These Instant Pot pork chops are tender and juicy, making dinner a breeze! With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a hearty meal ready super fast.
I love how quickly these pork chops cook—no more waiting around! Serve them with your favorite veggies or mashed potatoes for a comforting family dinner!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in chops are great for flavor and tenderness. If you only have boneless chops, that’s fine too! Just reduce the cooking time by a couple of minutes.
Olive Oil: You can use any cooking oil you prefer, like vegetable, canola, or avocado oil. I find olive oil adds a nice flavor, but it’s good to use what you have on hand.
Thyme: Dried thyme works perfectly, but if you’re lucky enough to have fresh thyme, it enhances the flavor. If thyme isn’t your favorite, try rosemary or Italian seasoning as alternatives.
Chicken Broth: If you’re looking for a lower sodium option, low-sodium broth is a good choice. Vegetable broth can also work if you’re keeping things lighter or vegetarian.
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Sear and Cooked Pork Chops?
Getting that nice sear on your pork chops is key for great flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Heat the Pot: Make sure your Instant Pot is hot before adding the oil, which helps get that golden crust.
- Sear Properly: Don’t overcrowd the pot; cook in batches if needed. Let each side cook for about 2-3 minutes without moving them around.
- Pressure Cooking: After searing, the broth helps the pork chops cook evenly and stay moist. Don’t skip letting it natural release a bit after cooking.
Following these steps will help ensure your pork chops turn out tender and flavorful every time! Enjoy cooking!
Instant Pot Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 2-3 sprigs fresh thyme)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Time Estimate:
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking time. Plus, you’ll need an extra 5-10 minutes for the pressure to release. In total, expect to spend around 35-40 minutes to prepare and enjoy your meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Seasoning the Pork Chops:
Start by seasoning both sides of the pork chops generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. This adds flavor right from the start!
2. Searing the Pork Chops:
Turn the Instant Pot to the ‘Sauté’ function. Let it heat up, then add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, carefully sear the pork chops for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a lovely golden-brown crust. This step really locks in the flavors!
3. Preparing for Pressure Cooking:
After browning, remove the pork chops and place them on a plate. Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any tasty brown bits from the bottom of the pot. This adds even more flavor to the dish!
4. Pressure Cooking:
Return the pork chops to the Instant Pot and place thyme sprigs on top, or sprinkle dried thyme. Close the lid and set the valve to sealing. Choose Manual or Pressure Cook mode and set the timer for 8 minutes.
5. Releasing the Pressure:
When the cooking time is up, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 5 minutes. Then, carefully perform a quick release to let out any remaining pressure. Be cautious of the steam!
6. Creating the Sauce:
Once the pork chops are removed and kept warm, turn the Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ again. Add the butter to the cooking liquid and stir it in to create a tasty sauce. Allow it to simmer for a few minutes to slightly thicken — this will be delightful!
7. Serving:
Pour the sauce over the pork chops and garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve these tender, juicy pork chops right away and enjoy every bite!
Enjoy your tender, juicy Instant Pot pork chops with the savory herb-infused sauce!
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Yes, you can use boneless pork chops! Just reduce the cooking time to about 6-7 minutes since they usually cook faster than bone-in chops.
What Can I Substitute for Chicken Broth?
If you’d like a different flavor or are out of chicken broth, vegetable broth works well too. You can also use water, but adding a bit more seasoning can enhance the flavor.
How Do I Store Leftover Pork Chops?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water to keep them moist.
Can I Freeze the Pork Chops?
Absolutely! Let the cooked pork chops cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
