As a passionate home cook and grill master, I love cooking up thin boneless pork chops on my Traeger grill. When done right they deliver a mouthwatering combo of smoky flavor, juiciness, and convenience.
Thick pork chops with bones are sometimes better, but thin chops are better for quick weeknight meals. This article has all the tips and tricks I know to always grill thin pork chops perfectly on the Traeger. Let’s get firing up those pork chops!.
Benefits of Thin Pork Chops for Grilling
Thin pork chops have some advantages that make them a great choice for the Traeger
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Cook quickly – Without thick bones or excess fat, thin chops grill up fast Ideal for weeknights
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Tender and lean – Less fat means they cook up tender without being greasy.
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Huge surface area—More space to add seasoning and create tasty char.
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Easy to monitor – Their thin profile lets you easily monitor doneness.
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Versatile and affordable – An inexpensive yet delicious grilled option.
So for a fast dinner full of smoky pork flavor, thin chops are perfect for the Traeger.
Choosing Your Thin Pork Chops
You can find thin pork chops at any grocery store, usually around 1⁄2 inch thick. Opt for chops between 4-8 ounces with nice marbling throughout. The marbling bastes the meat and keeps it juicy.
Boneless chops are easiest, but bone-in works too if thinly sliced. Avoid chops with thick bones, large pockets of fat, or shriveled edges. For ideal results, choose uniform chops of similar size and thickness.
Prepping Pork Chops for the Traeger
Proper prep ensures your thin chops grill up super flavorful:
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Pat chops dry – Remove excess moisture with paper towels. Allows seasoning to stick better.
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Brush with oil – A light coat of olive or avocado oil enables ideal charring.
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Generously season – I love using Traeger pork rub but feel free to get creative.
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Let sit 20-30 minutes – Allows time for seasonings to penetrate the meat.
That’s all the prep needed for mouthwatering magic. Now let’s get grilling!
Grilling Thin Pork Chops on the Traeger
With your chops prepped and ready, it’s go time. Follow these simple steps:
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Preheat to 450°F – High heat sear the outside and lock in juices.
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Add chops directly to grates – No need for a pan or foil. Nice grill marks!
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Grill 6 minutes per side – Flipping halfway through. This timing is for 1⁄2 inch thick chops.
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Check temperature – Grill until 145°F internal temp using a meat thermometer.
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Rest 5 minutes – Allows juices to redistribute so meat stays tender.
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Serve and enjoy! – Garnish with a sprinkle of Traeger Fin & Feather rub for a final flavor punch.
That’s all there is to it! Perfectly cooked thin pork chops off the Traeger in about 15 minutes.
Handling Thicker Pork Chops on the Traeger
If you have slightly thicker pork chops, around 3⁄4 – 1 inch, a few adjustments are needed:
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Lower temp to 400°F – Gives more time for inside to cook without burning outside.
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Increase grill time – May need 8-10 minutes per side depending on thickness.
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Monitor temperature – Grill until internal temp hits 145°F then remove immediately.
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Rest 5-7 minutes – Helps thicken chops fully cook through.
Thicker chops just require a little more time and temp monitoring for the best results. Still grill delicious!
Infusing Your Pork Chops with Flavor
While basic salt and pepper delivers tasty grilled chops, there are endless ways to pump up the flavor:
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Dry rubs – Smoked paprika, brown sugar, coffee, chili powder, Traeger Pork and Poultry.
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Marinades – Apple cider, garlic, mustard, citrus, soy sauce, herbs.
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Brines – Soak chops for added moisture and seasoning.
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Glazes/sauces – Apply savory barbecue glaze for the last few minutes on the grill.
Try new seasoning and marinade combos to discover your go-to Traeger pork chop flavor.
Serving Up Your Perfect Pork Chops
The best part of grilling thin pork chops? Dishing them out hot off the Traeger. Some tasty pairing ideas:
- Fluffy mashed or baked potatoes
- Grilled pineapple slices
- Fresh garden salad with vinaigrette
- Rice pilaf or roasted veggies
- Grilled corn on the cob
- Warm cornbread or buttermilk biscuits
Get creative with your sides based on the seasonings used on your pork chops. A perfect weeknight meal awaits!
Common Questions about Thin Pork Chops on the Traeger
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
What temperature should I grill thin pork chops at?
450°F gives the nice sear while ensuring the inside cooks fully.
How long does it take to cook them?
Around 6 minutes per side for 1/2 inch chops. Up to 10 minutes per side for thicker chops.
Do I need to rest pork chops after grilling?
Yes, let them rest 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
What if my pork chop is undercooked?
Pop it back on the grill for another minute or two until it reaches 145°F internal temp.
How can I prevent dry pork chops on the Traeger?
Avoid overcooking by monitoring temperature closely. Some moisture loss is normal.
Tips for Grilling Juicy, Flavorful Thin Pork Chops
Follow these tips for the best thin pork chops off your Traeger grill every time:
- Choose uniform thin chops around 1⁄2 inch thick with marbling
- Prepare chops with oil, seasonings, and short marinade
- Grill at 450°F, flipping once halfway through
- Use a meat thermometer for 145°F internal temp
- Allow chops to rest 5 minutes before serving
- Get creative with dry rubs, marinades and sauces
- Pair with fun and tasty sides
With my guide, you can achieve tender, juicy, and smoky grilled pork chops that are simple enough for hectic weeknights but delicious enough for backyard entertaining. Fire up the Traeger and enjoy!
