These Instant Pot pork chops are juicy, tender, and full of flavor. You’ll love how quick they cook, making dinner stress-free and delicious!
I can’t believe how easy they are to make! Just season, toss them in, and let the Instant Pot do its magic. Pair them with some mashed potatoes for a cozy meal! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops add flavor and moisture. If you prefer, you can use boneless chops; just reduce the cooking time by a couple of minutes.
Herbs & Seasoning: Dried thyme is great, but feel free to swap it out with Italian seasoning or rosemary if you like. Fresh herbs really enhance the flavor too!
Chicken Broth: You can replace chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter version or even apple juice for a slightly sweet touch.
Heavy Cream: If you want a lighter sauce, consider using half-and-half or a non-dairy milk like coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
Dijon Mustard: For a twist, you might use yellow mustard or omit it if you’re not a fan. Adding a bit of honey can also create a nice sweet touch.
How Do I Get Perfectly Sautéed Pork Chops?
Searing pork chops is crucial for locking in flavors. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use a hot Instant Pot on ‘Sauté’ mode; this helps achieve that beautiful brown crust.
- Don’t overcrowd the pot; if necessary, do it in batches to avoid steaming.
- Let the chops sear without moving them for a few minutes—this helps develop the crust.
Once they’re seared, set them aside before adding broth. This keeps the flavor intact and sets you up for a tasty sauce!
Instant Pot Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dinner takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus 15 minutes of cooking time in the Instant Pot. After that, you’ll have a delightful meal ready in under 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Pork Chops:
Start by patting the pork chops dry with paper towels. This helps to get a nice sear. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme.
2. Sear the Pork Chops:
Set your Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode and let it heat up. Once hot, add the olive oil. Carefully place the pork chops in the pot and sear them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a nice, golden-brown crust. Remove the chops and set aside on a plate while you prepare the next steps.
3. Deglaze the Pot:
Pour the chicken broth into the Instant Pot, making sure to scrape the bottom with a wooden spoon. This will lift any tasty browned bits stuck to the pot, which adds great flavor to your sauce!
4. Pressure Cook the Chops:
Return the seared pork chops to the pot. Lock the lid securely and set the valve to sealing. Cook on ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ for 8 minutes. Don’t worry, the Instant Pot will do the hard work for you!
5. Release the Pressure:
When the cooking time is up, allow a 5-minute natural pressure release before doing a quick release for any remaining pressure. Carefully remove the lid.
6. Make the Creamy Sauce:
Take the pork chops out of the pot and cover them to keep warm. Switch the Instant Pot back to ‘Sauté’ mode. Stir in the heavy cream and Dijon mustard. If you want a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with a little water and stir it in now. Let it simmer for about 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens to your desired consistency.
7. Serve:
Pour the creamy sauce over your pork chops and garnish with fresh rosemary and chopped parsley. Serve hot, and enjoy with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes or steamed veggies!
This recipe yields juicy, tender pork chops with a creamy, flavorful sauce—perfect for quick weeknight dinners!
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Absolutely! You can use boneless pork chops, but reduce the cooking time to about 6-7 minutes since they cook faster without the bone.
How Can I Store Leftover Pork Chops?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Can I Use Different Seasonings?
Yes! Feel free to customize the seasoning to your taste. Italian seasoning, paprika, or even a bit of cayenne pepper for some heat can work wonderfully!
What Should I Serve with These Pork Chops?
These pork chops pair beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or a garden salad. Roasted vegetables or steamed green beans also make great sides!