These Whole30 Instant Pot Pork Chops are juicy and full of flavor, making dinner a breeze! With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a tasty meal in no time.
I love how quickly the Instant Pot cooks these chops! It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something healthy and delicious without any fuss. Trust me, you’ll be coming back for more! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Boneless chops are great for this recipe because they cook evenly. If you prefer, you can use bone-in chops; just increase the cooking time by a couple of minutes.
Olive Oil or Avocado Oil: Either is perfect for sautéing. Avocado oil has a higher smoke point, so it’s a good choice if you’re cooking at higher heat. You could also use coconut oil for a different flavor.
Mushrooms: I love using cremini or button mushrooms for their mild taste. If you want a more intense flavor, shiitake or portobello mushrooms work well too. In a pinch, dried mushrooms rehydrated in warm water can also be used.
Chicken Broth: Make sure it’s Whole30 compliant. You can use homemade broth, or low-sodium store-bought varieties, just check the ingredient list to avoid any non-compliant additives.
Olives: They add a nice salty punch. If you don’t have black olives, green ones can work too, or you can skip them entirely.
How Do I Get Perfectly Cooked Pork Chops in the Instant Pot?
Cooking pork chops in the Instant Pot can be a game changer, but timing is key to avoid dry meat.
- Start by patting the chops dry so they’ll sear nicely, helping lock in moisture.
- Sear the chops well; this gives them beautiful color and enhances the flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the pot. If your chops are large, consider cooking them in batches.
- Use the natural release method for moisture retention. This step keeps the meat juicy and allows it to finish cooking gently.
With these tips, your pork chops will turn out tender and flavorful every time!
Whole30 Instant Pot Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 boneless pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
For the Vegetables:
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup pitted black olives (optional)
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (ensure Whole30 compliant)
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to cook in the Instant Pot. You’ll have a flavorful meal ready in about 25 minutes, perfect for a quick dinner!
Easy Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Pork Chops:
Start by patting the pork chops dry with paper towels. This helps them sear nicely! Season both sides of the chops with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, dried thyme, and dried parsley evenly.
2. Sear the Chops:
Turn on your Instant Pot and set it to ‘Sauté’ mode. Pour in the olive oil and let it heat up. Once it’s hot, add the pork chops and sear them for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. When done, carefully remove the pork chops and set them aside for later.
3. Cook the Vegetables:
In the same pot, add the sliced onion, mushrooms, and minced garlic. Sauté everything for about 3-4 minutes until the onions are translucent and the mushrooms start to soften.
4. Deglaze the Pot:
Now pour the chicken broth into the pot. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any tasty browned bits stuck to the bottom—it adds extra flavor!
5. Pressure Cook the Chops:
Place the pork chops back into the pot on top of the mushrooms and onions. If you’re using olives, scatter them around the pork chops. Secure the Instant Pot lid and set it to ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ on high for 6 minutes.
6. Release the Pressure:
When the cooking time is up, let the Instant Pot do a natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then carefully perform a quick release for any remaining pressure. Be cautious when releasing the steam!
7. Serve:
Once the pressure is released, open the pot, remove the pork chops, and place them in serving bowls. Spoon the delicious mushroom and olive sauce from the pot over the chops. Garnish with a sprig of fresh rosemary for a pop of color and flavor.
8. Enjoy!
Enjoy these tender, savory pork chops bursting with herbal and mushroom flavors. Serve them alongside your favorite Whole30 compliant side, like steamed veggies or cauliflower mash.
Bon appétit!
Can I Use Bone-In Pork Chops Instead of Boneless?
Absolutely! Bone-in pork chops can be used, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time by an additional 2-3 minutes to ensure they cook through properly.
What Can I Substitute for Mushrooms?
If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, you can skip them altogether or try adding diced bell peppers, zucchini, or even cauliflower florets for a different texture and flavor.
How Do I Store Leftover Pork Chops?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth to keep them moist.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prep the pork chops and vegetables ahead of time. Just store them separately in the fridge and cook them in the Instant Pot when you’re ready to enjoy your meal!
