If you’re craving a dinner that’s both comforting and impressively flavorful, the Instant Pot Mushroom Pork Chops Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This dish delivers juicy, tender pork chops enveloped in a luscious mushroom and creamy sauce, all made effortlessly in your Instant Pot. With a beautiful balance of savory herbs, a hint of tang from mustard and cream cheese, and those tender mushrooms soaking up every bit of sauce, it feels like a home-cooked hug on a plate. Plus, it comes together quickly without sacrificing any rich depth of flavor—perfect for busy weeknights or when you just want to treat yourself.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Instant Pot Mushroom Pork Chops Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a role, whether it’s building layers of flavor, adding texture, or bringing that creamy finish to the dish. You don’t need a long list of exotic items—just the essentials to create something truly memorable.
- Butter: Adds a rich base and helps soften the onions beautifully.
- Onion (chopped): Gives sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- Garlic (minced): Brings a fragrant, savory kick that elevates the entire dish.
- Boneless pork chops: The star protein that stays juicy during pressure cooking.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Simple seasoning to enhance all flavors.
- Chicken stock (1/2 cup): Provides body and moisture to the sauce.
- Soy sauce (1 teaspoon): Adds umami richness and a slight color boost.
- Prepared mustard (1 teaspoon): A subtle tang that brightens the sauce.
- Dried thyme (1/4 teaspoon): Infuses an earthy herbal note.
- Dried parsley (1/2 teaspoon): Offers a fresh, mild herb flavor.
- Brown button mushrooms (1 pound): Packed with meaty texture and earthy flavor.
- Cornstarch (2-3 teaspoons): Optional, but perfect for thickening the sauce just right.
- Cream cheese (1/4 – 1/3 cup): Or sour cream or heavy cream; adds luscious creaminess that finishes the dish.
How to Make Instant Pot Mushroom Pork Chops Recipe
Step 1: Brown Onions and Pork
Start by setting your Instant Pot to sauté mode and melting the butter until it’s bubbling and fragrant. Toss in the chopped onions and cook them until they soften and turn translucent—that sweet aroma already tells you something amazing is happening. Push the onions to one side and carefully add your pork chops directly into the pot. Season generously with salt and pepper, then brown the chops on both sides. This step locks in flavor and creates those irresistible browned bits that boost the entire dish’s taste.
Step 2: Add Sauce Ingredients and Mushrooms
Once the pork chops are browned, turn off the sauté function. Pour in the chicken stock, soy sauce, and prepared mustard, then sprinkle in thyme and parsley. Use your spatula to gently scrape any browned bits stuck to the pot’s bottom—these little flavorful bits will give your sauce a rich depth. Finally, stir in the halved mushrooms, letting them nestle around those pork chops, ready to soak up all those tasty juices.
Step 3: Pressure Cook to Tender Perfection
Seal the Instant Pot by closing the lid and setting the valve to “sealing.” Select the pressure cook option, choosing high pressure, and set the timer for 8 minutes. This is where the magic happens—the pork chops will become tender and juicy, while the mushrooms soften perfectly. When time’s up, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then carefully release the rest manually before opening the pot.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
If you prefer a thicker, velvety sauce, gently remove the pork chops and cover them to keep warm. Switch your Instant Pot back to sauté and let the sauce simmer for a few minutes, reducing slightly to intensify the flavors. For an extra smooth finish, whisk cornstarch mixed with a bit of water into a slurry and stir it in. Watch as that sauce thickens up, coating your spoon in creamy goodness.
Step 5: Add the Creamy Finish
Turn off your Instant Pot and give it a moment to cool slightly before stirring in cream cheese, or alternatively sour cream or heavy cream if you prefer. This final step transforms the dish into a rich, silky experience that beautifully complements the mushrooms and pork chops. Pour the sauce generously over the pork, and you’re ready to enjoy a truly satisfying meal that feels both luxurious and homely.
