Smoked Pork Chops with Brown Sugar Spice Rub
Tender, thick-cut pork chops infused with smoky flavor and coated in a sweet-savory spice rub featuring brown sugar, chili powder, and smoked paprika. The low-and-slow smoking method creates incredibly juicy meat with a beautiful bark. Perfect for weekend barbecues or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort. The combination of sweet brown sugar and warming spices creates a balanced flavor profile that complements pork's natural richness.
Ingredients
- 4 thick-cut boneless pork chops
- olive oil
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- 1
Preheat your smoker or BBQ and add wood chips to the coals or fit your BBQ with a smoking box
- 2
In a small bowl, stir together all the rub ingredients
- 3
Pat the pork chops dry
- 4
Drizzle with olive oil and liberally season
- 5
Flip and repeat seasoning on the second side
- 6
Place the pork chops on your grill and smoke until the pork reaches internal temperature
- 7
Remove from the grill, tent with foil, and let rest before serving
Tips
Use a meat thermometer to ensure pork reaches 145°F for safe consumption while maintaining juiciness
Let pork chops come to room temperature 30 minutes before smoking for more even cooking
Apple or cherry wood chips complement pork's flavor beautifully without overpowering
Good to Know
Store leftover smoked pork chops in refrigerator for up to 3 days in airtight container
Season pork chops up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate for deeper flavor penetration
Serve immediately after resting with barbecue sides like coleslaw, baked beans, or corn
Common Mistakes
Don't skip the resting period to avoid losing juices when slicing
Monitor internal temperature carefully to avoid overcooking and drying out the meat
Substitutions
FAQ
Can I use bone-in pork chops instead?
Yes, bone-in chops work great but may need 15-30 minutes longer cooking time depending on thickness.
What if I don't have a smoker?
Use a charcoal grill with indirect heat and wood chips, or an oven at 225°F though you'll miss the smoky flavor.
How long will these keep in the refrigerator?
Properly stored smoked pork chops will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator in an airtight container.