These Instant Pot pork chops are juicy and full of flavor! They’re cooked quickly in a delicious sauce that seals in all the goodness. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Honestly, they’re like a hug in meal form. I love to serve them with mashed potatoes or veggies for a complete dinner. You’ll want to keep this recipe handy for sure! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops are best for flavor and moisture. If you have boneless chops, they will work too but cook them for a few minutes less. This helps keep them juicy.
Olive Oil: This is great for searing, but you can use any cooking oil you have on hand. Canola or vegetable oil are good alternatives.
Herbs: Fresh rosemary and thyme make a difference, but if you only have dried, use about one-third of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated. I often use Italian seasoning for a quick mix!
Chicken Broth: If you want a deeper flavor, try using low-sodium vegetable broth or homemade broth. In a pinch, water with a bit of soy sauce or bouillon gives a similar effect.
How Do I Ensure My Pork Chops Turn Out Juicy and Tender?
Getting pork chops perfectly juicy can be tricky, but following a few key points helps. Searing them before pressure cooking locks in moisture and builds a tasty crust!
- Pat the chops dry first—this helps them brown nicely.
- Don’t overcrowd the pot while searing; do it in batches if needed.
- Let them rest for a couple of minutes after cooking—this keeps them moist.
Keep an eye on your cooking times too! If the chops are thinner, reduce pressure cooking time slightly. Adjusting as per your pork chop thickness is key!
Instant Pot Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 bone-in pork chops, about 1-inch thick
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves)
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Optional garnish: fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cooking time in total. You’ll sear the pork chops, pressure cook them for just 8 minutes, and then let them rest while you make a delicious sauce. So, in about 35 minutes, you’ll have a tasty meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork Chops:
Start by patting the pork chops dry with a paper towel. This helps them brown nicely later. Season the chops generously on both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and dried thyme. This will add lovely flavor to your dish!
2. Sear the Chops:
Set your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” setting and pour in the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the pork chops to the pot. Sear them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are nicely browned. This step helps lock in all the juicy goodness! After browning, remove the pork chops from the pot and set them aside.
3. Sauté Aromatics:
Now, add the minced garlic and chopped rosemary to the leftover goodness in the Instant Pot. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant—this makes your kitchen smell amazing!
4. Deglaze the Pot:
Pour the chicken broth into the Instant Pot. Make sure to scrape any browned bits from the bottom using a wooden spoon. These bits are packed with flavor and will enhance your dish!
5. Pressure Cook the Pork Chops:
Return the seared pork chops to the pot, placing them right in the broth. Seal the Instant Pot lid and set it to “Pressure Cook” (or Manual) on high for 8 minutes. This will cook the pork chops perfectly!
6. Release the Pressure:
When the cooking is complete, allow for a natural release for about 5 minutes. After that, be careful and quick release any remaining pressure. Then, gently take the pork chops out and put them on a plate.
7. Make the Sauce:
Switch the Instant Pot back to “Sauté” mode. Add the unsalted butter to the cooking liquid and stir for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly and turns into a flavorful sauce.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Pour the delicious sauce over the pork chops. You can garnish with fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs if you like. Serve warm and enjoy your flavorful meal!
These pork chops are so tender and yummy; you won’t want to put your fork down! Perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner. Enjoy!
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Yes, boneless pork chops can be used in this recipe! Just be sure to reduce the cooking time to about 6 minutes to prevent them from becoming dry.
What Should I Do If My Pork Chops Are Thicker Than 1 Inch?
If your pork chops are thicker, increase the pressure cooking time to about 10 minutes. Always check for doneness with a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 145°F.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water to keep them moist.
Can I Skip Searing the Pork Chops?
While searing adds flavor and texture, you can skip this step if you’re short on time. Just make sure to adjust cooking times slightly for any size differences!