These Instant Pot pork chops are juicy, tender, and super easy to make. With just a few ingredients, you’ll have a one-pot meal that’s perfect for busy nights!
Let’s face it, the Instant Pot saves us from overcooking our dinners! I love how quickly I can whip these up and still enjoy a delicious meal. Perfect with some veggies on the side! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in chops are juicy and flavorful, but boneless chops work too! If you prefer, chicken thighs or breasts can also be a great substitute, just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Seasonings: The blend of garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika gives tasty depth. Feel free to swap paprika with smoked paprika for a smoky twist, or use your favorite seasoning mix instead.
Olive Oil: This is great for searing, but other oils like avocado or canola also work well. Just avoid any oil with a strong flavor that might overpower the dish.
Balsamic Vinegar: It’s optional, but it adds a nice touch. Red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can replace it. For a sweetness, consider adding a bit of honey or maple syrup!
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets are best, but frozen ones can substitute. You could also try other vegetables like green beans or carrots, just adjust steaming time accordingly.
How Do I Sear Pork Chops Perfectly?
Searing pork chops is crucial for flavor and texture. You want that beautiful brown crust that seals in moisture. Here’s how to do it right:
- Heat the Instant Pot on “Sauté” until it’s hot, then add your olive oil.
- Pat the pork chops dry—this helps them brown better. Season them well before placing them in the pot.
- Place a few chops in at a time; overcrowding will lower the temperature and steam them instead of browning.
- Sear for 3-4 minutes on each side. You’re aiming for a rich golden color.
- Remove them carefully and let them rest briefly before pressure cooking to keep them juicy.
Instant Pot Pork Chops Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (for garnish)
For the Sides:
- 2 medium-sized baking potatoes
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes, including 10 minutes of cooking time in the Instant Pot. You’ll spend a few minutes prepping and cooking your sides while the pork chops are cooking, making this a quick and delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork Chops:
Start by patting the pork chops dry with paper towels. This helps them sear nicely! Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Make sure they are well coated for the best flavor!
2. Sear the Pork Chops:
Next, turn on your Instant Pot and set it to “Sauté” mode. Add the olive oil and let it heat. Once it’s nice and hot, carefully add your pork chops to the pot. You may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding. Sear each side for about 3-4 minutes until they are golden brown. Once done, remove them from the pot and set aside.
3. Deglaze the Pot:
Now, we want to keep all that delicious flavor! Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any brown bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. This process is called deglazing. If you want a little extra tang, add the balsamic vinegar here as well.
4. Cook the Pork Chops:
Place the trivet in the Instant Pot and lay your seared pork chops on top. Close the lid properly and make sure the valve is set to “Sealing.” Select “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” and set the timer for 10 minutes. You’re on your way to juicy pork chops!
5. Prepare the Sides:
While the pork chops are cooking, scrub your baking potatoes thoroughly and prick them all over with a fork. Pop them in the microwave on high for about 5 minutes or until they feel tender when squeezed (be careful!). For the broccoli, place it in a microwave-safe dish with a splash of water, cover it, and microwave for about 3 minutes until it’s bright green and tender.
6. Release the Pressure:
Once the cooking time is up, let the Instant Pot release pressure naturally for about 5 minutes. After that, switch to quick release for any remaining pressure. Be cautious as the steam escapes!
7. Serve:
Carefully take the pork chops out of the Instant Pot. Plate them alongside your baked potatoes (feel free to add butter, salt, and pepper to taste) and the steamed broccoli. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh parsley for a lovely finish. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Absolutely! You can substitute boneless pork chops for the bone-in ones. Just be aware that boneless chops may cook a bit faster, so consider reducing the pressure cooking time to about 8 minutes to avoid overcooking them.
What Happens If I Don’t Have Chicken Broth?
No worries! You can substitute with vegetable broth or even water if you’re in a pinch. For added flavor, consider adding a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce to enhance the taste if using water.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pork chops, potatoes, and broccoli in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them up in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. Adding a splash of broth can help keep the pork chops moist during reheating.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, green beans, or asparagus. Just cut them into uniform pieces and steam or microwave them after cooking the pork chops. Keeping them bright and tender will enhance your meal!
