Greek Pork Chops

These Greek pork chops are marinated with lemon, garlic, olive oil, oregano, and thyme, then broiled until lightly charred and juicy. The bright citrus and herb flavors give these pork chops a fresh Mediterranean-inspired flavor while keeping the recipe simple enough for a weeknight dinner.

One of the best things about this recipe is how quickly it comes together. Unlike traditional marinades that require hours of soaking, this is a light, fast marinade that flavors the pork in just 10 to 15 minutes while the broiler preheats. The result is tender, juicy pork chops with plenty of flavor and beautifully charred edges.

Why You’ll Love These Greek Pork Chops

This recipe proves that changing a few ingredients can completely transform the flavor of a pork chop.

• Bright Mediterranean flavor: Lemon, garlic, oregano, and thyme create a classic Greek-inspired marinade.
• Quick marinade: Ready in about 30 minutes from start to finish. No need for hours of marinating.
• Juicy and tender: A short marinade adds flavor without affecting the texture of the pork.
• Broiler-friendly: Broiling mimics grilling and creates lightly charred edges.
• Simple ingredients: Everything comes from common pantry and refrigerator staples.
• High protein: A satisfying dinner that’s naturally low in carbs.

What Makes These Greek Style Pork Chops Different?

Traditional Greek flavors often rely on a combination of olive oil, lemon, garlic, and herbs. This recipe keeps those classic flavors but uses a short marinade and high-heat broiling to create a faster weeknight version.

Instead of marinating all day, the pork only needs about 10 to 15 minutes to absorb the bright citrus and herb flavors. The result is fresh, light, and flavorful without feeling heavy.

Ingredients for Greek Pork Chops

• Pork chops (4, about 1 inch thick): Bone-in or boneless both work well.
• Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps carry the flavor of the herbs and lemon.
• Fresh lemon juice (2 tablespoons): Adds brightness and acidity.
• Lemon zest (1 teaspoon): Intensifies the citrus flavor without adding extra acidity.
• Garlic (2 cloves): Provides savory depth and classic Mediterranean flavor.
• Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): One of the signature flavors in Greek cooking.
• Dried thyme (½ teaspoon): Complements the oregano and lemon.
• Salt and black pepper: Balance and enhance all the flavors.
• Fresh thyme: Optional garnish for serving.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

• Extra lemon flavor: Add additional lemon zest before serving.
• Greek lemon garlic pork chops: Increase garlic to 3–4 cloves.
• Greek grilled pork chops: Grill over medium-high heat instead of broiling.
• Add rosemary: Replace the thyme with rosemary for a different herb profile.
• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• Greek pork chop bowls: Slice and serve over rice, salad, or roasted vegetables.

How to Make Greek Pork Chops

1. Prepare the broiler: Position an oven rack about 5 to 6 inches below the broiler and preheat the broiler on high.
2. Make the marinade: In a large bowl or zip-top bag, combine 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, 2 cloves garlic, 1 teaspoon oregano, ½ teaspoon thyme, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
3. Marinate the pork chops: Add the pork chops and toss to coat evenly. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes while the broiler finishes heating.
4. Prepare for broiling: Remove the pork chops from the marinade and allow excess marinade to drip off. Place on a foil-lined baking sheet or lightly oiled broiler-safe pan.
5. Broil the pork chops: Cook 4 to 6 minutes per side, flipping once, until lightly charred on the edges and the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
6. Rest and serve: Let the pork chops rest 3 to 5 minutes, then garnish with fresh thyme and an extra squeeze of lemon.

Why a Short Marinade Works Best

Because this marinade contains lemon juice, longer isn’t necessarily better. Acid begins affecting the surface of the pork immediately. While a short marinade adds flavor and tenderness, marinating too long can make the texture soft or mushy. For this recipe, 10 to 15 minutes is ideal.

Greek Pork Chop Cooking Times

Pan-Cooked vs Grilled vs Broiled Greek Pork Chops

Both methods work well, but broiling has some advantages.

• Pan-Cooking: Easier for beginner cooks and is more forgiving due to easier heat control. 
• Grilling: Adds smoky flavor and works well during warmer months.
• Broiling: Fast, convenient, and creates charred edges similar to grilling.

Broiled Pork Chops (High Broil)

• Boneless (¾ inch): 4–5 minutes per side (8–10 minutes total)
• Boneless (1 inch): 5–6 minutes per side (10–12 minutes total)
• Bone-in (¾ inch): 6–7 minutes per side (12–14 minutes total)
• Bone-in (1 inch): 7–8 minutes per side (14–16 minutes total)

Grilled Pork Chops (Medium-High Heat)

• Boneless (¾ inch): 4–5 minutes per side (8–10 minutes total)
• Boneless (1 inch): 5–6 minutes per side (10–12 minutes total)
• Bone-in (¾ inch): 6–7 minutes per side (12–14 minutes total)
• Bone-in (1 inch): 7–8 minutes per side (14–16 minutes total)

Pan Cooked Pork Chops (Medium-High Heat)

• Boneless (¾ inch): 3–4 minutes per side (6–8 minutes total)
• Boneless (1 inch): 4–5 minutes per side (8–10 minutes total)
• Bone-in (¾ inch): 4–5 minutes per side (8–10 minutes total)
• Bone-in (1 inch): 5–6 minutes per side (10–12 minutes total)

Internal Temperature for Pork Chops

• Recommended: 145°F after resting
• Medium-well: 150–155°F
• Well-done: 160°F

Note: A slight bit of pink in the center is perfectly normal at 145°F.

