These Instant Pot pork chops are juicy and full of flavor! With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a tasty meal in no time. The pressure cooker makes them super tender!
I love how quickly this dish comes together—perfect for busy nights! Serve it with some veggies and mashed potatoes, and you have a delicious dinner that everyone will enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Boneless pork chops work best for this recipe because they cook quickly in the Instant Pot. If you prefer bone-in chops, they can also be used—just increase the cooking time by a few minutes.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives a wonderful flavor. If you don’t have fresh garlic, you can use garlic powder (about 1 teaspoon), but fresh is definitely best!
Chicken Broth: Instead of chicken broth, vegetable broth or even water can be used. Just keep in mind, broth adds more flavor compared to plain water.
Honey/Brown Sugar: Both add sweetness, but if you’re looking for a low-sugar option, maple syrup or agave syrup can work as well.
Thyme: Fresh thyme adds a lovely aroma and depth. If you have dried thyme, just use half the amount since it’s more concentrated. Chopped parsley can also be a nice substitution.
How Do I Get Juicy Pork Chops in the Instant Pot?
The key to juicy pork chops is not overcooking them. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Seasoning: Before cooking, make sure to season generously with salt and pepper.
- Searing: Sear the pork chops on both sides until golden brown. This locks in the juices and adds flavor.
- Cooking Time: Set the Instant Pot for just 8 minutes at high pressure. Pork chops cook fast, and overcooking can make them dry.
- Natural Release: Allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes before quick releasing it. This helps keep the meat tender.
- Resting Time: Let the chops rest for a couple of minutes after cooking before serving. It allows the juices to redistribute!
Using these tips, you’ll have delicious and tender pork chops every time! Enjoy your meal!
Instant Pot Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth (or stock)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
- Fresh rosemary sprig, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 15 minutes of cooking time in the Instant Pot. You’ll have juicy pork chops ready in just about 30 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Seasoning the Pork Chops:
Start by generously seasoning the pork chops on both sides with salt and black pepper. This adds flavor to the meat and enhances the overall taste of the dish.
2. Searing the Pork Chops:
Set your Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode and add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the pork chops, searing each side for about 2-3 minutes until they are golden brown. This helps lock in the juices. After searing, remove the pork chops from the pot and set them aside.
3. Sautéing the Garlic:
Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until it becomes fragrant. This will give your dish a delicious garlic flavor.
4. Preparing the Sauce:
Pour in the chicken broth, soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), and Worcestershire sauce (if you’re using it). Stir well to combine and make sure to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. Those bits add great flavor!
5. Cooking the Pork Chops:
Return the pork chops to the pot, making sure they are nestled into the liquid. Sprinkle the thyme over the top. Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. This cooks the chops perfectly!
6. Releasing the Pressure:
Once the cooking time is complete, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes. After that, quickly release any remaining pressure by turning the valve to venting.
7. Serving the Pork Chops:
Carefully remove the pork chops from the Instant Pot and place them on a serving plate. If you want to thicken the sauce, switch the Instant Pot back to ‘Sauté’ mode and let the remaining sauce simmer for 3-5 minutes. Once done, pour it over the pork chops for extra flavor.
8. Garnishing and Enjoying:
Garnish your pork chops with fresh rosemary sprigs and additional thyme, if desired. Serve them hot with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes or steamed veggies.
Enjoy your juicy, flavorful Instant Pot pork chops!
Can I Use Bone-In Pork Chops Instead?
Yes, you can use bone-in pork chops! Just increase the cooking time to about 10 minutes to ensure they cook through properly, as bone-in cuts take longer to cook than boneless ones.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos, which are great gluten-free alternatives. Be sure to check that the chicken broth you’re using is also gluten-free!
What Should I Do If My Pork Chops Are Thicker?
If your pork chops are thicker than 1 inch, you’ll want to increase the cooking time to about 10-12 minutes. As always, make sure to check for doneness; the internal temperature should reach 145°F for safe consumption.
Can I Store Leftovers and How?
Absolutely! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the pork chops gently in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of broth or water to keep them moist.
