These Whole30 Instant Pot Pork Chops are juicy, tender, and so easy to make! With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a delicious meal in no time.
I love how the Instant Pot locks in all that flavor and makes cleanup a breeze. Serve it with some veggies and you have a healthy feast that’s ready in a flash!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops offer more flavor, but boneless is perfectly fine too. You can swap with chicken breasts if you need a poultry option, just adjust the cooking time slightly.
Olive or Avocado Oil: These oils are great for high-heat cooking, but coconut oil could be used as a substitute if you prefer a different flavor.
Spices: The garlic and onion powders add a nice depth. If you’re avoiding them, fresh chopped garlic and onion would work as substitutes—just sauté before adding the pork.
Mushrooms: While this recipe uses sliced mushrooms, they can be replaced with bell peppers or zucchini if mushrooms aren’t your thing, but the flavor will change a bit.
Chicken Broth: Make sure to choose a broth without added sugars or unwanted ingredients. Vegetable broth works if you want a meat-free version.
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Searing Pork Chops?
Searing the pork chops is crucial for flavor! To get a nice golden crust, make sure your Instant Pot is hot enough before adding the oil and pork. Here’s how:
- Heat the Instant Pot to the sauté setting. Wait until the oil shimmers.
- Place the pork chops in the pot without crowding. Sear for 2-3 minutes until a golden brown crust forms, then flip.
- Don’t rush this step! A good sear means you’ll lock in flavors.
Let the chops rest after cooking for a couple of minutes before serving to keep them juicy. Enjoy your meal!
Whole30 Instant Pot Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil (Whole30 compliant)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves)
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Veggies:
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
For the Broth:
- 1 cup chicken broth (no sugar or additives)
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme or rosemary (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This whole process will take you about 30 minutes! You’ll spend roughly 10 minutes prepping and cooking the chops, and about 20 minutes for the pressure cooking and natural release. Dinner is quicker than you think!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Instant Pot:
Begin by turning your Instant Pot to the sauté setting. Pour in the olive or avocado oil and let it heat up until it shimmers. This ensures a good sear on your pork chops, which enhances flavor.
2. Prepare the Seasoning:
In a small bowl, mix together garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper. This will be your seasoning mix that adds a wonderful taste to the pork.
3. Season the Pork Chops:
Generously rub the seasoning mixture all over your pork chops. Make sure they are evenly coated for the best flavor!
4. Sear the Pork Chops:
Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned pork chops to the pot. Sear them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. This step adds a lovely depth of flavor. After searing, remove the chops and set them aside.
5. Sauté the Vegetables:
Add the sliced onions and mushrooms to the pot. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until they start to soften and release their aromas. This will fill your kitchen with a delicious smell!
6. Deglaze the Pot:
Pour in the chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape the bottom of the pot. This collects any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom and prevents the burn notice.
7. Return Pork Chops to the Pot:
Nestle the seared pork chops back into the pot with the onion and mushroom mixture. Make sure they are partially submerged in the broth for optimal cooking.
8. Pressure Cook:
Secure the lid on the Instant Pot. Set it to manual (pressure cook) on high for 8 minutes. This ensures your pork chops will be tender and juicy.
9. Release Pressure:
When the cooking is complete, allow the pressure to naturally release for 5 minutes. After that, carefully quick-release any remaining pressure. Open the lid with caution, as steam may escape.
10. Serve:
Remove the pork chops to a serving plate, allowing the juices to rest a bit. Spoon the onion and mushroom sauce over the top to keep the chops moist and flavorful.
11. Garnish and Enjoy:
If you’d like, garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs. Serve warm and enjoy a healthy, delicious meal that fits perfectly within your Whole30 journey!
This recipe not only gives you juicy, tender pork chops but also a flavorful sauce that pairs wonderfully with veggies or a side salad. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Can I Use Frozen Pork Chops for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen pork chops, but be sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Thaw them in the fridge overnight or use the cold water method by sealing them in a zip-top bag and submerging in cold water for quicker results.
Can I Use Different Vegetables?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of mushrooms or onions, feel free to substitute with bell peppers, zucchini, or even spinach. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly, so adjust as needed to ensure everything is tender.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of broth to keep the pork moist.
Can I Double the Recipe?
Yes, you can double the recipe! Just ensure the pork chops fit comfortably in the Instant Pot without overcrowding. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly due to the increased volume.