These juicy pork chops cooked in the Instant Pot are a breeze to make! They are perfectly tender and packed with flavor, thanks to a mix of simple spices and a quick cooking process.
Who knew a pressure cooker could make such a juicy meal? I love enjoying these with steamed veggies for a satisfying dinner that feels fancy without all the fuss. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in chops add great flavor, but you can use boneless chops too. Just reduce the cooking time slightly for tenderness.
Oil: Olive oil works well, but avocado oil is a great choice for high heat cooking, especially if you want a nutty taste.
Carrots: Feel free to swap carrots with parsnips or sweet potatoes for a different take. Both work well in this dish!
Mushrooms: These add a rich umami flavor. You could substitute with other vegetables, like zucchini or bell peppers, if you prefer, but mushrooms give the best results.
Chicken Broth: If you don’t have chicken broth, vegetable broth works too. Just check for Whole30 compliance if you’re following the diet closely.
How Do I Sear the Pork Chops Perfectly?
Searing pork chops is crucial for locking in flavor. Follow these tips for great results:
- Ensure your Instant Pot is hot before adding the oil.
- Don’t overcrowd the pot. Sear in batches if necessary.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Patience here pays off!
- Remove the chops to avoid overcooking while you sauté the veggies.
Whole30 Instant Pot Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 4 bone-in pork chops, about 1-inch thick
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth (gluten-free and Whole30 compliant)
Seasonings:
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves)
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh thyme sprigs, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cooking time, including the pressure release. In total, you can have a delicious Whole30 meal ready in just about 35 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Pork Chops:
Generously season both sides of the pork chops with salt, black pepper, paprika, dried thyme, and rosemary. This ensures that every bite is full of flavor!
2. Sear the Pork Chops:
With the Instant Pot set to “Sauté” mode, heat the olive oil until shimmering. Carefully add the seasoned pork chops and sear for about 3–4 minutes on each side until they’re beautifully browned. Remove the chops from the pot and set them aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same pot, add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and mushrooms. Sauté them for about 3–4 minutes until they start to soften. This step adds fantastic flavor to the dish!
4. Add Garlic:
Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Garlic brings an amazing aroma to the dish!
5. Pour in the Chicken Broth:
Pour in the chicken broth while scraping the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to remove any browned bits. This adds extra flavor to your meal.
6. Return Pork Chops to the Pot:
Place the seared pork chops back into the Instant Pot, nestling them among the vegetables.
7. Pressure Cook:
Seal the lid of the Instant Pot, ensuring the pressure valve is set to sealing. Set it to cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
8. Release Pressure:
When cooking time is complete, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes. After that, carefully release any remaining pressure manually.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the pork chops from the pot and set them aside. Stir the vegetables and juices remaining in the pot. Serve the pork chops over the veggies and broth, garnished with fresh thyme sprigs.
Enjoy this flavorful, tender, and Whole30-compliant pork chop dish made easily in your Instant Pot!
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Yes, you can use boneless pork chops! Just reduce the cooking time to about 6 minutes to ensure they stay tender and juicy.
What Can I Substitute for Chicken Broth?
If you don’t have chicken broth, vegetable broth or bone broth are great alternatives. Just make sure they are Whole30 compliant!
How Do I Store Leftover Pork Chops?
Store any leftover pork chops in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little broth to keep them moist.
Can I Make This Dish Without Mushrooms?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, you can replace them with diced zucchini, bell peppers, or even more carrots. Just adjust the cooking time as needed based on the vegetable you choose.