Tips for the Best Greek Pork Chops

• Don’t marinate too long: Lemon juice can affect the texture of the pork if left too long.
• Use fresh lemon juice: Bottled juice doesn’t provide the same flavor.
• Add lemon zest: It adds extra citrus flavor without increasing acidity.
• Broil close to the heat: Positioning the rack about 5 to 6 inches from the heat source helps create charred edges, similar to grilling.
• Pat off excess marinade: Too much liquid can prevent browning.
• Rest before serving: Even just a few minutes before cutting helps the pork stay juicy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes pork chops Greek?

Greek pork chops are typically flavored with olive oil, lemon, garlic, oregano, and herbs commonly used in Mediterranean cooking.

How long should you marinate Greek pork chops?

For this recipe, 10 to 15 minutes is enough. Because lemon juice is acidic, longer marinating can affect the texture.

Can I grill Greek pork chops instead of broiling?

Yes. Grill over medium-high heat until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.

Why are my pork chops tough?

They’re usually overcooked. Use a thermometer and remove the pork chops around 140–145°F.

Can I make the marinade ahead of time?

Yes. The marinade can be mixed up to 2 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator.

What do you serve with Greek pork chops?

Greek salad, roasted vegetables, rice, pita bread, tzatziki, roasted potatoes, and cucumber salad all pair well.

What to Serve with Greek Pork Chops

• Greek salad
• Tzatziki sauce
• Roasted potatoes
• Rice pilaf
• Cucumber tomato salad
• Roasted vegetables
• Pita bread
• Lemon rice

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Freeze cooked pork chops for up to 2 months.
• Reheat in oven: 325°F until warmed through.
• Reheat in air fryer: 350°F for 3–5 minutes.
• Microwave: Use short intervals and heat just until warmed to avoid drying out the pork.

More Pork Chops Recipes to Try

• Homemade Shake and Bake Pork Chops
• Brown Sugar Pork Chops
• Honey Glazed Pork Chops
• Gas Grilled Pork Chops
• Cowboy Coffee Rub Grilled Pork Chops
• Honey Apricot Pork Chops
• Honey Mustard Sheet Pan Pork Chops

Broiled Greek Pork Chops Recipe

Written by Matt | Plating Pixels

These Greek pork chops are marinated with lemon, garlic, oregano, and olive oil, then broiled until juicy and lightly charred. An easy Greek pork chops recipe ready in about 30 minutes, including marinating time.

Recipe Cost: $7.05 | Cost Per Serving: ~$1.76

5 from 5 votes

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Marinating 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Entree

Cuisine Greek

Servings 4 pork chops

Calories 420 kcal

Equipment

• Large bowl
• Baking Sheet
• Foil or parchment paper
• Thermometer optional

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 4 1 inch thick pork chops bone-in or boneless, about 2 pounds total
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 cloves garlic finely minced or grated
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Fresh thyme optional for finishing

Instructions

 

• Position an oven rack about 5 to 6 inches from the broiler. Preheat broiler on high.
• In a large bowl or zip-top bag, combine olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
• Add pork chops and toss just to coat evenly. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes while the broiler finishes heating.
• Remove pork chops from the marinade and let excess drip off. Place on a foil-lined baking sheet or lightly oiled broiler-safe pan.
• Broil for 4 to 6 minutes per side, flipping once, until pork chops are lightly charred on the edges and reach an internal temperature of 145°F. Remove from oven and rest for 3 to 5 minutes.
• Garnish with fresh thyme and an extra squeeze of lemon if desired.

Notes

Tips for the Best Greek Pork Chops

• Don’t marinate too long: Only 10 to 15 minutes is needed to infuse flavor. The acids in lemon juice can affect the texture of the pork if left too long.
• Use fresh lemon juice: Bottled juice doesn’t provide the same flavor.
• Pat off excess marinade: Too much liquid can prevent browning.
• Broil close to the heat: Positioning the rack properly helps create charred edges.
• Grill or pan-cook options: See the alternate cooking methods above in the post.
• Rest before serving: Even just a few minutes before cutting helps the pork stay juicy.

Nutrition Facts

Broiled Greek Pork Chops Recipe

Serving Size

 

1 pork chop

Amount per Serving

Calories

420

% Daily Value*

Fat

 

23

g

35

%

Saturated Fat

 

7

g

44

%

Trans Fat

 

0.1

g

Polyunsaturated Fat

 

3

g

Monounsaturated Fat

 

12

g

Cholesterol

 

152

mg

51

%

Sodium

 

400

mg

17

%

Potassium

 

872

mg

25

%

Carbohydrates

 

2

g

1

%

Fiber

 

1

g

4

%

Sugar

 

0.2

g

0

%

Protein

 

49

g

98

%

Vitamin A

 

25

IU

1

%

Vitamin C

 

5

mg

6

%

Calcium

 

32

mg

3

%

Iron

 

2

mg

11

%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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