Is it a Tuesday night? What are you going to cook for the kids? What is taking out calling your name? What is sound familiar? What is the best part about Instant Pot pork chops? Why do you cook pork over a hot stove? These are juicy, tender, and packed with flavor – just like grandma used to make, but a whole lot more than that. They are even easier than making my famous one-pan chicken and veggies, and trust me, that says a lot.
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What is Instant Pot Pork Chop?
Think of Instant Pot pork chops as your weeknight dinner superhero. It’s essentially taking those sometimes-tricky pork chops and pressure cooking them to perfection in a fraction of the time it would take using traditional methods. You get incredibly tender, juicy meat that’s infused with flavor from whatever sauce or seasonings you choose to use. It’s honestly a game-changer. The name says it all, really. It’s pork chops, cooked in the Instant Pot. Simple, right? No more dry, tough pork chops! It’s essentially foolproof.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I even begin? What I love most about this recipe is how incredibly simple it is. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen. It’s one of those set-it-and-forget-it type meals that will give you time to help with homework, or just relax. It’s also a huge crowd-pleaser. Even my pickiest eater devours these!
Flavor explosion: WhatWhy is the sauce so good? We use a mix of savory and slightly sweet ingredients that complement the pork perfectly. And honestly, the aroma that fills the house while these are cooking is just divine. What are some of the best flavors that are so deep that no one will ever guess how easy it is to make it!
So Simple: Seriously, dump and go! Minimal prep time and cleanup. A lifesaver when you’re juggling a million things. This is truly one of those recipes that I can throw together without even looking at the recipe anymore. I can even make it while helping the kids with their homework. It really is that easy!
Budget friendly Pork chops are relatively inexpensive, making this a great way to feed the family without breaking the bank. We often get a big pack when it’s on sale, and freeze half for later. Saves time and money!
Versatile:What are some good side dishes to serve with pork chops? Can you change the sauce to suit your taste? What are some good side dishes to serve with mashed potatoes and green beans?
How do I make Instant Pot Pork Chops?
Quick Overview
How do you sear pork chops, whisk together a delicious sauce, and then let them rest for about an hour? How does an Instant Pot work? Is it easy to make a tender chicken? If you can do it, I can! What is the best thing about the Instant Pot?
Ingredients
For Pork Chops:
• 4-6 bone-in or boneless pork chops (about 1-inch thick). I prefer bone-in for extra flavor, but boneless works just fine too! Make sure they’re all roughly the same thickness so they cook evenly.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil. You can also use vegetable oil or avocado oil.
• 1 teaspoon salt. Kosher salt or sea salt works best.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Freshly ground is always best!
For the Sauce:
• 1 cup chicken broth. Low-sodium is recommended so you can control the salt level.
• 1/4 cup soy sauce. I use low-sodium soy sauce to keep the sodium content down.
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar. This adds a nice tang to the sauce.
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar. Light or dark brown sugar works equally well. If you don’t want to use brown sugar, honey works too.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder. Adds that garlicky flavor we all love.
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder. Just rounds out the flavor nicely.
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika. This adds a wonderful smoky flavor.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch. This helps to thicken the sauce.
How do I learn Step
Step 1: Season the Pork Chops
Sprinkle pork chops generously with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy with seasoning! This is your chance to build flavor.
Step 2: Sear the Pork Chops
Turn your Instant Pot to sauté. Add olive oil and let it heat up for a minute or two. When the oil is hot, add the pork chops to the Instant Pot. If you’re a vegetarian, sear your potatoes for about 2-3 minutes per side, until nicely browned. What are some of the best ways to add flavor to a dish How many batches do you need depending on the size of your Instant Pot? Don’t overcrowd the pot!
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cornstarch. Make sure there are no lumps of cornstarch!
