Craving a restaurant-quality meal without the fuss? These Instant Pot Garlic Pork Chops are your answer! We’re talking incredibly tender, juicy pork infused with the savory goodness of garlic, onions, and crispy bacon. This one-pot wonder is the ultimate weeknight dinner hero, delivering a comforting and delicious meal in under 30 minutes. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
• (Total Time: 25 MIN | Serves: 4)
• 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops, about 1-inch thick
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 cup yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, crushed or minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil / 30 ml
• 1 cup water or chicken broth / 240 ml
• Spice Rub
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
Instructions
1. Directions
2. In a small bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and garlic powder. Pat the pork chops dry with a paper towel and rub the spice mixture generously over all sides.
3. Set your Instant Pot to the ‘Sauté’ function on high. Once hot, add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy, about 4-5 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
4. Add the chopped onions to the pot and sauté in the bacon fat for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften. Add the crushed garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
5. Place the seasoned pork chops into the pot, searing them for 2-3 minutes per side until a golden-brown crust forms. You may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot.
6. Press ‘Cancel’ to turn off the Sauté function. Remove the pork chops temporarily. Pour the water or broth into the pot and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom (deglazing).
7. Return the pork chops to the pot, along with the cooked bacon. Secure the lid, set the steam release handle to the ‘Sealing’ position.
8. Press the ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ button and set the timer for 13 minutes at high pressure.
9. Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 5-10 minutes before performing a quick release for any remaining steam. Carefully open the lid and serve the pork chops immediately, spooning some of the pot juices over the top.
Nutritional Information
• (Per Serving – Approximate)
• Calories: 340
• Total Fat: 18.8g
• Net Carbs: 3g
• Protein: 37.2g
• Fiber: 0.7g
Pro Tips
• Pro-Tips for Perfect Pork Chops
• For an extra-rich flavor, deglaze the pot with chicken broth instead of water after searing the pork chops.
• Don’t skip the searing step! This creates the Maillard reaction, which builds a deep, savory crust and locks in the juices.
• To create a quick gravy, remove the cooked pork chops and turn the Instant Pot back to ‘Sauté’. Whisk in a slurry of 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 2 tablespoons cold water and simmer until thickened.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfection. Pork is safely cooked and at its juiciest when the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
FAQ
Q: Can I use boneless pork chops for this recipe
A: Yes, this recipe works perfectly with either bone-in or boneless pork chops. Just ensure they are about 1-inch thick for the best results and consistent cooking time.
Q: Why is a natural pressure release recommended for pork chops
A: Allowing the pressure to release naturally for 5-10 minutes helps the pork chops retain their moisture and reabsorb juices, resulting in more tender and flavorful meat.
Q: How can I make a gravy with the pan juices
A: To make a quick gravy, remove the cooked pork chops and set the Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’. Whisk in a slurry of 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 2 tablespoons cold water, then simmer until the sauce thickens.
Q: What is the ideal internal temperature for cooked pork chops
A: For the juiciest and safest results, pork chops should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Using a meat thermometer is the best way to check for doneness without overcooking.
