These Whole30 Instant Pot Pork Chops are juicy, tender, and full of flavor! The pressure cooker makes cooking super quick and easy, perfect for busy days or weeknight dinners.
Who knew making pork chops could be so simple? I love how they turn out so nice and moist every time. Pair them with some veggies, and you’ve got a healthy meal in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops tend to be juicier, while boneless chops are leaner and cook faster. If you’re looking for a substitute, try using chicken thighs or breasts for a similar recipe.
Olive Oil/Avocado Oil: Both are great for cooking, but you can use any oil with a high smoke point, like coconut oil or grapeseed oil, if needed. I prefer avocado oil for its buttery flavor.
Thyme & Parsley: Fresh herbs really elevate the dish, but if you only have dried herbs, that’s fine too. Just use about a third of the amount as dried herbs are more concentrated.
Chicken Broth: If you don’t have chicken broth, vegetable broth works perfectly! You could also use water with a pinch of salt for a lighter flavor.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This adds a nice tang, but if you’re out, try lemon juice or white wine vinegar. Just a tablespoon will do!
What’s the Best Way to Sear Pork Chops in the Instant Pot?
Searing pork chops before pressure cooking helps to lock in moisture and adds a nice flavor. Here’s an easy guide:
- First, ensure your Instant Pot is set to “Sauté.” Allow it to heat up fully before adding oil.
- Once hot, carefully add the pork chops. Don’t crowd the pot – work in batches if necessary.
- Sear each side for about 2-3 minutes until they get a nice golden brown color. This step is key for flavor!
- After searing, remove the chops and continue with the recipe as instructed.
Using this technique will give your pork chops a delicious, caramelized crust that enhances the overall taste!
Whole30 Instant Pot Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops (about 1 to 1.5 inches thick)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley or 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, minced
For the Sautéed Vegetables:
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
For the Cooking Liquid:
- 1 cup chicken broth (Whole30 compliant)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional, for a slight tang)
- Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Whole30 Instant Pot Pork Chops recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 20 minutes of cooking in the Instant Pot, including pressure buildup and release. In total, you can have a delicious meal ready in about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Pork Chops:
Begin by patting the pork chops dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Season them evenly with salt, pepper, thyme, and parsley on both sides to bring out the flavors.
2. Sear the Pork Chops:
Turn on your Instant Pot and set it to “Sauté” mode. Add the olive oil and wait until it’s hot. Carefully place the pork chops in the pot and sear them for about 2-3 minutes per side until they’re nicely browned. Once done, remove the chops and set them aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same pot, add the sliced onions and mushrooms. Sauté them for 3-4 minutes until they soften and become aromatic. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about an additional 30 seconds.
4. Prepare the Cooking Liquid:
Pour the chicken broth into the pot and add the apple cider vinegar (if using). Use a wooden spoon to scrape the bottom of the pot, deglazing it by loosening any tasty browned bits stuck to the bottom.
5. Pressure Cook the Pork Chops:
Return the seared pork chops to the Instant Pot, arranging them on top of the onion and mushroom mixture. Close and seal the lid tightly. Set it to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” on high pressure for 8 minutes.
6. Release the Pressure:
Once the cooking time is up, allow the pressure to naturally release for 5 minutes. After that, carefully quick-release any remaining pressure to finish.
7. Finish the Dish:
Remove the pork chops from the pot and cover them loosely with aluminum foil to keep warm. If you’d like a thicker sauce, switch the Instant Pot back to “Sauté” mode and let the liquid simmer for a few minutes until reduced to your desired consistency.
8. Serve:
Plate the pork chops and generously spoon the sautéed onion and mushroom sauce on top. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs if you’d like to add a beautiful touch. Enjoy your healthy, Whole30-compliant meal!
Dig in and relish the tenderness and flavor of these delicious Instant Pot pork chops!
Can I Use Frozen Pork Chops for This Recipe?
It’s best to use thawed pork chops for even cooking. If you’re short on time, you can thaw them quickly in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water. Avoid cooking directly from frozen, as this can result in uneven doneness.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you like some heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix. You can also serve the finished dish with a hot sauce of your choice for an extra kick!
What Should I Serve With These Pork Chops?
These pork chops pair wonderfully with roasted vegetables, a simple salad, or cauliflower rice for a Whole30-friendly side. You can also serve them over a bed of sautéed greens for a nutritious meal.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth to prevent dryness if needed.