Step 4: Pressure Cook
Pour the sauce over the pork chops in the Instant Pot. Make sure the pork chops are mostly submerged in the sauce. Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to “Pressure Cook” (or “Manual”) on high for 10 minutes. If your pork chops are thicker than 1-inch, you may need to add a few more minutes. It’s always better to slightly overcook than undercook pork! Once the cooking time is up, let the Instant Pot naturally release pressure for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure. This helps keep the pork chops tender.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce (if needed)
If the sauce is too thin for your liking, turn the Instant Pot back to the “Sauté” setting and let the sauce simmer for a few minutes, until it thickens to your desired consistency. You can also whisk in a little more cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) if needed.
Step 6: Serve
Instant Pot pork chops are a great side dish. What are some good options for mashed potatoes, rice, and roasted vegetables? Don’t forget to spoon some delicious sauce over everything!
What should I serve it with?
Instant Pot pork chops are so versatile! We love them with a variety of different sides, depending on the occasion and our mood.
For a Cozy Family Dinner:What is the best combination of mashed potatoes and green beans? What are some of the best ways to soak up all that delicious sauce?
What is a quick weeknight meal?Serve with a side salad and crusty bread for dipping in the sauce. So easy, so good!
For a Slightly More Elegant Meal:What are the best healthy pairings for asparagus and quinoa? What are some good ways to add sour cream to pork chops?
For a Party:Can these be served over rice as part of a buffet? How do you keep them warm in the Instant Pot?
My family loves these sandwiches! What are some ways to serve pork on a bun, and top with coleslaw? What is a pulled pork sandwich?
How do I cook pork chops in an Instant Pot?
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that will help you make the *best* Instant Pot pork chops every single time.
Don’t skip the searing: This is crucial for developing flavor. It might seem like an extra step, but trust me, it’s worth it! The browning creates a beautiful crust and adds depth to the sauce.
Adjust the cooking time: The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your pork chops. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they are cooked to a safe internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). The best thermometer I’ve found is my trusty Thermapen.
Don’t overcrowd the Instant Pot: If you have too many pork chops in the pot, they won’t sear properly and may not cook evenly. Work in batches if necessary.
Use bone-in pork chops for extra flavor: The bone adds richness to the sauce and helps keep the pork chops moist. However, boneless pork chops work just fine if that’s what you prefer.
Experiment with the sauce: Feel free to add other seasonings to the sauce, such as red pepper flakes for a little heat or a splash of Worcestershire sauce for extra depth of flavor. We also love to add a diced onion to the saute step, for added flavor.
Thicken the sauce to your liking: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to the Instant Pot after the pork chops are cooked. Turn the Instant Pot to the “Sauté” setting and let the sauce simmer for a few minutes, until it thickens to your desired consistency.
Let the Instant Pot naturally release pressure for at least 10 minutes: This helps the pork chops retain their moisture and prevents them from drying out.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Got leftovers? No problem! Instant Pot pork chops store beautifully and are just as delicious the next day.
Room Temperature: I don’t recommend leaving them out for more than 2 hours. Bacteria loves warm environments!
Refrigerator Storage: Store the pork chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to include some of the sauce to keep them moist. My favorite containers are the glass Pyrex ones with snap-on lids. They don’t stain or absorb smells.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the pork chops. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag or airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: You can reheat the pork chops in the microwave, oven, or on the stovetop. To reheat in the microwave, place them on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. To reheat in the oven, place them in a baking dish with a little of the sauce and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. To reheat on the stovetop, place them in a skillet with a little of the sauce and heat over medium heat, until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it! The easiest, most flavorful Instant Pot pork chops you’ll ever make. This is one of those recipes that I turn to again and again because it’s so simple, so delicious, and so versatile. If you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner that the whole family will love, give these Instant Pot pork chops a try. I promise you won’t be disappointed!
If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my other easy Instant Pot recipes, like my Instant Pot chicken and dumplings or my Instant Pot pot roast. They’re all family favorites!
Now, it’s your turn! Give this recipe a try and let me know how it turns out in the comments below. I can’t wait to hear what you think, and even better, what variations you come up with!
Instant Pot pork chops
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pounds pork chops
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Season pork chops with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in the Instant Pot on the sauté function. Brown pork chops on both sides.
- Add chicken broth to the Instant Pot.
- Close the lid and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
- Allow for a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
