangy, and a little bit of bourbon adds a richness that complements the pork perfectly.
- Combine the Ingredients:
- In a medium saucepan, mix together the ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, white vinegar, seasoning, honey, maple extract, apple juice, bourbon, and red food coloring. Whisk everything together until well combined.
- Cook the Glaze:
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Once it starts to boil, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 7 to 10 minutes, continuing to stir. The glaze should thicken slightly and develop a rich, deep color.
- Store the Glaze:
- This glaze is so good you’ll want to keep it on hand for other dishes! I like to store it in a 16 oz canning jar. To prep the jar, add some water and microwave it for 4 to 5 minutes to heat the jar. Once the glaze is done, pour it into the jar and seal it with a lid. It’ll keep in the fridge for your next BBQ session.
Step 4: Glazing and Finishing the Pork Chops
- Glaze the Pork Chops:
- When the internal temperature of the pork chops reaches 135 degrees F, it’s time to apply the glaze. Brush a generous amount of the Honey Brown Sugar Bourbon glaze over the chops and continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 143 to 145 degrees F.
- Rest the Pork Chops:
- Remove the pork chops from the grill and let them rest for 10 minutes. This step is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring that each bite is tender and juicy.
The Secret to Perfect Pork Chops
The key to perfect pork chops is all about controlling the temperature. Pork can easily become dry if overcooked, so it’s important to remove it from the heat just before it reaches the ideal internal temperature of 145 degrees F. Letting it rest for a few minutes will bring it up to the perfect doneness without drying it out.
Using a reliable digital meat thermometer, like the ThermoPro (which you can find in our Amazon Storefront, is essential for achieving that perfect internal temperature every time. It takes the guesswork out of grilling and ensures that your pork chops are cooked to perfection.
Conclusion
These pork chops are hands down some of the best I’ve ever made. The combination of slow-cooking on the Z Grill and the rich, flavorful glaze makes them a real showstopper. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a BBQ, this recipe is sure to impress.
I hope you enjoy making these as much as I did! Don’t forget to watch the YouTube video below to see the process in action. And if you haven’t already, please subscribe to our With the Bickhams YouTube channel for more delicious recipes and cooking tips.
Happy grilling, and I’ll see you next time!
Watch the YouTube video tutorial below!
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By following these steps, you’ll create the most delicious, tender, and juicy pork chops that are perfect for any occasion. Be sure to watch our YouTube video for a visual guide to making these amazing pork chops. Enjoy, and happy cooking!