Perfectly Cooked Instant Pot Pork Chops

For those who shy away from pork chops fearing dryness or long cooking times, the Instant Pot Pork Chops recipe is a game-changer. This delightful dish thrives on simplicity, combining minimal ingredients with maximum flavor. To keep it within Weight Watchers points, trim excess fat from the chops, toss them into the Instant Pot, and let the magic happen. Want them melt-in-your-mouth tender? Add an extra cup of broth, adjust the cooking time, and voila!

Why should you try Instant Pot Pork Chops?

1. With just a handful of budget-friendly ingredients, this recipe proves that sophistication in taste doesn’t require a hefty shopping list.

2. Pork chops inherently boast exquisite flavor, and with minimal ingredients, they shine, maintaining their juicy tenderness, thanks to the Instant Pot.

3. This recipe is not only wonderful in taste but also minimal in cooking and preparation time, making it a hassle-free addition to your culinary repertoire.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 4 pork chops (about 1 inch thick), 150 g. each one approx
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon light butter
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Pat the pork chops dry with a paper towel. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.

2. Set the Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function. Add vegetable oil to the pot. Once hot, sear the pork chops for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned. Remove the pork chops and set them aside.

3. In the Instant Pot, add chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and smoked paprika. Stir well, scraping the bottom to deglaze the pot. Place the seared pork chops back into the pot.

4. Seal the Instant Pot and set it to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” mode. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 5 minutes. Then, perform a quick release to release any remaining pressure.

5. Remove the pork chops from the Instant Pot and set them aside. Set the Instant Pot back to “Sauté” mode. In a small bowl, mix the butter and flour to form a smooth paste. Whisk the butter-flour mixture into the liquid in the Instant Pot. Cook for a few minutes until the gravy thickens.

6. Pour the gravy over the pork chops. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve the Instant Pot pork chops with your favorite side dishes and enjoy a delicious and easy meal.

Variations and Substitutions:

This recipe opens doors to three significant variations: altering the cut of meat, experimenting with seasonings, and playing with cooking liquids.

1. Try this recipe with lean pork loin for a special lunch treat.

2. Pork pairs well with a variety of seasonings. Consider a blend of garlic powder, rosemary, and thyme for an aromatic twist.

3. While the traditional version uses broth, pork loves to mingle with other flavors. Experiment with orange juice, apple juice, or even a daring touch with plum juice.

Tips and Tricks section for making Instant Pot Pork Chops

Achieve that perfect golden hue by searing the chops using the sauté function in your Instant Pot. If it lacks this feature, a skillet will do the trick.

Elevate the flavor profile by marinating the chops. It’s a game-changer for enhancing the taste of any dish.

For an added layer of expertise, consider letting the chops marinate overnight for a finger-licking experience.

WW Points

Uncooked center loin pork chop 18 points
Table salt 0 points
Vegetable oil 2 points
Chicken broth 0 points
Garlic powder 0 points
Onion powder 0 points
Dried thyme 0 points
Smoked paprika 0 points
Light butter 1 point
All-purpose flour 1 point