Instant Pot Pork Chops
These pork chops are super easy to season and cook in the Instant Pot pressure cooker. Just season, sear, and then pressure cook. All in all, the recipe takes about 35 minutes from start to finish.
These juicy Instant Pot pork chops cook quickly and come out tender and flavorful every time. Simply season and sear the chops, then pressure-cook them in a savory liquid with smoky, tangy notes from Worcestershire sauce and liquid smoke.
The whole recipe takes about 35 minutes from start to finish, and the results are tender, juicy pork chops with a savory sauce that’s perfect for spooning over rice, potatoes, or vegetables.
With just a few steps, this one-pot recipe is a reliable option for weeknight dinners or easy entertaining. This recipe also works with other brands of electric pressure cookers.
What You’ll Like About This Dish
Fast and simple. Dinner is ready in about 35 minutes, start to finish.
Great flavor. Chili powder, garlic, and onion powder create a savory, well-rounded seasoning.
Juicy results. Pressure cooking keeps pork chops tender instead of drying them out.
Pan sauce included. Deglazing and reducing the liquid makes a rich, flavorful sauce.
Ingredient Notes
- Boneless pork chops – Choose 1-inch thick chops for best results; thinner chops may overcook quickly. Boneless chops cook evenly and stay tender under pressure.
- Kosher salt – Seasons the meat deeply; start with 1 teaspoon and adjust the final sauce to taste.
- Black pepper – Adds mild heat and warmth; freshly ground pepper gives the best flavor.
- Chili powder – Provides savory depth and subtle smokiness without making the chops spicy. Use a mild or medium blend.
- Onion powder & garlic powder – Create a classic, well-rounded seasoning mix that sticks easily to the chops.
- Olive oil – Helps with searing and adds flavor; neutral oil works too.
- Chicken stock – Preferably unsalted so you can control seasoning when reducing the sauce. Stock adds richness and deglazes the browned bits from searing.
- Worcestershire sauce – Adds umami and depth, balancing the sweetness of the pork.
- Liquid smoke – A little goes a long way. Adds a light smoky note that tastes like the chops were grilled.
- Butter – Finishes the sauce with richness and a silky texture.
Steps to Make Instant Pot Pork Chops
- Pat the pork chops dry and mix the salt, pepper, chili powder, onion powder, and garlic powder; rub over the chops.
- Select Sauté on the Instant Pot and heat the olive oil. Sear the pork chops for about 2 minutes per side; remove to a plate.
- Add chicken stock, Worcestershire sauce, and liquid smoke. Scrape up the browned bits and cancel Sauté.
- Return the chops to the pot. Seal the lid and pressure cook on high for 8 minutes.
- Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then vent remaining pressure.
- Transfer chops out. Select Sauté again and simmer the liquids 5–8 minutes to reduce.
- Stir in the butter, taste, and adjust seasonings.
- Drizzle the pan sauce over the pork chops and serve.
Tips
- Drying the pork chops helps them brown better during the sear.
- Use unsalted stock to avoid an overly salty sauce after reducing.
- If your chops are thinner than 1 inch, reduce pressure cooking time by 1–2 minutes.
- Double the sauce ingredients if you want extra pan sauce for rice or mashed potatoes.
Recipe Variations
- BBQ version. Add ¼ cup BBQ sauce to the cooking liquid for a sweet, smoky glaze.
- Creamy sauce. Stir in 2–3 tablespoons of cream or sour cream after reducing the liquid.
- Spicy chops. Add cayenne or hot smoked paprika to the seasoning mix.
- Herb version. Add dried thyme or rosemary to the seasoning blend for a more aromatic flavor.
- Apple-onion version. Add sliced apples and onions to the pot for a sweet-savory variation.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or rice.
- Pair with green beans, broccoli, or roasted vegetables.
- Add a simple salad for a lighter meal.
- Use the leftovers in sandwiches or wraps the next day.
How to Store
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze pork chops and sauce for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth to keep the meat moist.
Instant Pot Pork Chops
Ingredients
- 4 pork chops, boneless, 1-inch thickness
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 1/2 cups chicken stock, preferably unsalted
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
- 1 tablespoon butter, for finishing the pan sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the Pork Chops: Pat the pork chops with paper towels to dry. Combine the salt, pepper, chili powder, onion powder, and garlic powder; rub the seasoning mixture over the chops.
- Sauté: Select the sauté button on the Instant Pot and add the olive oil. When the display indicates the pot is hot, add the pork chops and sear for about 2 minutes on each side. Remove the chops to a plate.
- Deglaze: Add the chicken stock, Worcestershire sauce, and liquid smoke to the pot. Cook for a minute or two, scraping up any browned bits on the bottom of the pot. Add the pork chops to the liquids and cancel the sauté function.
- Pressure Cook: Place the lid on the pot and turn the valve to the sealing position. Choose the pressure cook or manual button (high pressure), and set the time for 8 minutes. When the time is up, let the pressure come down naturally for 10 minutes and then carefully turn the valve to the venting position to release the remaining pressure.
- Simmer: Select the sauté function again and simmer the liquids for 5 to 8 minutes to reduce and concentrate the flavors. Stir in 1 tablespoon of butter and taste for seasoning.
- Serve: Drizzle pan juices over the chops and serve with your favorite side dishes for a satisfying everyday meal.
Nutrition
Disclaimer:
Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.
