These Grilled Lemon Basil Pork Chops are a refreshing and aromatic twist on your standard pork chop recipe. The zesty lemon and fresh basil create a bright, vibrant flavor profile that pairs wonderfully with the rich, juicy pork.

This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a summer barbecue, bringing a taste of the Mediterranean to your table.
If you love cooking pork chops as much as we do then you will love this dry rub for pork. It is an underrated but super effective way to enhance the other white meat’s taste and texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Pork chops – Bone-in pork chops
- Lemons
- Garlic
- Basil
- Olive oil
- Honey
- Salt and ground black pepper
Equipment Needed
- Grill – I use a Weber Genesis E325 for most of my grilling, though I also have a Z Grills Smoker/Grill combo that I sometimes use. You can use whatever grill you have, whether it’s gas or charcoal.
- Propane or Charcoal – Depending on your setup.
- Grill Tools – I swear by this set of sturdy grill tools from Cuisinart that includes everything you need for grilling, like tongs, a flipper, a digital temperature fork, silicone basting brush, and more.
- Meat thermometer – Many smokers have a thermometer built in, but if you don’t have one you’ll want to get an instant-read thermometer like this awesome Thermapen.
Helpful Tips
- To infuse the pork chops with the citrusy and herbal notes, marinate them in a mixture of lemon juice, zest, and fresh basil for at least 30 minutes. This not only tenderizes the meat but also ensures every bite is bursting with flavor.
- Pork chops can easily become dry if overcooked. Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for perfectly juicy chops. Let them rest for a few minutes after grilling to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Fresh basil leaves make a huge difference in this recipe, providing a fragrant and slightly peppery taste that dried basil can’t match. Add some fresh chopped basil on top of the chops just before serving to enhance the flavor and add a pop of color.
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Grilled Lemon Basil Pork Chops
Equipment
- Grill tools
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in pork chops
- 2 medium lemons juiced and zested
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup (6 g) fresh basil chopped
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, chopped basil, olive oil, honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper to create the marinade.
- Place the pork chops in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag, and pour the marinade over them, ensuring that the chops are evenly coated. Cover or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, allowing the flavors to infuse the meat.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Remove the pork chops from the marinade and discard any excess marinade. Pat the chops dry with paper towels.
- Season the pork chops with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Place the pork chops on the preheated grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) on a meat thermometer.
- Once cooked, remove the pork chops from the grill and allow them to rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with additional fresh basil and lemon wedges, if desired.
Notes
- To infuse the pork chops with the citrusy and herbal notes, marinate them in a mixture of lemon juice, zest, and fresh basil for at least 30 minutes. This not only tenderizes the meat but also ensures every bite is bursting with flavor.
- Pork chops can easily become dry if overcooked. Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for perfectly juicy chops. Let them rest for a few minutes after grilling to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Fresh basil leaves make a huge difference in this recipe, providing a fragrant and slightly peppery taste that dried basil can’t match. Add some fresh chopped basil on top of the chops just before serving to enhance the flavor and add a pop of color.
Nutrition
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Like this recipe? We’d love for you to share it on your Pinterest board! Click to follow our Pinterest boards so you can find all our recipes!
Instagram it! If you try this recipe please tag #legendsofthegrill on Instagram or Twitter. We love to see your photos of our recipes! Also follow us on Facebook to keep up on what we’re cooking up.

Laura is a passionate home cook and grill enthusiast who has spent years perfecting her culinary skills, with a particular focus on grilling techniques and flavor combinations. Her fascination with the grill, smoke, and the mouthwatering results they produce has led her on an exciting journey to discover the best methods for grilling delicious and unforgettable meals.