These Instant Pot pork chops are super juicy and full of flavor! With a touch of seasoning and a quick cook time, you’ll have a delicious meal on the table in no time!
Honestly, my favorite part is how simple it is. Just season, cook, and enjoy—no messy pans to clean up! I often pair them with mashed potatoes and a side of veggies. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Boneless pork chops work best for this recipe because they cook quickly and stay tender. If they’re hard to find, you can use bone-in chops for added flavor or even pork tenderloin cut into thick slices.
Olive Oil: This adds richness but any cooking oil like canola or vegetable oil can replace it. If you’re looking for a hint of flavor, try using avocado oil instead.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must for flavor, but you can use garlic powder if you’re in a pinch—just use about 1/2 teaspoon. If you’re avoiding garlic entirely, shallots can be a nice alternative.
Chicken Broth: Homemade broth is great, but store-bought works just fine. You can swap in vegetable broth for a different flavor, or use water if you’re out of broth; just season the dish more.
Soy Sauce: This adds a savory depth to the dish. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, look for tamari or coconut aminos. You can also use a low-sodium version to control salt levels.
How Do I Get Perfectly Sear My Pork Chops?
Searing your pork chops creates a flavorful crust that enhances the dish. Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure your Instant Pot is hot enough—wait for the oil to shimmer before adding the pork chops.
- Don’t crowd the pot; sear in batches if necessary. This helps them brown evenly.
- After searing, let the chops sear without moving them for 2-3 minutes to develop a nice golden color.
Remember, it’s okay if they’re not cooked through at this step; they’ll finish cooking in the pressure phase!
Instant Pot Pork Chops Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless pork chops, about 1-inch thick
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh sprigs for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening sauce)
- 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thickening sauce)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep and searing the pork, plus 8 minutes of cooking in the Instant Pot, and you’ll want to allow for about 5 minutes of natural pressure release. In total, plan for about 30 minutes from start to finish for a delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork Chops:
Start by patting your pork chops dry with paper towels. This helps them brown nicely. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, and paprika to add flavor. Set them aside for just a moment.
2. Sauté the Pork Chops:
Turn your Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode and pour in the olive oil. Once the oil is hot (you’ll see it shimmer), add the pork chops. Sear each side for about 2-3 minutes until they are golden brown. After searing, remove the pork chops and place them on a plate. You can set them aside for later.
3. Sauté the Garlic:
Next, add the finely chopped garlic to the pot. Sauté it for about 30 seconds or until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn!
4. Deglaze the Pot:
Now, pour in the chicken broth and soy sauce. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. This adds great flavor to your dish!
5. Cook the Pork Chops:
Return the pork chops to the Instant Pot and sprinkle the dried thyme over them. Close the lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. Once it’s done, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then do a quick release to let out any remaining pressure.
6. Serving Your Pork Chops:
Carefully take the pork chops out of the pot and place them onto a serving plate. If you want a thicker sauce, you can set the Instant Pot back to “Sauté.” Mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry and stir it into the sauce. Allow it to cook for about 2 minutes until it thickens up.
7. Finish and Serve:
Pour the flavorful sauce over your pork chops. You can garnish with fresh thyme sprigs for a lovely presentation. Enjoy your juicy, flavorful Instant Pot pork chops! They’re perfect with mashed potatoes or rice!
Can I Use Frozen Pork Chops for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen pork chops, but you will need to increase the cooking time to about 12-15 minutes on high pressure. Ensure they are properly seasoned and consider adding a bit more liquid to compensate for the ice.
How Can I Make This Recipe Low-Sodium?
To reduce sodium, opt for low-sodium chicken broth and use low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos as a substitute. You can also add fresh herbs for flavor without the extra salt!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to keep them moist.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like diced carrots, potatoes, or green beans to the pot before sealing it. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as these may need a few more minutes depending on their size.
