These Instant Pot Pork Chops are juicy and tender, cooked to perfection in no time! With a tasty seasoning blend and a quick cooking method, dinner is ready in a flash!
Honestly, it’s hard to believe how quickly they cook. I love serving them with mashed potatoes—it’s a match made in comfort food heaven! Who can resist that? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in chops are my favorite for flavor and moisture. If you only have boneless chops, they will work, just reduce cooking time to about 6 minutes.
Spices: The garlic and onion powder, along with smoked paprika, add great flavor. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika or even Italian seasoning can be used instead. They’ll change the taste a bit but still taste good!
Chicken Broth: You could swap the chicken broth for beef broth or vegetable broth if you have them. It changes the flavor slightly but keeps it delicious.
Thyme: Fresh thyme is perfect! But if you’re out, use dried thyme, just remember that dried is more potent, so use only half the amount.
How Do I Get the Best Sear on My Pork Chops?
Searing the pork chops is key to adding flavor. Here’s how to master it:
- Make sure your Instant Pot is really hot before adding the oil. This helps the chops brown instead of steam.
- Don’t overcrowd the pot. Sear the pork chops in batches if needed to ensure they get that nice brown crust.
- Let them cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes. A good sear takes patience!
This method will lock in juices and enhance the overall flavor of your dish. Happy cooking! 😊
Instant Pot Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Instant Pot Pork Chops recipe will take you about 15 minutes for preparation, plus approximately 15 minutes of cooking time. With a total of around 30 minutes, you can serve a fantastic meal in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Pork Chops:
In a small bowl, mix together the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes if you want some heat. Rub this seasoning mixture all over the pork chops—make sure each side is well-coated for the best flavor!
2. Sear the Pork Chops:
Turn the Instant Pot to the ‘Sauté’ function and add the olive oil. Let it heat up a bit. Once hot, add the pork chops and sear them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re nicely browned. This step really locks in flavors! After searing, remove them and set them aside.
3. Add Chicken Broth:
Pour the chicken broth into the Instant Pot, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any brown bits stuck to the bottom. This is where all the delicious flavor is! It also helps prevent burning.
4. Pressure Cook the Pork Chops:
Return the pork chops to the pot, laying them flat. If you’re using fresh thyme, tuck the sprigs around the chops. Close the lid, making sure the valve is set to ‘Sealing’. Cook on ‘Pressure Cook’ or ‘Manual’ at high pressure for 8 minutes.
5. Release the Pressure:
Once the cooking time is up, let the pot sit for 5 minutes to allow for a natural pressure release. Then, carefully switch to a quick release to release any remaining pressure before opening the pot.
6. Make the Sauce:
Remove the pork chops and cover them to keep warm. Set the Instant Pot back to ‘Sauté’ and add the butter to the cooking liquid. Stir and let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes until it thickens a bit and turns into a delicious sauce.
7. Serve:
Dish up the pork chops on plates, spoon the pan sauce over them, and garnish with fresh thyme if you like. Enjoy every juicy bite!
Enjoy your tender, juicy Instant Pot Pork Chops! They pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes or steamed veggies. Happy cooking!
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Yes, you can! If you use boneless pork chops, reduce the cooking time to about 6 minutes to avoid overcooking, as boneless pieces cook faster than bone-in.
Can I Make This Recipe Without Chicken Broth?
Absolutely! If you don’t have chicken broth, you can substitute it with vegetable broth or even water. Just keep in mind that the flavor may be slightly less intense.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, reheat gently in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth to keep them moist.
Can I Freeze Cooked Pork Chops?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked pork chops! Just let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They should last for about 2-3 months in the freezer. To thaw, simply place them in the fridge overnight.
