These Instant Pot Pork Chops are super juicy and tender, thanks to the magic of pressure cooking! They cook up quickly, making dinner a breeze.
I love how easy it is to whip up a tasty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Just season, cook, and enjoy—perfect for busy nights!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Boneless chops are convenient and quick to cook. Bone-in chops work, too, but may need a few extra minutes. If you prefer a leaner meat, opt for pork loin or tenderloin.
Olive Oil: This adds flavor during the searing process. You may use vegetable oil or avocado oil if you want a higher smoke point.
Garlic: Fresh garlic brings so much flavor to the dish. If you’re short on time, use garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon per clove) instead, but fresh is always better in my opinion!
Thyme: Dried thyme is great, but I highly recommend using fresh if you can! It adds brightness. If thyme isn’t available, rosemary or oregano also work well.
Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness. For a different flavor, white wine or vegetable broth are good substitutes.
How Can I Get Perfectly Searing on My Pork Chops?
Searing the pork chops is crucial for flavor and texture. The high heat creates a nice crust, locking in juices. Here’s how to do it right:
- Preheat your Instant Pot on ‘Sauté’ until it’s hot, which usually takes around 5 minutes.
- Add olive oil; wait until it shimmers before placing the pork chops in.
- Don’t overcrowd the pot; give each chop room to brown evenly. You may need to cook in batches.
- Let the pork chops cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes on each side to achieve that golden-brown color.
Follow these tips and you’ll have delicious pork chops every time! Enjoy your meal with sides like steamed veggies or mashed potatoes for a complete dinner.
Instant Pot Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Optional: fresh thyme sprigs for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Instant Pot Pork Chops recipe will take about 10 minutes for prep and 20 minutes for cooking, including pressure building and release time. So in under 30 minutes, you’ll have a tasty meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Seasoning the Pork Chops:
Start by generously seasoning the pork chops with salt and black pepper on both sides. This adds flavor right from the beginning!
2. Searing the Pork Chops:
Set your Instant Pot to the ‘Sauté’ function and add the olive oil. Once hot, carefully add the pork chops. Sear them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. If needed, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot—this allows for even browning.
3. Adding Garlic and Thyme:
Remove the seared pork chops and set them aside. Now, add the minced garlic and thyme to the Instant Pot. Sauté for about 30 seconds until the garlic becomes fragrant—this will really boost the flavor!
4. Incorporating Chicken Broth:
Pour the chicken broth into the pot, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom. This adds extra flavor to your sauce!
5. Pressure Cooking:
Return the pork chops to the pot, along with any juices that have collected. Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ high pressure for 8 minutes.
6. Releasing Pressure:
When the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then carefully do a quick release to let out any remaining pressure. Open the lid once safe to do so.
7. Finishing Touches:
Remove the pork chops from the pot and keep them warm on a plate. Switch the Instant Pot back to ‘Sauté’, then add butter and swirl it into the sauce remaining in the pot. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
8. Serving:
Pour the flavorful sauce over the pork chops, garnishing with fresh thyme sprigs if desired. Serve hot and enjoy with your favorite sides, like mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables!
Enjoy the tender, flavorful pork chops with your favorite side dishes!
Can I Use Frozen Pork Chops for This Recipe?
It’s best to use thawed pork chops for even cooking. If you only have frozen chops, make sure to thaw them in the fridge overnight, or you can use the defrost function on your microwave for a quick thaw before cooking.
What Can I Substitute for Chicken Broth?
If you don’t have chicken broth on hand, you can use vegetable broth or beef broth for a different flavor profile. Even water can work in a pinch, though it won’t enhance the flavor as much!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the pork chops, including seasoning and searing, then refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking in the Instant Pot. Just remember to bring them to room temperature before cooking for the best results.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Any leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth to keep the pork moist. Enjoy your meal again with ease!
