Instant Pot Pork Chops Recipe

Juicy Flavor-Packed Instant Pot Pork Chops Recipe

Cooking delicious instant pot pork chops can turn an ordinary weeknight dinner into a memorable feast.

Tender meat falls right off the bone with minimal effort.

Juicy flavors burst through each perfectly seasoned bite.

My kitchen always smells incredible when these chops are simmering.

Simple ingredients combine to create something extraordinary for hungry people.

Salt, pepper, and a few smart techniques make all the difference.

You can have a restaurant-quality meal in less than thirty minutes.

Why This Instant Pot Pork Chops Recipe Stands Out

  • Speed Up Cooking: Instant Pot transforms traditional pork chop cooking by dramatically reducing preparation and cooking duration compared to conventional methods.
  • Burst with Flavor: Carefully selected spice blend of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and thyme creates a robust taste profile that penetrates deeply into the meat.
  • Minimal Cleanup Hero: Single-pot cooking technique means fewer dishes to wash, making this recipe perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious meals without extensive kitchen cleanup.
  • Versatile Meal Solution: Adaptable recipe allows easy customization with different vegetable sides, pasta options, or additional seasonings to suit individual preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients for Instant Pot Pork Chops Made Simple

Meat:
  • Pork Chops: Tender cuts of meat that will be the star of this flavorful dish.
Spices and Seasonings:
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika, Thyme, Salt, Black Pepper: A blend of spices that will create a delicious and aromatic coating for the pork chops.
Cooking Liquids:
  • Olive Oil: Helps brown the pork chops and prevents sticking.
  • Chicken Broth, Worcestershire Sauce: Adds moisture and depth of flavor to the dish.
Optional Side Ingredients:
  • Mixed Vegetables: Fresh or frozen vegetables that can be steamed alongside the pork chops.
  • Fettuccine Pasta: Optional pasta side that complements the main dish.
  • Parsley: Fresh herb for garnishing and adding a bright flavor.

Step-by-Step for Instant Pot Pork Chops

Step 1: Blend Spice Mixture

Combine garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Massage this seasoning blend thoroughly over each pork chop, ensuring complete coverage for maximum flavor infusion.

Step 2: Brown Pork Chops

Activate Instant Pot’s sauté function and heat olive oil. Carefully place pork chops into the pot, searing each side for 3-4 minutes until a beautiful golden-brown crust develops. Transfer browned chops to a temporary plate.

Step 3: Create Flavor Base

Pour chicken broth and Worcestershire sauce into the pot. Use a wooden spoon to gently scrape the bottom, releasing all those delicious caramelized bits. This process prevents potential burning and enhances overall taste profile.

Step 4: Pressure Cook Meat

Return pork chops to the pot. Secure lid with valve positioned to “Sealing.” Select pressure cook mode and set timer for 10 minutes. The high-pressure environment will guarantee incredibly tender meat.

Step 5: Natural Pressure Release

Allow natural pressure reduction for 5 minutes after cooking completes. Carefully shift valve to “Venting” to release remaining pressure. Open lid and marvel at the perfectly cooked pork chops.

Step 6: Add Vegetable Companions

  • Mixed vegetables
  • Olive oil
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Toss vegetables into the pot, letting them steam with residual heat for 3-5 minutes. Alternatively, prepare separately for added flexibility.

Step 7: Prepare Pasta Accompaniment

Cook fettuccine according to package instructions. Drain pasta and lightly coat with olive oil and a sprinkle of salt to enhance its flavor.

Step 8: Create Beautiful Plate

Arrange a pork chop on each plate alongside steamed vegetables and pasta. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant, restaurant-worthy presentation. Savor your delectable Instant Pot creation!

Instant Pot Tips for Juicy, Tender Pork Chops

  • Choose Thick-Cut Chops: Select bone-in, 1-inch thick pork chops for maximum juiciness and tenderness during pressure cooking.
  • Prevent Dryness: Avoid overcooking by using an instant-read meat thermometer to check internal temperature, which should reach 145°F for perfectly cooked pork.
  • Boost Flavor Intensity: Allow pork chops to marinate in spice mix for 15-30 minutes before cooking to enhance herb and seasoning absorption.
  • Rest for Juiciness: Let cooked pork chops rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking to help redistribute internal juices, ensuring each bite remains moist and delectable.
  • Adapt for Dietary Needs: Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter version, or use low-sodium seasonings for those monitoring salt intake.

