These Whole30 Instant Pot Pork Chops are juicy and tender, cooked to perfection in no time. You just season, sear, and let the pot do all the hard work!
Honestly, who doesn’t love a meal ready in a flash? I love pairing these pork chops with some roasted veggies for an easy weeknight dinner. It’s a win! 🥦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops are ideal for this recipe as the bone adds flavor and keeps them juicy. If you prefer, you can also use boneless chops – just be mindful that they might cook a bit faster.
Oil: Use olive oil or avocado oil for cooking. I like avocado oil for its higher smoke point, which makes it great for searing. If you’re looking for a different oil, coconut oil could work too.
Vegetables: Onions and garlic are essential for flavor. Feel free to swap the red bell pepper with green or yellow peppers, or add in spinach or kale for extra greens. You can even mix in some zucchini!
Chicken Broth: Always check that your broth is Whole30 compliant. You can use homemade broth for better flavor, or store-bought versions often come in different flavors, like roasted garlic.
How Do I Ensure My Pork Chops Stay Juicy and Tender?
To keep your pork chops juicy, start by patting them dry and seasoning well before cooking. Searing them briefly in the Instant Pot develops a nice crust, sealing in moisture. Here’s how to do that:
- Heat the oil until it’s shimmering, then add the chops without crowding the pot.
- Let them sear without moving for 2-3 minutes to get a golden crust. Flip them and repeat.
- Don’t skip the quick release after cooking; this helps prevent overcooking.
With these techniques, your pork chops will come out tender and full of flavor every time!
Whole30 Instant Pot Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in pork chops, about 1 to 1.5 inches thick
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
For the Vegetables:
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped (optional)
For the Flavoring:
- 1 cup chicken broth (make sure it is Whole30 compliant)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh rosemary sprig for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and approximately 20 minutes of cooking time in the Instant Pot. You’ll have flavorful, juicy pork chops ready to enjoy in about 30 minutes!
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, pepper, oregano, basil, and thyme. The seasoning adds great flavor!
2. Sear the Pork Chops:
Turn on your Instant Pot and select the sauté function. Let it heat up for a minute, then pour in the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the pork chops and sear them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. This step locks in the juices and creates a delicious crust!
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
After removing the pork chops, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, sliced mushrooms, and optional red bell pepper to the pot. Stir and sauté for 3-4 minutes until everything is softened and fragrant.
4. Add the Broth:
Now it’s time to add the chicken broth! Pour it in and use a wooden spoon to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This not only adds flavor but also prevents burning.
5. Cook the Pork Chops:
Return the pork chops to the Instant Pot, placing them on top of the vegetable mixture. Seal the lid, making sure the valve is set to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. Don’t worry, this will help keep the pork chops juicy and tender!
6. Release and Serve:
When the cooking time is finished, carefully turn the valve to venting for a quick release of pressure. Once the pressure is completely released, open the lid and remove the pork chops and vegetables. Transfer everything to serving plates.
7. Final Touches:
Garnish the pork chops with a sprig of fresh rosemary if you like, and for extra flavor, spoon some of the delicious cooking liquid over the chops. Now they’re ready to serve!
Enjoy these tender, flavorful Whole30 Instant Pot Pork Chops with your favorite compliant side dishes, such as roasted vegetables or a fresh salad. Dinner is served!
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Yes, you can use boneless pork chops! Just keep in mind that they may cook slightly faster, so check for doneness around 6-7 minutes under high pressure.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the pork chops in the microwave or on the stovetop to prevent them from drying out.
What Can I Substitute for Chicken Broth?
If you don’t have chicken broth, you can use vegetable broth or even make a homemade broth from cooked vegetables. Just ensure it’s Whole30 compliant!
Can I Freeze These Pork Chops?
Absolutely! Place cooked pork chops in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
