These Instant Pot pork chops are tender and juicy, cooked perfectly in no time! With simple seasonings and a rich sauce, they’re sure to please everyone at the table.
I love how quick and easy they are to make—just toss everything in the pot and relax. Perfect for those busy weeknights when you want a tasty meal without the fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in chops are ideal for flavor and moisture, but boneless or even pork loin can work. Just adjust the cooking time a bit since they may cook faster.
Olive Oil: This adds richness to the sear. You can substitute with vegetable oil or avocado oil if you prefer. Both will still give good results!
Heavy Cream: This creates a delicious sauce. For a lighter option, use half-and-half or evaporated milk. If you need a dairy-free swap, coconut cream is a great alternative.
Herbs: Fresh rosemary or thyme not only flavors the dish but brings freshness. If you don’t have these, dried herbs work too—just use about a third of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.
How Do I Get Perfectly Searing Pork Chops?
Searing your pork chops is all about the right heat and oil. Here’s how to do it:
- Make sure your Instant Pot is hot before adding oil. Look for a shimmer in the oil before you add the meat.
- Don’t overcrowd the pot! Cook in batches if necessary.
- Don’t move them around too much; let them sit for 2-3 minutes on each side for a nice brown crust.
The result will be juicy chops with a great flavor base for your sauce!
What’s the Best Way to Thicken the Sauce?
Once your pork chops are cooked, the next step is to make a luscious sauce. Follow these tips:
- Switch your Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ after removing the chops. This allows the sauce to simmer and thicken.
- Add the heavy cream slowly while stirring. This will help incorporate it into the broth.
- Let it bubble for a few minutes, which will reduce the sauce and make it thicker. Adjust seasoning before serving!
Enjoy the creamy sauce with your pork chops!
Instant Pot Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs (about 2-3 sprigs)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 20 minutes in total. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping, and the cooking time in the Instant Pot is just 10 minutes. Plus, the quick pressure release and the time it takes to thicken the sauce don’t add much more. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork Chops:
Start by patting the pork chops dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. This will ensure they’re flavorful and have a nice crust when cooked!
2. Sear the Pork Chops:
Set your Instant Pot to the ‘Sauté’ mode and heat the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned pork chops. Sear them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re nicely browned. This adds lots of flavor! Remove the chops and set them aside—don’t worry; they’ll finish cooking later.
3. Add Garlic and Broth:
In the same pot, add the smashed garlic cloves and fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme. Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot—this is where all the flavor is! These bits add a delicious depth to the sauce.
4. Pressure Cook the Pork Chops:
Return the seared pork chops to the pot, nestling them gently into the broth. Make sure they are mostly submerged. Close the lid, seal it, and set your Instant Pot to ‘Pressure Cook’ or ‘Manual’ on high for 10 minutes. It’s time to let the magic happen!
5. Release the Pressure:
Once the cooking time is up, allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes. After that, do a quick release to let out any remaining pressure. Be careful when opening the lid!
6. Make the Creamy Sauce:
Carefully remove the pork chops and keep them warm. Discard the smashed garlic cloves and herb sprigs from the pot. Now, switch the Instant Pot back to ‘Sauté’ mode. Stir in the heavy cream and Dijon mustard if you’re using it. Let the sauce simmer and thicken for about 3-5 minutes, while stirring frequently. Adjust the seasoning as necessary.
7. Serve!
Pour the rich and creamy sauce over the pork chops. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Your juicy, tender Instant Pot pork chops with a luscious creamy herb sauce are ready to delight your taste buds! Bon appétit!
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Yes, you can use boneless pork chops! Just keep in mind that boneless chops will cook faster, so check them at around 8 minutes of pressure cooking instead of 10 to avoid overcooking.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter alternative, half-and-half or whole milk can work, though the sauce won’t be as creamy. For a dairy-free option, coconut cream is a great substitute that adds a nice flavor as well.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave gently or warm them in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to keep the sauce from thickening too much.
Can I Double the Recipe?
Absolutely! Just ensure not to overcrowd the Instant Pot—if it’s too crowded, the pork chops may not cook evenly. It’s best to cook in batches if you’re doubling, or use a larger Instant Pot if you have one!