Instant Pot Pork Chops

I remember the first time I encountered the magic of cooking pork chops in an Instant Pot—it was at a dinner party at my sister's house, and I was absolutely stunned by how incredibly tender and juicy they were. She explained that the pressure cooking method locks in all the moisture while infusing the meat with whatever flavors you've added, and the quick cooking time means no dried-out edges. I was hooked immediately. The addition of fresh green beans to the same pot made it even more genius—one meal, one pot, minimal cleanup. Since then, I've made countless iterations, adjusting herbs and broths, but this version with garlic and thyme has become my absolute favorite. It's the kind of recipe that feels fancy enough for company but simple enough for a Tuesday night.

Why I love this recipe

I love this recipe because it completely changed my perspective on weeknight cooking. Before discovering it, I thought impressive pork dishes required hours of planning and precise timing. This Instant Pot version demolishes that myth. The results are consistently perfect—juicy, flavorful pork every single time with zero guesswork. What really gets me excited is the efficiency: thirty minutes from start to finish, and you've got a meal that looks like it came from a fine dining restaurant. Plus, there's something deeply satisfying about the one-pot approach—it means less cleanup and more time enjoying your meal or spending time with loved ones. The green beans add such a perfect textural and nutritional balance that you almost don't need sides. It's become my go-to recipe for impressing people without stressing myself out.

What You Need From Your Kitchen

• Bone-in Pork Chops: Pat dry and season heavily to create a flavorful crust during searing that locks in juices.
• Fresh Green Beans: Trim ends and arrange around the pork during pressure cooking to absorb flavors and cook perfectly tender.
• Chicken Broth: Deglazes the pan to capture all browned bits, creating a rich sauce while keeping everything moist during pressure cooking.
• Garlic: Mince finely and saute briefly to release aromatic oils that infuse the entire dish with depth and flavor.
• Butter and Olive Oil: Create the perfect searing medium for developing a golden crust on the pork chops before pressure cooking.

Let's Make These Together

Prepare and Season Your Ingredients

Start by patting your pork chops completely dry with paper towels—this step is crucial for achieving that beautiful golden crust. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried thyme. Don't be shy with seasoning; you want every bite to be flavorful. Trim your green beans by snapping off the ends, and have your garlic minced and chicken broth measured out so you're ready to move quickly once you start cooking.

Sear Your Pork for Maximum Flavor

Set your Instant Pot to saute mode and allow it to heat for about a minute. Add the olive oil and butter, letting them get nice and hot until the butter foams. Carefully place your seasoned pork chops in the pot and resist the urge to move them—let them sit for 3-4 minutes to develop that gorgeous caramelized crust. Flip them gently and repeat on the other side. This searing step is non-negotiable; it creates the flavor foundation for the entire dish and prevents the meat from tasting bland.

Build Your Aromatic Base

Remove the seared pork chops to a clean plate and add your minced garlic to the hot pot, stirring constantly for about 30 seconds until you smell that incredible garlicky aroma. Now deglaze the pot by pouring in your chicken broth and using a wooden spoon to scrape up all those caramelized, flavorful brown bits stuck to the bottom. This process, called deglazing, transforms those bits into a rich sauce that will keep your pork incredibly moist and delicious.

Pressure Cook to Perfection

Return your seared pork chops to the pot and arrange your trimmed green beans around them. Close the Instant Pot lid securely, make sure the vent is sealed to high pressure mode, and set the timer for 8 minutes. The pressure cooking method locks in the moisture from the pork while infusing every fiber with the aromatic garlic and herb flavors. This is where the magic happens—you're creating restaurant-quality results in a fraction of the time.

Release and Serve Your Masterpiece

Once the timer goes off, allow 5 minutes of natural pressure release—don't rush this step as it keeps the pork chops tender. After 5 minutes, carefully move the vent to quick release any remaining pressure. Open the lid away from you to avoid any steam burns, and you'll be greeted with the most incredible aroma. Transfer everything to serving plates, garnish with fresh parsley and cracked black pepper, and drizzle with the pan juices. You've just created a restaurant-quality meal in your own kitchen!

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Switch Things Up

I first made this recipe on a busy Tuesday evening when I had zero time but high expectations for dinner. I grabbed the pork chops I'd defrosted that morning, threw everything into my Instant Pot, and set the timer while I quickly prepped a side salad. Twenty-five minutes later, I had the most impressive-looking dinner plated and ready to serve. My guests had no idea it took so little effort—they genuinely thought I'd been cooking all afternoon. That's when I realized the magic of Instant Pot cooking: it makes you look like a culinary genius while keeping your stress level minimal.

Perfect Pairings

This elegant pork and green bean dish pairs beautifully with crispy roasted potatoes, creamy mashed cauliflower, or wild rice pilaf for a complete meal. For beverages, serve alongside a dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc that complements the herb-forward flavors. A fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette provides a bright contrast to the rich, savory pork. For a lighter side, garlic bread or crusty sourdough works wonderfully for soaking up the delicious pan juices.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use boneless pork chops instead of bone-in?

Yes, absolutely! Boneless chops work perfectly fine. The main difference is that bone-in chops tend to stay slightly juicier because the bone conducts heat more evenly. If using boneless, reduce the high-pressure cooking time to 6 minutes instead of 8 to prevent overcooking, especially if your chops are thinner.

→ Can I cook frozen pork chops in the Instant Pot?

Yes, frozen pork chops can be cooked under pressure, but you'll need to increase the cooking time. Add 2-3 extra minutes to the high-pressure time (so 10-11 minutes total for frozen bone-in chops). You still want to sear them first if possible, even if they're partially frozen, to develop that crucial crust.

→ How can I make the sauce thicker?

After cooking, set the Instant Pot to saute mode and use a cornstarch slurry (mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water). Whisk it into the pan juices and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until thickened. This creates a more luxurious sauce that clings beautifully to the pork and green beans.

→ What vegetables can I substitute for green beans?

Green beans are ideal because they cook in the same timeframe as the pork, but you can easily swap them for asparagus, broccoli florets, or baby carrots. Adjust cooking times slightly based on thickness—thicker vegetables might need an extra minute, while more delicate ones might need a minute less.

→ Can I make this recipe on the stovetop without an Instant Pot?

Absolutely! Skip the pressure cooking step and instead cover the seared pork chops and green beans in a Dutch oven or covered skillet, then simmer gently on the stovetop for 20-25 minutes at medium-low heat until the pork reaches 145°F internally. The results won't be quite as fast, but the flavors will be equally delicious.

→ What's the best internal temperature for pork chops?

The USDA recommends cooking pork to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), which results in tender, juicy meat with a slight hint of pink, similar to a medium-rare steak. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness—insert it into the thickest part of the chop without touching bone. Cooking past this temperature risks drying out the meat.

Conclusion

This Instant Pot Pork Chops with Green Beans recipe proves that weeknight dinners don't have to be complicated to be impressive. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, you'll have a restaurant-quality meal on the table faster than takeout delivery. The combination of tender, herb-infused pork and perfectly cooked green beans creates a balanced, satisfying plate that your whole family will love. Make it tonight and watch it become your new favorite dinner go-to!