These Instant Pot pork chops are juicy, tender, and oh-so-easy to make! With just a few ingredients, you’ll have dinner ready in no time.
Who doesn’t love a meal that cooks while you relax? I often whip these up on busy evenings, and they always impress! Serve with mashed potatoes for a cozy touch! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork chops: I recommend bone-in, 1-inch thick chops for extra flavor and moisture. If you’re looking for a leaner option, boneless chops will work too, just reduce cooking time slightly to prevent them from drying out.
Salt and pepper: These are essential for seasoning. If you’re watching your sodium intake, try using a salt substitute or herbs to add flavor without the salt. A little smoked paprika can also enhance the taste.
Olive oil: This is for searing the pork chops. You can use canola or avocado oil if you don’t have olive oil handy. Both have high smoke points and work well.
Herbs: Fresh thyme and rosemary add great flavor. If you don’t have fresh, dried versions work too, but use less as they are stronger. One teaspoon of dried herbs is typically enough for this recipe.
How Do I Get Perfectly Sautéed Pork Chops?
Searing your pork chops properly is key to achieving that great flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- First, dry the pork chops well with paper towels. This step is crucial; moisture will just steam your meat instead of searing it.
- Heat the olive oil in the Instant Pot on the “Sauté” setting until it’s hot but not smoking. You want it shimmering.
- Carefully place the chops in, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Sear each side for 2-3 minutes until they have a nice golden crust. If the chops start to stick, they aren’t ready to flip!
- After searing, it’s best to remove them from the pot to prevent overcooking while you deglaze the pot.
Following these steps gets you flavorful, tender pork chops that are perfectly cooked and ready to enjoy!
Instant Pot Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Cooking Liquid:
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 2-3 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or 1 sprig fresh rosemary
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Instant Pot pork chop recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking time, plus a little chilling for a few minutes to release pressure naturally. In about 30 minutes, you’ll have a flavorful and tender meal ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork Chops:
Start by patting the pork chops dry with paper towels. This ensures a good sear! Season both sides of the chops generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Make sure to cover them nicely for great flavor.
2. Sear the Chops:
Next, set your Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode and add the olive oil. Let it heat up until it’s shimmering. Place the seasoned pork chops into the pot and sear them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown. Once seared, carefully remove the chops and set them aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Garlic:
Now it’s time to add flavor! Toss the minced garlic into the Instant Pot and sauté for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn it—we want all that yummy garlic goodness!
4. Deglaze the Pot:
Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pot, scraping up those delicious browned bits from the bottom. This is where a lot of flavors come from, so don’t skip this step!
5. Pressure Cook the Chops:
Place the seared pork chops back into the pot and sprinkle the thyme and rosemary over them. Close the lid and seal the venting knob. Set the Instant Pot to “Pressure Cook” (or Manual) on high pressure for 8 minutes. It’ll take a few moments for the pot to come to pressure before the timer starts.
6. Release the Pressure:
When cooking is complete, allow for a natural pressure release for 5 minutes. After that, you can quickly release any remaining pressure by turning the venting knob to “venting” until it’s safe to open the lid.
7. Make the Sauce:
Once the pork chops are out, switch the Instant Pot back to “Sauté” mode once more. Stir in the butter into the cooking liquid and let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes. This step will slightly thicken the sauce and make it rich and flavorful!
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Now, pour the delicious sauce over the pork chops and garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Serve hot, and enjoy your juicy, tender Instant Pot pork chops!
This recipe yields perfectly cooked pork chops paired with a delightful herb-infused butter sauce—great with mashed potatoes or steamed veggies! Bon appétit!
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Yes, you can use boneless pork chops! Just reduce the cooking time to about 6-7 minutes to prevent them from drying out, as they cook faster than bone-in chops.
What Should I Do If My Pork Chops Are Frozen?
If your pork chops are frozen, it’s best to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight for safe and even cooking. If you’re short on time, you can use the cold water method by sealing them in a plastic bag and submerging them in cold water until thawed.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them gently in the microwave or on the stovetop to preserve their tenderness.
Can I Make This Recipe Without Garlic?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of garlic, feel free to omit it. You can also substitute the garlic with a splash of lemon juice or a different herb to enhance the flavors in the dish without garlic.
