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The Best Grilled Maple Dijon Pork Chops | Juicy & Flavorful

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Juicy, tender, and packed with sweet-savory flavor, these Grilled Maple Dijon Pork Chops are an easy dinner recipe you’ll want on repeat all summer long. I can’t even tell you the number of times I’ve made this since I originally posted the recipe. Hundreds of times in the 10+ years…

Made with a simple maple Dijon glaze, thick bone-in pork chops, and a quick brine for extra moisture, this grilled pork chop recipe delivers restaurant-quality results right from your backyard grill. Perfect for busy weeknights, weekend cookouts, or casual entertaining, these maple mustard pork chops cook up beautifully caramelized, incredibly flavorful, and always juicy.

Juicy grilled maple Dijon pork chops with caramelized edges, garnished with herbs on a wooden board.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Sweet & Savory Flavor — rich maple syrup balances the tangy Dijon mustard.
  • Ultra-Juicy Pork — brining keeps chops tender and flavorful.
  • Perfect for Summer Grilling — easy prep, bold BBQ taste.
Flat lay of ingredients for grilled maple Dijon pork chops on a white marble background.
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Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

Brine

  • 3–4 tbsp kosher salt
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 cups apple juice

Maple Dijon Glaze

  • ¼ cup grainy Dijon mustard
  • ¼ cup pure maple syrup
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 shallot, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp freshly ground pepper
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme
  • Light oil (grape seed or olive)

Pork

  • 4–6 bone-in pork chops (1-inch thick)

Pro tip: Bone-in chops stay juicier and have richer flavor on the grill.

Instructions

1. Brine for Juicy Pork

  1. In a pot, combine brine ingredients; heat until salt dissolves.
  2. Cool completely, then submerge pork chops in brine.
  3. Refrigerate 2–8 hours for best results.
Pork chops marinating in maple Dijon glaze in a white bowl on a marble countertop.
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2. Make the Maple Dijon Glaze

  1. Whisk together mustard, maple syrup, brown sugar, garlic, shallot, salt, pepper, thyme, and a drizzle of oil.
  2. Place chops in a shallow dish and coat with the glaze. Chill 45–60 minutes.

3. Grill to Perfection

  1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
  2. Remove chops from glaze and shake off excess.
  3. Grill about 5–6 minutes per side until grill marks form and internal temp reaches 145°F (63°C).
  4. Let rest under foil 10 minutes before slicing.
Grilled maple Dijon pork chops arranged on a large white platter with fresh herbs.
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Serving Suggestions

Serve with:

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Grilled maple Dijon pork chops arranged on a large white platter with fresh herbs.
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Grilled Maple Dijon Pork Chops

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  • Author: Chrissi | firsthomelovelife.com
  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Yield: 4–6 SERVINGS 1x
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Description

Juicy grilled pork chops marinated in a sweet and savory maple Dijon glaze. Tender, flavorful, and perfect for summer grilling or easy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Brine (Optional but Recommended)

  • 2 cups water

  • 2 cups apple juice

  • 3–4 tablespoons kosher salt

Maple Dijon Marinade

  • ¼ cup grainy Dijon mustard

  • ¼ cup pure maple syrup

  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 shallot, finely chopped

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves

  • 1–2 tablespoons olive oil

Pork Chops

  • 4–6 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)

Instructions

  1. Brine the pork chops (optional):
    In a large bowl, dissolve salt in water and apple juice. Add pork chops, cover, and refrigerate for 2–8 hours. Remove, rinse, and pat dry.

  2. Make the marinade:
    In a bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, maple syrup, brown sugar, garlic, shallot, salt, pepper, thyme, and olive oil.

  3. Marinate the pork:
    Place pork chops in a shallow dish and coat evenly with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for 45–60 minutes.

  4. Preheat the grill:
    Heat grill to medium-high and lightly oil the grates.

  5. Grill the pork chops:
    Remove chops from marinade, letting excess drip off. Grill for 5–6 minutes per side, until caramelized and internal temperature reaches 145°F.

  6. Rest and serve:
    Remove from grill, tent loosely with foil, and rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Bone-in pork chops stay juicier on the grill.

  • Letting the pork rest ensures tender, juicy results.

  • Can be cooked in a grill pan or cast iron skillet if needed.

  • Prep Time: 15 MINUTES
  • Cook Time: 12 MINUTES
  • Category: DINNER | PORK CHOPS
  • Method: GRILL | CAST IRON SKILLET
  • Cuisine: AMERICAN | BBQ

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag me @ihearthomesteading! I can’t wait to see what you’ve made!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make maple Dijon pork chops without a grill?

Yes! These pork chops can be cooked indoors using a cast iron skillet or grill pan. Sear over medium-high heat for 4–5 minutes per side, then finish in a 400°F oven until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.

How long should pork chops marinate?

For the best flavor, marinate the pork chops for 45 minutes to 1 hour. If you’re short on time, even 20–30 minutes will still add great maple Dijon flavor.

Do I have to brine the pork chops?

Brining is optional but highly recommended. A quick brine helps keep pork chops extra juicy and tender, especially when grilling. If you skip it, choose thicker, bone-in chops and avoid overcooking.

What type of pork chops work best for grilling?

Bone-in, 1-inch thick pork chops are ideal. They retain moisture better on the grill and develop a beautiful caramelized crust from the maple Dijon glaze.

Can I use regular Dijon instead of grainy Dijon?

Yes. Smooth Dijon mustard works perfectly and still gives that classic tangy flavor. Grainy Dijon adds texture but isn’t required.

Can I prep these pork chops ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can brine and marinate the pork chops up to 24 hours in advance. Store covered in the refrigerator until ready to grill.

How do I know when pork chops are done?

Use a meat thermometer and remove the pork chops from the grill at 145°F, then let them rest for 5–10 minutes. This ensures juicy, perfectly cooked pork.

What goes well with maple Dijon pork chops?

These pork chops pair beautifully with grilled vegetables, mashed potatoes, roasted sweet potatoes, corn on the cob, or a fresh summer salad.

Final Thoughts

These Grilled Maple Dijon Pork Chops are the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky — an easy yet impressive dinner that’s ideal for summer grilling or weeknight meals. The maple Dijon glaze caramelizes beautifully on the grill, while brining ensures every bite stays juicy and flavorful.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout or just need a reliable pork chop recipe your family will request again and again, this one delivers every time. Simple ingredients, bold flavor, and minimal prep make it a recipe worth saving — and pinning.

If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it on Pinterest for later. Happy grilling!

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