The Best Traeger Pork Chops – How to Cook Pork Chops on a Traeger

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Have you been craving juicy, tender pork chops with a smoky, mouthwatering flavor? If you’ve been searching for the perfect way to cook pork chops that are tender on the inside yet have a perfectly crispy exterior, you’ve found the right recipe.

Whether grilling for a family get-together or treating yourself to something special, this recipe will always deliver. I’ll use my Traeger grill to get those delicious smoky flavors and rich, succulent texture, which isn’t as easy as a normal grill.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this Traeger pork chop recipe. The smoky, wood flavor takes these chops to the next level, giving them a crispy, golden crust while keeping the inside incredibly juicy and tender.

Not only is it incredibly easy to make, but the result feels like you’ve put in a ton of effort. Whether you’re grilling for a crowd or just enjoying a quiet dinner at home, these pork chops are packed with flavor that’ll have everyone returning for seconds. Once you try them, you’ll want to make them again and again!

What You’ll Need

• 4 bone-in pork chops (1-inch thick)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Dry Rub:
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

How To Cook Pork Chops on a Traeger

Step 1: Prep the Pork Chops

Start by removing the pork chops from the fridge about 30 minutes before smoking them. This helps them come to room temperature, ensuring they cook more evenly. Then, pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.

Step 2: Make the Dry Rub

Mix brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and onion powder in a small bowl. Once your pork chops are dry, you may rub olive oil on them, then generously coat each with the dry rub. Massage the spices into the meat to build up that flavor.

Step 3: Get the Smoker Ready

Preheat your smoker to 225°F. For the best results, use wood chips like apple, hickory, or cherry. These will give your pork chops that perfect smoky aroma.

Step 4: Smoke the Pork Chops

Next, place the pork chops on the smoker rack and let them smoke for about 60–90 minutes. Monitor them and use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For a perfectly cooked medium chop, aim for an internal meat temperature of 145°F.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Once your pork chops reach the desired temperature, remove them from the smoker and let them rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring each bite is tender and flavorful.

And now you have perfectly smoked, juicy pork chops ready to enjoy!

What Temperature to Cook At

If you’re after the best possible results, cook your pork chops at 225°F in the smoker. This low and slow temperature allows the meat to absorb a lot of that smoky flavor while staying tender and juicy.

It’s the perfect cooking temperature for maintaining a gradual, even cook. Keep an eye on the temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure your pork chops reach an internal meat temperature of 145°F for medium doneness, giving you that perfect balance of juicy interior and crispy exterior.

What Internal Temperature You Need to Reach For Pork Chops

For perfectly cooked pork chops, you’ll want to aim for an internal meat temperature of 145°F.

This ensures that the meat stays juicy and tender while reaching the ideal medium doneness. Using a meat thermometer is key to getting it just right. If it’s too high, the pork can dry out.

Once your pork chops hit that magic number, let them rest for a few minutes so all those delicious juices can settle in before serving. You’ll be left with the perfect balance of smoky flavor and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.

How Long to Cook For

You’ll want to cook the pork chops for about 60 to 90 minutes at 225°F.

Although the cooking time can vary depending on the thickness of your chops, it’s always best to use a meat thermometer to check for doneness and ensure food safety.

Once they’ve reached 145°F internally, they’re ready to come off the smoker. Don’t rush the process; being slow and steady will give you that perfect, juicy pork chop with an out-of-this-world smoky flavor!

How To Store Leftovers and Reheat

If you have any leftovers, storing them is relatively easy.

Let them cool down, then wrap them tightly in foil, place them in an airtight container, and pop them into the fridge. They should be kept well and safe to consume for about 3–4 days.

When you would like to reheat them, avoid the microwave if possible. Instead, use your oven or a skillet to preserve that juicy tenderness. Heat them at 350°F for about 10–15 minutes, or pop them in a skillet for a few minutes on each side to warm them through and get a bit extra crisp on the outside.

What To Serve With This Recipe

Although you can serve almost anything with this recipe, below are some side dishes to pair with it:

Smoked Cauliflower

Smoked and Baked Potato

Smoked Cheesy Potatoes

Smoke On!

Charlie

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