These Instant Pot Pork Chops are juicy and full of flavor! With just a few minutes in the pot, you get tender meat that falls off the bone. It’s a real time-saver!
I love how quick and easy these are to make, especially on busy nights. Pair them with some mashed potatoes, and you’ve got a yummy meal that will make everyone smile! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops are ideal for their flavor and moisture. If you prefer, boneless chops can work, but they may cook more quickly, so adjust the time accordingly.
Olive Oil: This adds richness to the meat. If you’re out, you can substitute with vegetable oil or canola oil, which work well for searing too.
Spices: Smoked paprika gives a nice warmth. If you don’t have it, regular paprika or even chili powder could be used for a different flavor. Adjust according to taste!
Chicken Broth: While chicken broth works best, feel free to substitute with vegetable broth or even water in a pinch. Bone broth adds even more depth!
How Do You Achieve Juicy Pork Chops in the Instant Pot?
Cooking pork chops in the Instant Pot can be tricky, but here’s how to do it just right.
- Before cooking, pat the chops dry to ensure a good sear. A nice golden crust adds amazing flavor!
- Don’t rush the sauté step; searing both sides helps to lock in juices. You’ll only need 2-3 minutes per side.
- Use a natural release for a few minutes at the end. This lets the meat relax and reduces the chance of dryness.
- Lastly, make a quick gravy with the juices left in the pot. It enhances the flavor and keeps the pork chops extra moist.
Instant Pot Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley or fresh chopped parsley
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary (for garnish and flavor)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Optional: red pepper flakes for some heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and only 8 minutes to cook in the Instant Pot. After cooking, allow for a few minutes of natural pressure release, bringing the total time to around 25-30 minutes from start to finish. It’s quick 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 achieve a nice sear. In a small bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and parsley. Rub this seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the pork chops for maximum flavor.
2. Sear the Pork Chops:
Set your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” mode and add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the pork chops into the pot. Sear them for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. This step locks in the juices and flavors. After searing, remove the pork chops and set them aside on a plate.
3. Deglaze the Pot:
Pour the chicken broth into the pot, using a wooden spoon to scrape any browned bits off the bottom. This process, called deglazing, adds great flavor to the dish and prevents any burning during cooking.
4. Pressure Cook:
Return the seared pork chops to the pot and nestle the rosemary sprigs on top of each chop for added flavor. Secure the Instant Pot lid and ensure the valve is set to “Sealing.” Set it to “Pressure Cook” (or “Manual”) mode on high pressure for 8 minutes.
5. Release the Pressure:
When the cooking time is up, let the pot naturally release pressure for 5 minutes. After that, carefully switch the valve to “Venting” to release any remaining pressure. Once the pin drops, open the lid.
6. Make the Gravy:
Transfer the pork chops to a serving plate. Change the Instant Pot back to “Sauté” mode and add the butter to the cooking liquid. Stir to create a rich gravy and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
7. Serve:
Drizzle the gravy over the pork chops and serve immediately. You can garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you’d like some extra heat. Enjoy your juicy and tender Instant Pot Pork Chops with your favorite sides!
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Yes, you can use boneless pork chops! Just be sure to decrease the cooking time to about 6 minutes on high pressure, as boneless chops cook faster than bone-in ones.
What Is the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store leftover pork chops in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the microwave or warm them gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid drying them out.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or onions to the pot before sealing it to cook them along with the pork chops. Just ensure they are cut into uniform pieces for even cooking!
What Can I Use Instead of Chicken Broth?
If you don’t have chicken broth, you can substitute it with vegetable broth or water. Adding a bit of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce can enhance the flavor if you use water.