Pork chops are one of my favorite quick and easy meals for busy weeknights. They are so versatile, and with a few simple ingredients, you can make something truly special. I always have a pack in my fridge because I know I can whip up a fantastic dinner without much fuss.
Today, I’m excited to share two amazing pork chop recipes that I know you will love. One is perfect for when you need dinner fast, and the other is great for those days you want a comforting meal with minimal hands-on time. Both are packed with flavor and so simple to make!
Jump to Recipe:
- 1. Instant Pot Pork Chops for Quick Weeknight Meals
- 2. Mississippi Pork Chops: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Instant Pot Pork Chops for Quick Weeknight Meals
These Instant Pot pork chops are unbelievably tender and ready in a flash. You can get a delicious, flavorful dinner on the table even on your busiest nights.
Key Ingredients & Tips
- Pork Chop Thickness: Use boneless pork chops about 1-inch thick for best results. Thinner chops might cook too fast, thicker ones need more time.
- Deglaze the Pot: After searing, add liquid and scrape the bottom. This prevents the ‘burn’ notice and adds flavor.
- Natural Pressure Release: A 5-minute natural release helps the pork chops stay juicy and prevents them from drying out when the pressure drops too fast.
What You Need
- 4 boneless pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening, optional)
- 2 tablespoons cold water (for thickening, optional)
⏱️ Time: Prep: 10 min, Cook: 20 min🍽️ Yields: 4 servings
How to Make It
Step 1: Season & Sear
Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Rub them with olive oil, then season generously with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Set your Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode. Once hot, sear the pork chops for 2-3 minutes per side until they have a nice golden color. Remove them from the pot and set aside.
Step 2: Build Flavor
Pour the chicken broth into the Instant Pot. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot; this adds so much flavor. Carefully place the seared pork chops back into the pot, making sure they are not stacked too high.
Step 3: Pressure Cook
Secure the lid on your Instant Pot and set the vent to ‘Sealing’. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Once the cooking time is up, let the pressure natural release for 5 minutes, then carefully switch the vent to ‘Venting’ for a quick release of any remaining pressure.
Step 4: Thicken & Serve
Carefully remove the pork chops. If you want a thicker sauce, switch the Instant Pot back to ‘Sauté’ mode. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water to make a slurry. Pour it into the broth, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens. Serve the pork chops with the sauce and your favorite sides.
📝 Final Note
Leftover Instant Pot pork chops store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They are great sliced cold on a salad too!
Mississippi Pork Chops: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
These Mississippi pork chops are incredibly flavorful and so easy to make in your slow cooker. Just a few ingredients create a rich, tangy, and tender meal that’s perfect for any day.
Key Ingredients & Tips
- Good Quality Pork Chops: Bone-in or boneless works, but bone-in can add more flavor and tend to stay juicier during slow cooking.
- Don’t Skip the Butter: The butter helps create a rich sauce and keeps the pork incredibly tender as it cooks slowly.
- Pepperoncini Magic: These peppers add a fantastic tangy kick that balances the richness. Don’t worry, they aren’t spicy!
What You Need
- 4-6 boneless or bone-in pork chops
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 1 packet (1 oz) au jus gravy mix
- ½ cup butter (1 stick), cut into pats
- ½ cup sliced pepperoncini peppers (and a splash of their juice)
⏱️ Time: Prep: 5 min, Cook: 4-6 hours🍽️ Yields: 4-6 servings
How to Make It
Step 1: Layer Ingredients
Place the pork chops in the bottom of your slow cooker. Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix evenly over the pork chops, then sprinkle the au jus gravy mix on top of that.
Step 2: Add Flavor & Cook
Scatter the pats of butter over the seasoned pork chops. Then, arrange the sliced pepperoncini peppers around and on top of the chops. Add a splash (about 1-2 tablespoons) of the pepperoncini juice for extra tang.
Step 3: Set and Forget
Cover your slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the pork chops are fork-tender. The cooking time can vary based on your slow cooker and the thickness of your chops.
Step 4: Serve Simply
Once cooked, the pork chops will be incredibly tender. You can serve them whole, or easily shred them with two forks. Serve hot with the delicious gravy from the pot.
📝 Final Note
This dish is fantastic served over mashed potatoes, white rice, or even egg noodles to soak up all that amazing sauce.