Traeger Smoked Pork Chops Recipe

Last Updated on July 26, 2022 by Anne-Marie

This easy Traeger pork chops recipe gives you the perfect way to cook a delicious pork chop with a unique smoky flavor.

Traeger smoked pork chops on a plate with fork, lettuce, and sliced tomato.

Why this recipe works

Looking for an easy Traeger smoked pork chops recipe to make for family dinners? The meat is tender and juicy with just the right amount of smoke flavor.

This recipe uses boneless chops, but you can also use bone-in thick-cut pork chops. This recipe will become one of your favorite pork recipes to cook on your Traeger grill.

What type of smoker should you cook this on?

We cooked this Traeger pork chops recipe on a Traeger wood-pellet grill.

Wondering what kind of grill is best for you?

Check out my The Best Smoker Grill Guide or my electric pellet smoker review for the best wood pellet grill and smoker online buys.

A forkful of sliced smoked pork chops on a plate with lettuce.

Ingredients

  • center-cut boneless pork chops

Dry rub:

  • sugar or Swerve Sweetener 
  • sea salt
  • cracked black pepper
  • garlic powder
  • onion powder
  • paprika
  • ground mustard

How to make this recipe

This is the best recipe for smoked pork chops on your Traeger pellet smoker.

Pro tip: you can also use your favorite Traeger rub, poultry rub, or a savory rub from the grocery store instead of this homemade rub.

1. Combine the seasoning mix in a small bowl. Then coat the surfaces of the pork chops with the rub. Refrigerate for 4 hours uncovered.

Prepping boneless pork chops with glass bottle filled with dry rub.

2. Preheat your smoker to 225 degrees F. Place pork chops onto the grill grates.

3. Smoke until the internal temperature reaches145 degrees F. This usually takes 60-90 minutes, depending on the cut of your pork chop.

Use a quality instant-read meat thermometer so you don’t overcook the pork. Place the meat probe in the middle of the chop.

4. Remove from the smoker and cover loosely with aluminum foil. Let the pork chops rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

5. Serve with your favorite BBQ sauce or Alabama White Sauce and sides. Refrigerate any leftovers.

Smoking pork chops recipe on a Traeger grill.

FAQs

Can you brine the pork chops?

If desired, you can brine the pork chops for up to four hours before seasoning the chops.

Brining is the best way to add extra juiciness and make the most tender pork chops.

Not only is it worth the extra effort, it’s super simple with this easy brine mixture:

  • 4 cups cold water or apple juice (room temperature is OK)
  • 1/4 cup kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar or Swerve Sweetener, Brown 

How to brine pork chops:

1. Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl or stock pot. Stir until the salt and sugar dissolve.

2. Place pork chops in brine and cover the bowl or pot.

3. Place the bowl or pot in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours.

4. Remove pork chops from brine and pat dry with paper towels. Season with dry rub and cook per instructions.

Plate and platter of cooked smoked pork chops with garnish of lettuce and tomato.

What thickness of pork chops is best?

Try to find 1.5″ thick-cut pork chops when shopping at the grocery store.

This is the perfect pork chops since it gives you the best results for not drying out when smoking and searing on your Traeger grill.

While we used a boneless chop in this recipe, you can also use bone-in chops. They’ll take longer to cook, but the added flavor and juiciness are worth the extra time.

The bone also gives you a buffer against overcooking.

What are the best wood pellets to use?

To get the best smokey flavor, here are the best wood pellet options when it comes to smoking pork:

Applewood pellets

Cherry wood pellets

Alder wood pellets

Hickory wood pellets (mix with apple or oak wood pellets)

Platter of smoked pork chops with a plate of sliced pork chops with lettuce and tomato.

How long do you smoke the chops?

It usually takes 60-90 minutes of cooking time to smoke the pork chops depending on the thickness of the chops.

How to do a reverse sear (optional)

Want to do a reverse sear? When the chops’ internal temperature reaches 140 degrees F, turn up your smoker to a high heat of 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Brush your favorite barbecue sauce on the chops. Then sear each side for 2-3 minutes.

How to serve

Don’t know what to serve with your main course? Serve your cooked pork chops with these delicious side dishes:

What’s your favorite recipe to smoke on your Traeger grill?

Yield: 4 SERVINGS

Traeger Smoked Pork Chops Recipe

A forkful of sliced smoked pork chops on a plate with lettuce.

This Traeger pork chops recipe gives you the perfect way to cook a delicious pork chop with a unique smoky flavor.

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 6 center-cut boneless pork loin chops

Dry rub

  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 tablespoon sea salt
  • 1 tablespoon cracked black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 2 teaspoons ground mustard

Instructions

  1. Combine the seasoning mix in a small bowl. Then coat the surfaces of the pork chops with the rub. Refrigerate for 4 hours uncovered.
  2. Preheat your smoker to 225 degrees F. Place pork chops onto the grill grates.
  3. Smoke until the internal temperature reaches145 degrees F. This usually takes 60-90 minutes, depending on the cut of your pork chop.
  4. Use a quality instant-read meat thermometer so you don’t overcook the pork. Place the meat probe in the middle of the chop.
  5. Remove from the smoker and cover loosely with aluminum foil. Let the pork chops rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
  6. Serve with your favorite BBQ sauce or Alabama White Sauce and sides. Refrigerate any leftovers.

Notes

If desired, you can brine the pork chops for up to four hours before seasoning the chops. (See the above post for brine ingredients and instructions.)

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

4

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 289Total Fat: 12gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 102mgSodium: 1647mgCarbohydrates: 10gFiber: 1gSugar: 7gProtein: 35g

Nutritional information is automatically calculated per the ingredients list. Serving size may not be accurate. Please double-check with your preferred nutritional app for the most accurate information.

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