Name: Smoked Pork Chops with Apple BBQ Glaze
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 bone-in pork chops, 1½–2 inches thick; 1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter; 1 ½ tsp kosher salt; 1 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp onion powder; ½ tsp dried thyme or sage; ¾ cup BBQ sauce (sweet or classic); ¼ cup apple juice or apple cider; 2 tbsp apple butter or applesauce; 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar; 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar; ½ tsp cinnamon (optional but excellent); Pinch of black pepper

DifficultyBeginner

Smoked Pork Chops with Apple BBQ Glaze are thick-cut, bone-in pork chops slow-smoked until juicy and finished with a sweet, tangy apple-infused barbecue glaze. This easy smoked pork chop recipe delivers bold BBQ flavor without drying out the meat—perfect for backyard smokers, pellet grills, or charcoal setups.

Yields4 Servings

Prep Time20 minsCook Time1 hrTotal Time1 hr 20 mins

For the Pork Chops

4 bone-in pork chops, 1½–2 inches thick

1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter

Dry Rub

1 ½ tsp kosher salt

1 tsp black pepper

1 tsp smoked paprika

1 tsp garlic powder

½ tsp onion powder

½ tsp dried thyme or sage

Apple BBQ Glaze

¾ cup BBQ sauce (sweet or classic)

¼ cup apple juice or apple cider

2 tbsp apple butter or applesauce

1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

1 tbsp honey or brown sugar

½ tsp cinnamon (optional but excellent)

Pinch of black pepper

Optional brine (highly recommended)

Dissolve ¼ cup kosher salt and ¼ cup brown sugar in 1 gallon water.
Brine pork chops 1–4 hours.
Rinse and pat very dry.

Season the pork

Lightly coat chops with oil or butter.
Mix dry rub and season generously on both sides.
Let rest at room temperature 20 minutes.

Preheat smoker

Heat smoker to 250°F (121°C).
Use apple or hickory wood for balanced smoke.

Smoke the pork chops

Place chops directly on grates.
Smoke uncovered for 45–60 minutes, until internal temp reaches 135–140°F.

Make the apple BBQ glaze

Combine all glaze ingredients in a saucepan.
Simmer over medium heat 8–10 minutes until thick and glossy.

Glaze & finish

Brush chops generously with apple BBQ glaze.
Increase smoker or grill heat to 375–400°F.
Finish chops 5–10 minutes, flipping once, until internal temp reaches:
- 145°F (USDA safe, juicy)
Glaze one final time.

Rest & serve

Rest pork chops 5–10 minutes before serving.

Side Information (Perfect Pairings)

Smoked mac & cheese
Grilled apples or applesauce
Roasted sweet potatoes
Coleslaw or vinegar slaw
Grilled green beans or asparagus

Pairing Suggestions

Beer: Amber ale, brown ale, or hard cider
Wine: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, or Riesling
Non-alcoholic: Apple cider, sweet tea, or sparkling water

Tips & Notes

Thickness matters: Thin chops dry out—go thick.
Brining is the #1 secret to juicy smoked pork chops.
Apple + pork is a natural pairing—don’t skip the glaze.
Use a thermometer; pork goes from juicy to dry fast.
Leftovers slice beautifully for sandwiches, salads, or breakfast hash.

Ingredients