How to Serve Instant Pot Mushroom Pork Chops Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a handful of chopped chives adds a pop of vibrant green that brightens the dish visually and adds a hint of fresh herbaceous flavor. For a slight tang, a few lemon zest curls over the top can balance the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
This creamy pork chop dish pairs perfectly with buttery mashed potatoes or fluffy rice, which soak up the mushroom sauce like a dream. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or green beans add color and a crisp contrast. For a lighter option, a simple mixed green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness and keeps things fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the pork chops sliced over a bed of creamy polenta or egg noodles tossed in a little butter and herbs. You can also plate the pork over grilled bread for a rustic mushroom pork chop open sandwich that’s perfect for sharing. Don’t be afraid to personalize it—this Instant Pot Mushroom Pork Chops Recipe shines in many forms!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover pork chops and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Properly stored, it will keep well for up to 3 days, making for an easy, delicious lunch or dinner the next day.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully. Just transfer cooled pork chops and sauce into a freezer-safe container or bag, leaving some space for expansion. It’s best consumed within 2 months for optimal taste and texture. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from separating or burning. You can add a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if it’s thickened too much. Alternatively, use a microwave in short intervals, stirring in between for even heating.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in pork chops in this Instant Pot Mushroom Pork Chops Recipe?
Absolutely! Bone-in chops tend to retain moisture well and add extra flavor, but you may want to increase the cooking time by a couple of minutes to ensure they’re fully tender.
What can I substitute for cream cheese if I don’t have any?
Sour cream or heavy cream make excellent substitutes and will still give you that creamy finish without compromising the overall flavor. Just be sure to add these off-heat to avoid curdling.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap the cream cheese for a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream or a plant-based cream cheese. The flavor will be slightly different but still wonderfully creamy.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
You can! Use about three times the amount of fresh herbs in place of dried since fresh herbs are milder. Add them towards the end of cooking to preserve their delicate flavor.
What if I don’t have cornstarch to thicken the sauce?
Flour or arrowroot powder works fine as a thickener in the same quantity as cornstarch. Alternatively, you can simmer the sauce longer with the pot on sauté to reduce and thicken naturally.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about a dish that comes together easily yet tastes like you’ve spent hours crafting it, and that’s exactly what the Instant Pot Mushroom Pork Chops Recipe delivers. Whether you’re cooking for family, impressing friends, or just enjoying a cozy night in, this recipe is destined to become a beloved classic in your repertoire. Give it a whirl—you’ll be so glad you did!
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Instant Pot Mushroom Pork Chops Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Instant Pot Mushroom Pork Chops recipe offers a flavorful and tender meal with juicy pork chops simmered in a creamy mushroom sauce. Featuring savory sautéed onions, garlic, and herbs, this dish combines the ease of pressure cooking with rich, comforting flavors, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Meat and Dairy
- 4 boneless pork chops
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/4 – 1/3 cup cream cheese (or substitute with sour cream OR heavy cream)
Vegetables
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound brown button mushrooms, halved or quartered if large
Liquids and Sauces
- 1/2 cup chicken stock
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
Spices and Herbs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon prepared mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
Thickening Agent
- 2–3 teaspoons cornstarch
Instructions
- Brown onions and pork: Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and add the butter. Cook the chopped onions until softened and translucent. Push the onions to one side and add the pork chops to the pan to brown on both sides. Season with salt and pepper while cooking.
- Add sauce components: Turn off the sauté function. Add chicken stock, soy sauce, prepared mustard, dried thyme, and dried parsley to the pot. Scrape the browned bits from the bottom to avoid burning and to add flavor. Stir in the mushrooms to combine everything evenly.
- Pressure cook: Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to the sealing position. Select the “pressure cook” or “manual” setting and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. After the timer goes off, allow a natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then carefully perform a quick release to remove any remaining pressure.
- Thicken the sauce: Remove the pork chops from the Instant Pot and cover to keep warm. Switch the pot back to sauté mode and simmer the sauce for a few minutes to reduce. For a thicker sauce, mix 2-3 teaspoons of cornstarch with 1-2 tablespoons of water to make a slurry and stir it into the sauce until it thickens.
- Add creaminess and serve: Turn off the Instant Pot and allow it to cool slightly. Stir in the cream cheese, sour cream, or heavy cream until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Pour the sauce over the pork chops and serve immediately.
Notes
- You can substitute cream cheese with sour cream or heavy cream depending on preference.
- Ensure to scrape the bottom well to avoid the burn warning on the Instant Pot.
- For thicker chops, adjust the cooking time by an additional 2-3 minutes if needed.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
