These Instant Pot pork chops are juicy and full of flavor! With just a few simple ingredients, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time.
Cooking them in the Instant Pot makes everything super easy, and the best part? You can enjoy tender pork chops without standing by the stove for hours. Trust me, you’ll want second helpings! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Boneless pork chops work best for this recipe as they cook quickly and become tender. If you’re looking for a different cut, bone-in pork chops can also be used but may need a few extra minutes of cooking time.
Seasonings: The mixture of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder adds great flavor. Feel free to swap garlic powder for fresh minced garlic if you prefer a stronger taste or try paprika for a different flavor profile!
Chicken Broth: This is essential for moisture and flavor. If you’re avoiding chicken, vegetable broth is a perfect substitute. Homemade broth can also enhance the taste even more.
Cornstarch: This is used for thickening the sauce. If you don’t have cornstarch, all-purpose flour can work too, but you might need a bit more. Gluten-free individuals can use arrowroot powder instead.
How Do I Get Perfectly Searing Pork Chops?
Searing the pork chops first is key to creating a rich and flavorful crust. Here’s how you do it:
- Make sure your Instant Pot is hot enough. Let it heat on ‘Sauté’ mode until the oil shimmers.
- Cook in batches if necessary. Avoid overcrowding to ensure a proper sear.
- Don’t move the pork chops while they sear. Let them brown nicely for about 2-3 minutes before flipping!
- You’ll know they’re ready to flip when they release easily from the pan without sticking. This creates a nice golden crust.
Instant Pot Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless pork chops, about 1-inch thick
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- Fresh herbs (such as thyme or rosemary) for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This flavorful Instant Pot pork chop recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 8 minutes of cooking in the Instant Pot. Including the natural pressure release time, the total time is around 30 minutes. It’s a quick and easy dish that makes weeknight dinners a breeze!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Seasoning the Pork Chops:
Start by seasoning both sides of the pork chops with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Make sure to rub the spices in for extra flavor. This step adds a tasty base before cooking!
2. Searing for Flavor:
Set your Instant Pot to the ‘Sauté’ function and add the oil. Let it heat until shimmering, then carefully place the pork chops into the pot. Sear them for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. This really enhances the flavor! After cooking, remove the pork chops and set them aside on a plate.
3. Sautéing Garlic and Preparing the Sauce:
Add the minced garlic to the pot, stirring for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. Don’t let it burn! Now, pour in the chicken broth and soy sauce (or Worcestershire sauce). Stir to combine and scrape any tasty browned bits off the bottom of the pot. That’s where all the flavor lives!
4. Cooking the Pork Chops:
Return the browned pork chops to the Instant Pot, making sure to place them in the liquid. Close the lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. Don’t worry if it takes a few minutes for the Instant Pot to reach pressure—it’s all part of the process!
5. Releasing Pressure:
When the cooking time is up, let the Instant Pot naturally release pressure for 5 minutes—this keeps the pork chops nice and juicy—then switch to quick release for any remaining pressure. Carefully open the lid when it’s safe!
6. Thickening the Sauce:
Once you’ve removed the pork chops and kept them warm, set the Instant Pot back to ‘Sauté’. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Stir it into the pot and cook for about 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens. It should become glossy and delicious!
7. Serving:
Pour the thickened sauce over the pork chops on a serving plate. Garnish with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a lovely finish. Enjoy your meal warm and savor every bite!
Can I Use Frozen Pork Chops for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen pork chops, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. Cook them on high pressure for about 12-14 minutes instead of 8, and ensure they reach at least 145°F for safe consumption.
How Can I Make This Recipe Low-Sodium?
To make a low-sodium version, simply use low-sodium chicken broth and reduce or omit the soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce. You can also add extra herbs and spices to boost flavor without the 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, warm them gently in the microwave or on the stove with a little bit of broth to keep them moist.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like carrots, green beans, or bell peppers. Just layer them on the bottom of the pot before adding the pork chops and adjust the cooking time slightly if you add a lot of veggies! They will cook perfectly along with the pork.
