This Instant Pot Pork Chops recipe makes dinner super easy and tasty! The pork chops turn out juicy and full of flavor, thanks to the amazing pressure cooking method.
I love how quick it is! Just season the chops, set the pot, and let it do its magic. Plus, cleanup is a breeze—less mess, more yum! Who can say no to that? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops keep the meat juicy and flavorful, but boneless works, too. If you prefer chicken, chicken breasts or thighs can be substituted, just adjust the cooking time as chicken cooks faster.
Olive Oil: I use olive oil for sautéing because of its nice flavor. If you’re out, vegetable or canola oil can also work well for this step.
Spices: The garlic and onion powders add a great depth of flavor. If fresh garlic or onion is available, you could use minced garlic (1 clove) or finely chopped onion instead—just be mindful that fresh needs to sauté a minute longer.
Chicken Broth: For a richer flavor, homemade broth is fantastic, but store-bought is okay, too. Vegetable broth can be a good substitute for those avoiding meat.
Mixed Vegetables: You can use whatever you have on hand! Fresh broccoli, carrots, or snap peas are great options. If you’re looking for convenience, frozen mixed veggies work just as well—just remember to adjust cooking time accordingly.
How Do You Ensure Perfectly Sautéed Pork Chops?
Sautéing the pork chops to golden perfection is key to locking in flavor. Here are some tips to get that great crust:
- Make sure the Instant Pot is hot before adding the olive oil. This helps achieve a nice browning.
- Don’t overcrowd the pot; sauté in batches if necessary, or the chops won’t brown properly.
- Keep an eye on cooking time! About 3-4 minutes per side works well, but adjust for thickness.
How to Make Instant Pot Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Cooking:
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Optional Sides:
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Instant Pot Pork Chops recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 25 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll spend around 40 minutes putting everything together for a tasty and satisfying meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Pork Chops:
Start by mixing the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Rub this spice mix evenly over both sides of each pork chop. This will add lots of flavor to your meat!
2. Sauté the Pork Chops:
Now, turn your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” mode. Once it’s hot, add the olive oil. Place the pork chops in the pot, browning them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they look golden brown. Once done, remove them from the pot and set aside. This step gives the pork chops a lovely, caramelized crust!
3. Deglaze the Pot:
Pour the chicken broth and Worcestershire sauce into the pot. Use a wooden spoon to scrape the bottom of the pot, ensuring you remove any tasty browned bits that might be stuck there. This prevents the Instant Pot from giving a burn warning during cooking. It also adds more flavor!
4. Pressure Cook the Pork Chops:
Now, place the browned pork chops back into the pot. Close the lid, making sure the valve is set to “Sealing.” Select “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” and set the timer for 10 minutes. Get ready for some scrumptious pork chops!
5. Release Pressure:
Once the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes. After that, carefully turn the valve to “Venting” to release any remaining pressure. Gently remove the lid, and your pork chops should be tender and ready!
6. Cook the Vegetables:
If you’re adding mixed vegetables, toss them into the pot now, close the lid, and let them steam with the residual heat for about 3-5 minutes. If you prefer to cook them separately, you can do that too. They’ll be a great side to complement the pork chops!
7. Optional Pasta Side:
If you’d like fettuccine pasta as a side, cook it separately according to the package instructions while the pork chops are pressure cooking. Once cooked, drain the pasta and toss it lightly with olive oil and a pinch of salt.
8. Serve:
To serve, place a pork chop on each plate next to a helping of mixed vegetables and fettuccine. If you want to add a fresh touch, sprinkle some chopped parsley on top. Enjoy your delicious Instant Pot Pork Chops with a complete meal!
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead of Bone-in?
Absolutely! If you prefer boneless pork chops, just reduce the cooking time to about 8 minutes since they tend to cook faster. Ensure they’re at least 1 inch thick for the best results.
What Can I Substitute for Chicken Broth?
You can use vegetable broth, white wine, or even water if you don’t have any broth on hand. Just keep in mind that using water will result in a milder flavor, so you might want to add a bit more seasoning to compensate!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove. If the pork appears dry upon reheating, add a splash of broth or water to keep it moist.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative! You can add bell peppers, green beans, or carrots. Just make sure they are cut into similar sizes for even cooking. If using fresh vegetables, you might want to add them during the pressure cooking phase for more flavor.