Flavorful Twists for Instant Pot Pork Chops

  • Herb-Crusted Variation: Replace basic spices with fresh rosemary, sage, and crushed dried oregano for a robust herbal profile.
  • Low-Sodium Alternative: Use salt-free seasoning blend, low-sodium chicken broth, and skip added salt to create a heart-friendly version.
  • Keto-Friendly Option: Substitute chicken broth with bone broth, remove pasta, and replace mixed vegetables with low-carb zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free, use gluten-free spice blend, and serve with quinoa instead of traditional pasta.

Best Sides to Pair with Instant Pot Pork Chops

  • Enhance Flavor Harmony: Pair crisp Sauvignon Blanc with these zesty pork chops, its bright acidity cutting through the meat's richness perfectly.
  • Complement Wine Selection: Choose a light-bodied Pinot Noir for red wine lovers, its subtle earthiness matching the herb-seasoned pork beautifully.
  • Side Dish Symphony: Roast garlic-infused asparagus or create a creamy parmesan risotto to elevate the pork chops' savory profile and add textural contrast.
  • Unexpected Beverage Twist: Serve a craft amber ale with subtle caramel notes, its malty undertones creating a delightful counterpoint to the spice-rubbed meat.

Storage Advice for Instant Pot Pork Chops

  • Store leftover pork chops in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
  • Wrap individual pork chops tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag, storing them for up to 3 months with minimal flavor loss.
  • Place pork chops on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through, preventing dryness.
  • Warm pork chops in a preheated 350°F oven, covered with foil, for 10-15 minutes, adding a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture and tenderness.

Common Questions About Instant Pot Pork Chops

  • How do I know if the pork chops are cooked perfectly?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 145°F. The meat should be slightly pink in the center and have a juicy texture.

  • Can I use bone-in pork chops for this recipe?

Yes, bone-in pork chops work great! Just adjust the cooking time slightly, adding 1-2 minutes to ensure they’re fully cooked through.

  • What if I don't have an Instant Pot?

You can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker or traditional stovetop method. For stovetop, use a heavy skillet and finish cooking in the oven at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes.

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Instant Pot Pork Chops Recipe

Instant Pot Pork Chops Recipe


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4.8 from 28 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent Instant Pot Pork Chops deliver restaurant-quality comfort straight from your kitchen, promising tender meat with minimal effort. Juicy, well-seasoned chops swimming in rich, savory sauce will make you the hero of dinnertime.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat:

  • 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)

Spices and Seasonings:

  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme

Cooking Liquids and Oils:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Optional Sides:

  • 2 cups mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)
  • 8 ounces (226 grams) fettuccine pasta
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Blend a robust spice mixture combining garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, salt, and black pepper in a small container.
  2. Thoroughly coat each pork chop with the spice blend, ensuring complete coverage on both surfaces.
  3. Activate the Instant Pot’s sauté function at high temperature and add olive oil.
  4. Carefully place seasoned pork chops into the hot oil, searing for approximately 3-4 minutes per side until achieving a rich golden-brown exterior.
  5. Remove browned pork chops and set aside on a clean plate.
  6. Pour chicken broth and Worcestershire sauce into the pot, using a wooden spoon to scrape accumulated flavor bits from the bottom.
  7. Return seared pork chops to the pot, positioning them in the liquid.
  8. Secure the lid, ensuring the valve is set to “Sealing” position.
  9. Select pressure cook mode and set timer for 10 minutes at high pressure.
  10. After cooking completes, allow natural pressure release for 5 minutes.
  11. Carefully release remaining pressure by turning valve to “Venting”.
  12. Optional: Add mixed vegetables to the pot, steaming for 3-5 minutes using residual heat.
  13. Simultaneously prepare fettuccine according to package instructions, draining and tossing with olive oil.
  14. Plate pork chops alongside vegetables and pasta, garnishing with fresh chopped parsley for an elegant presentation.

Notes

  • Choose bone-in pork chops for more flavor and moisture, as they tend to stay juicier during pressure cooking.
  • Avoid overcrowding the Instant Pot to ensure each pork chop browns evenly and cooks consistently.
  • Pat pork chops dry with paper towels before seasoning to help create a better sear and prevent steaming.
  • Adjust cooking time based on pork chop thickness – thinner cuts need less time, thicker cuts might require slight increase in pressure cooking duration.
  • Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly liquid base if needed.
  • Include dairy-free alternatives like coconut oil instead of olive oil for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Reduce sodium by using low-sodium broth and minimal added salt in seasoning mix.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 36 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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