How to Make the Best Instant Pot Pork Chops with Gravy
Updated: Feb. 23, 2024
Our tender, juicy Instant Pot pork chops come with a rich onion gravy you'll want to slather on everything.
Is there anything an Instant Pot can’t do? From perfect pasta and comforting stews to Instant Pot desserts, we are still discovering new ways to use this handy kitchen gadget. Our latest obsession? Instant Pot pork chops with gravy.
This easy pressure-cooker pork recipe comes together in around 45 minutes and delivers some of the most juicy, tender and flavorful chops and gravy we’ve ever tried. Keep reading for the recipe and all of our best Instant Pot tips for mastering pork chops.
Instant Pot Pork Chops Recipe
I developed this recipe to serve four people.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless pork chops, at least 1 inch thick
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon rubbed sage
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1-1/2 cups yellow onion, thinly sliced (about 1 small onion)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-1/2 cups chicken broth (or dry white wine)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, optional for garnish
Directions
Step 1: Season the pork chops
In a small bowl, combine the dried thyme, sage, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Set aside.
Then, with clean hands, rub the pork chops on all sides with the mustard. Season generously with the herb and spice mixture by patting it into the meat.
Step 2: Sear the pork chops
Hit the saute button on your pressure cooker (FYI, here are what all your Instant Pot buttons mean). Add the olive oil and let it heat for a few seconds before adding the pork chops.
Sear the pork chops on each side for two to three minutes until a nice, golden crust forms on all sides. Place them on a plate.
Editor’s Tip: Depending on the size of your Instant Pot and pork chops, you may need to do this step in batches. When searing pork chops, it is important not to overcrowd the pot.
Step 3: Saute the onions
In the empty Instant Pot, melt the butter and add the onions. Saute for three to four minutes until the onions begin to soften. Add the brown sugar and cook for another three to four minutes until the onions are golden and have begun to caramelize.
Step 4: Add the liquids
To the onions, add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Then pour in the broth or wine to deglaze the bottom of the pan to deglaze. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and season with additional salt and pepper, to taste.
Editor’s Tip: Make sure you scrape any browned bits (aka fond) from the bottom of the Instant Pot while deglazing. This will help you avoid the dreaded Instant Pot burn error. Plus, fond will make your food extra delicious.
Step 5: Pressure cook
Return the pork chops and their juices to the Instant Pot, nestling them so they are partially submerged in the sauce. Place the lid on the Instant Pot with the top vent fully sealed. Set the cook time by switching the setting to manual or pressure-cook; adjust it to cook on high pressure for five minutes.
Step 6: Release the pressure
Once the cook time has elapsed, allow the pressure in your Instant Pot to naturally release for at least eight minutes. After that, release any remaining pressure by opening the top vent on the lid.
Editor’s Tip: Don’t skip the natural pressure release (it’s a common Instant Pot mistake). During this extra time in the pressure cooker, the pork chops will continue to cook and become tender. Releasing the pressure faster and removing the meat sooner may result in chops that are tough and/or undercooked.
Step 7: Make the gravy
Remove the chops to a serving plate and return the Instant Pot to saute mode. In a small measuring cup, whisk together the water and cornstarch (this slurry is one of our favorite ways to thicken gravy), then pour it into the cooking liquid. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a simmer. Continue to cook until the gravy has thickened and reduced slightly, two to three minutes.
Step 8: Smother and serve
To serve, smother the rich onion gravy over the pork chops and garnish with fresh parsley. Alternatively, you may serve the gravy on the side in a gravy boat. Looking for more? Learn how to make Crockpot smothered pork chops.
How to Store Leftover Pork Chops and Gravy
Refrigerate leftover pork chops in an airtight container for up to four days. Reheat gently in the microwave until heated through. You may also freeze Instant Pot pork chops with the gravy for up to three months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
What to Make with Leftover Pork Chops and Gravy
Use leftover pork chops and gravy to make a killer open-faced pork sandwich or slice the pork and serve over egg noodles with the onion gravy for a quick and simple casserole.
What to Serve with Instant Pot Pork Chops
Instant Pot pork chops and gravy pair well with an array of homestyle side dishes. Our favorites include these garlic mashed potatoes (smothered in the onion gravy) and seasoned green beans. Any of these no-fail potato recipes would be a nice choice, too.
Tips for Making Instant Pot Pork Chops
Can you cook frozen pork chops in the Instant Pot?
Yes, but we don’t recommend it for this recipe. Frozen pork chops will not sear like thawed pork chops do, so you will lose out on that flavor and color. The gravy may also turn out thinner due to the excess water released from frozen chops.
If you’d like to try this recipe with frozen chops, season as directed but skip the searing step. Prepare the gravy as directed and place the seasoned frozen chops into the sauce as directed in step five. As for the cooking time, you’ll likely need to increase it by five to eight minutes to ensure the pork chops are fully cooked. Be sure to naturally release the pressure for at least 10 minutes.
Can you use bone-in pork chops for this recipe?
Yes. Bone-in pork chops may also be used for this Instant Pot pork chops recipe. If you opt for bone-in chops, you will likely need to increase the cooking time in step five by at least five minutes, depending on the size and thickness of the pork chops. Make sure to also naturally release the pressure for 10 to 15 minutes to ensure they come out fully cooked and supremely tender.
Can you stack pork chops in an Instant Pot?
While it’s best to sear the pork chops in a single layer, you may stack the chops while pressure cooking if they won’t fit in a single layer. For more pressure-cooking basics, check out our complete Instant Pot cooking guide.
What internal temperature do the pork chops need to reach?
From a food safety perspective, pork should be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 145°F. If you would like your pork to be well done, you may cook it to 160°. Check out our guide on the internal temperature of pork for more details.
Originally Published: September 12, 2023
