Instant Pot Perfect Pork Chops

Perfectly Tender and Juicy Pork Chops

Boneless pork chops often get a bad rap for being dry and bland. However, this recipe proves that
pork chops can be anything but! This recipe uses a few simple techniques to ensure your pork chops
come out perfectly cooked every time.

First, the pork chops get a flavorful sear using the sauté mode of the Instant Pot. This step adds
essential flavor. Then, the chops are pressure-cooked with broth and seasonings, infusing them
with savory goodness.

The final step is to make a delicious gravy to spoon over your Instant Pot pork chops. Consider
serving with mashed potatoes for an amazing meal!

Why You’ll Love These Instant Pot Pork Chops

Never Dry or Bland: The Instant Pot locks in moisture and flavor, resulting in juicy
and delicious pork chops. Searing them first, then pressure cooking, guarantees tender and flavorful
results.

Perfect for Weeknights: Enjoy a Sunday dinner-worthy meal in under 35 minutes! With
tender pork chops and rich gravy, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.

Budget-Friendly: Pork chops are an affordable protein option, and most of the other
ingredients are pantry staples. Serve with simple side dishes like roasted green beans or honey-glazed
carrots to stretch your grocery budget.

Ingredient Notes

• Boneless Pork Chops: The recipe is designed for pork chops that are 1 ½ inches
  thick. You can adjust the cooking time for thinner or thicker chops. Bone-in pork chops can also
  be used if preferred.
• Olive Oil and Butter: A combination of olive oil and butter is used to sear the
  pork chops, adding flavor.
• Yellow Onion and Garlic: These ingredients add savory flavor to the pork chops
  while they pressure cook and contribute to the gravy’s texture.
• Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: Using low-sodium broth helps control the saltiness of
  the dish. Chicken stock can also be used.
• Worcestershire Sauce: This pantry staple adds depth and umami flavor to the
  recipe.
• Dried Rosemary, Thyme, and Sage: These dried herbs are easy-to-find pantry staples
  that contribute delicious flavor to the pork.
• Cornstarch: Used to thicken the gravy. For a keto diet, substitute with xanthan
  gum, almond flour, or ground flaxseed.
• Fresh Parsley (optional): Chopped parsley provides a fresh flavor and a nice
  visual balance to the rich pork.

How to Make Instant Pot Pork Chops: Step-by-Step

Sear the Pork: Season both sides of the pork chops generously with salt and pepper.
Using the Sauté setting, sear the pork chops in the Instant Pot with olive oil and butter. Work in
batches of two chops at a time unless they all fit in a single layer.

Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onions to the Instant Pot and sauté until
they soften and become translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until
fragrant. Be careful not to brown the garlic, as it can become bitter.

Deglaze the Pot: Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth, and scrape up any browned bits from
the bottom of the pot. This crucial step adds flavor and prevents the Instant Pot from displaying
a “burn” warning.

Add Seasoning and Return Chops: Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and dried herbs.
Then, return the seared pork chops to the pot, arranging them in a single layer.

Pressure Cook the Chops: Set the Instant Pot for the correct cooking time based on
your pork chop thickness (refer to the recipe card for specific times). Allow the Instant Pot to
naturally release pressure for 10 minutes after the timer goes off.

Make the Gravy: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and the remaining
chicken broth. Remove the pork chops from the pot and set aside. Stir the cornstarch mixture into
the remaining liquid in the pot. Simmer until the gravy thickens. Taste and adjust the seasoning
with salt and pepper as needed.

Serve: Pour the rich gravy over the pork chops and garnish with fresh chopped
parsley, if desired.

Tips for Success

• Sear in a Single Layer: If the pork chops don’t fit in a single layer during
  searing, cook them in batches. Two chops per batch generally works well. This helps ensure even
  browning.
• Consider Chop Thickness: Cooking times vary depending on the thickness of your
  pork chops. The recipe card contains specific cook time recommendations based on the thickness of
  your chops.

Take It Up a Notch: Variations

• Add Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onion to create a flavorful
  mushroom gravy.
• Deglaze with Wine: Deglaze the Instant Pot with ¼ cup of dry white wine before
  adding the chicken broth.
• Make It Creamy: Stir in a tablespoon of heavy cream or sour cream at the end for
  a richer gravy.

What To Serve with Instant Pot Pork Chops

Vegetable Sides: Air fryer green beans, roasted broccoli, and zucchini casserole
are all excellent choices to complement the pork chops.

Salad: A warm kale salad with roasted root vegetables can be a lighter, yet
flavorful, option.

Potatoes: A classic pairing! Try mashed red potatoes, oven-roasted sweet potatoes,
baked potatoes, or stovetop scalloped potatoes.

Grains: Pork chops are also delicious served with roasted mushroom risotto, Instant
Pot polenta, or a quinoa salad with Brussels sprouts and pepitas.

Refrigerate/Freeze: Store any leftover pork chops and gravy in an airtight container
in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 1 month.

Reheat: Reheat the pork chops and gravy in the microwave or in a skillet over
medium heat until heated through. For even heating, consider chopping the meat into bite-sized
pieces before reheating.