These Instant Pot pork chops are super juicy and full of flavor! With tender meat cooked in a tasty sauce, they make a fantastic meal with little effort.
Honestly, the best part is how quick they are to prepare. Just set it and forget it for a while, and soon you’ll be enjoying mouthwatering pork chops!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in chops are best for extra flavor and moisture. If you only have boneless, those will work too but might need less cooking time. Try to buy chops that are about 1-inch thick for the best results.
Seasonings: Paprika adds a nice color and subtle sweetness. If you’re out of paprika, a sprinkle of cayenne or Italian seasoning can work, just be mindful of the heat level. Experiment with your favorite spices!
Chicken Broth: This adds richness to the sauce. For a lighter option, you can use vegetable broth or even water if you’re in a pinch. Some people prefer low-sodium broth to control salt levels.
Lemon: Fresh lemon adds brightness. If you don’t have fresh, a splash of lemon juice can be a good substitute. Just use less, as it’s more concentrated than fresh slices.
Herbs: Thyme and parsley bring a lovely flavor. If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried herbs will work, but use less – about a third of the amount. Italian seasoning can also be a good alternative.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Sautéed Pork Chops?
Searing the pork chops before pressure cooking adds a delicious, caramelized flavor. Here’s how to do it well:
- Make sure the Instant Pot is hot before adding the olive oil. Test by sprinkling a drop of water – it should sizzle.
- Don’t overcrowd the pot. If necessary, sear the chops in batches. This helps them brown evenly.
- Let the pork chops cook undisturbed for a few minutes on each side. This creates a nice crust.
- Remove the chops as soon as they’re brown but not fully cooked, as they’ll finish cooking in the pressure phase.
Following these steps ensures that your pork chops are not only tasty but also visually appealing with a nice golden color! Enjoy your meal!
Instant Pot Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley or 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation, plus 8 minutes of cooking time in the Instant Pot. With an additional few minutes for natural pressure release, you should have tasty pork chops ready in around 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Pork Chops:
Start by patting the pork chops dry with paper towels. This helps them get a nice sear. Generously season both sides with salt, black pepper, and paprika to enhance the flavor.
2. Sear the Pork Chops:
Turn on the Instant Pot and set it to “Sauté” mode. Once it’s hot, pour in the olive oil. Add the pork chops in a single layer, taking care not to overcrowd the pot. Sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown. After searing, remove them from the pot and set aside.
3. Sauté Garlic:
Add minced garlic to the pot and sauté it for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. This step infuses the oil with wonderful garlic flavor!
4. Add Broth and Arrange Ingredients:
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to lift any delicious browned bits. This will add extra flavor to your meal! Place the lemon slices and thyme at the bottom of the pot, then arrange the browned pork chops on top.
5. Pressure Cook:
Close the lid of the Instant Pot and seal the valve. Set it to “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” on high pressure for 8 minutes. This will cook the pork chops to juicy perfection!
6. Release Pressure:
Once the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then carefully quick release any remaining pressure. Be cautious of the steam!
7. Serve:
Carefully remove the pork chops and lemon slices, placing them on a serving plate and covering them to keep warm. Switch the Instant Pot back to “Sauté” mode. Stir in the butter and chopped parsley into the cooking liquid. Allow it to simmer for 2-3 minutes to create a delicious sauce.
8. Enjoy Your Meal:
Pour the savory sauce over the pork chops and serve immediately. Enjoy your succulent, flavorful pork chops with a bright lemon herb sauce!
This recipe yields juicy, flavorful pork chops that are sure to impress—cooked effortlessly in your Instant Pot!
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Absolutely! Boneless pork chops can be used instead of bone-in. Just reduce the cooking time by about 2-3 minutes, as boneless chops tend to cook faster.
What Can I Substitute for Chicken Broth?
If you don’t have chicken broth on hand, vegetable broth or homemade stock works well too. You can even use water in a pinch, but you may want to add some extra seasonings to compensate for the flavor.
How Do I Store Leftover Pork Chops?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them gently in the microwave or on the stove. Adding a splash of broth can help maintain moisture.
Can I Freeze the Cooked Pork Chops?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked pork chops! Allow them to cool completely, then place them in an airtight freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for the best results.
