These Instant Pot pork chops are juicy and tender, making dinner a breeze. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a tasty meal in no time!
I love how the Instant Pot locks in all the flavors while cooking quickly. It’s my go-to for busy nights. Serve them with some veggies and you’re all set for a yummy dinner! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in chops are great for flavor and tenderness. If you have boneless chops, they will also work but reduce the cooking time by a couple of minutes.
Olive Oil: This adds a nice flavor while searing. If you’re looking for a different taste, you can substitute with avocado oil or butter.
Spices: Garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika add depth to the flavor. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika or even cayenne pepper can provide a nice kick instead.
Chicken Broth: Makes the dish juicy and flavorful. You can swap for vegetable broth or even water in a pinch, but broth adds much better taste!
Fresh Thyme: Fresh herbs really elevate the taste. If you only have dried thyme, use about a third of the amount since it’s more concentrated.
How Do I Get the Best Searing on My Pork Chops?
Searing is crucial for building flavor. Here are some steps to get that perfect golden crust:
- Make sure the Instant Pot is hot before adding oil. This helps create a good sear.
- Pat the pork chops dry; moisture causes steaming rather than browning.
- Sear in batches if needed, so you don’t overcrowd the pot. If they’re too close, they’ll steam instead of sear!
- Only flip the chops once to ensure a nice crust forms.
With these tips and ingredients in mind, you’re set to create some mouthwatering pork chops in your Instant Pot! Enjoy your meal! 🍽️
Instant Pot Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme (plus extra for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Fresh parsley or thyme, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20 minutes total. You’ll spend about 10 minutes for prep and searing the pork chops, and then 8 minutes for cooking, plus a few minutes for pressure release. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Pork Chops:
Start by patting the pork chops dry with paper towels. This helps them sear better! Generously season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika (if using). This will give your pork chops a lot of delicious flavor!
2. Sear the Pork Chops:
Turn your Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode and add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the pork chops in the pot. Sear them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are a nice golden brown. This step locks in all that flavor! Once browned, remove the chops and set them aside on a plate.
3. Deglaze the Pot:
Now, pour in the chicken broth. Use a wooden spoon to scrape the bottom of the pot to get all those tasty browned bits off. This adds even more flavor to your dish!
4. Cook the Pork Chops:
Return the seared pork chops to the Instant Pot and place the thyme sprigs on top. Secure the lid and make sure the vent is closed. Set the Instant Pot to ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ on high pressure for 8 minutes.
5. Release the Pressure:
After the cooking is complete, allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally for 5 minutes. After that, quick release any remaining pressure by carefully turning the vent. Once the pressure is fully released, you can open the lid.
6. Make the Pan Sauce:
Carefully remove the pork chops and set them on a serving plate. Switch the Instant Pot back to ‘Sauté’ mode. Stir the butter into the cooking liquid to create a rich sauce for the chops. Let it simmer and thicken for about 2-3 minutes.
7. Serve:
Pour the sauce over the pork chops and garnish with fresh chopped thyme or parsley for a pop of color. Serve immediately and enjoy your tender, flavorful pork chops!
These Instant Pot pork chops are perfect with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables. Enjoy! 🍽️
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Yes, you can use boneless pork chops! Just remember to reduce the cooking time to about 6 minutes, as boneless chops cook faster than bone-in.
How to Store Leftover Pork Chops?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the microwave or on the stove over low heat until warmed through to avoid drying them out.
Can I Make This Recipe Without Thyme?
Absolutely! If you don’t have thyme, you can skip it or substitute with other herbs like rosemary or oregano for different flavor profiles.
How to Thicken the Sauce Further?
If you’d like a thicker sauce, you can mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir it into the sauce while it’s simmering, and cook for an additional minute or so until thickened.