Imagine diving into a plate of perfectly tender, juicy pork chops smothered in a creamy, tangy ranch sauce that will make your taste buds dance with joy! This Instant Pot Pork Chops with Creamy Ranch Sauce recipe is about to become your new weeknight dinner superhero - delivering restaurant-quality flavor in just 30 minutes with minimal effort. Whether you're a busy parent, a cooking novice, or a seasoned chef looking for a quick and delicious meal, this recipe promises to transform your dinner routine from mundane to magnificent!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 pork chops
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 4 pork chops, 1 packet of ranch dressing mix, 1 cup of chicken broth, 1 cup of heavy cream, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Season the pork chops with salt and pepper on both sides to enhance their flavor. You can use your hands to rub the seasoning into the meat for better adherence.
- Set your Instant Pot to the 'Sauté' mode. Once it is hot, add a small amount of oil to the pot to prevent sticking. Allow the oil to heat up for a minute.
- Carefully place the seasoned pork chops into the Instant Pot in a single layer. Sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are browned. This step adds flavor to the pork chops.
- Once the pork chops are browned, remove them from the pot and set them aside on a plate.
- In the same pot, pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom with a wooden spoon to deglaze and remove any browned bits stuck to the pot. This will add depth to the sauce.
- Add the ranch dressing mix to the chicken broth and stir until it is well combined.
- Return the pork chops to the Instant Pot, placing them in the mixture. Ensure they are submerged in the liquid as much as possible.
- Close the lid of the Instant Pot and ensure the valve is set to 'Sealing'. Select the 'Pressure Cook' or 'Manual' setting and set the cooking time for 10 minutes.
- Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for about 5 minutes, then carefully switch the valve to 'Venting' to release any remaining pressure.
- Open the lid and remove the pork chops again, placing them on a serving plate. Cover with foil to keep warm.
- Switch the Instant Pot back to 'Sauté' mode. Stir in the heavy cream into the remaining liquid in the pot and let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Taste the creamy ranch sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Pour the creamy ranch sauce over the pork chops on the serving plate. Serve hot with your choice of sides, such as mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables.
Tips
- Choose the Right Cut: Opt for bone-in pork chops that are about 1-inch thick for the most tender and flavorful results.
- Don't Skip the Sear: Browning the pork chops before pressure cooking creates a delicious caramelized exterior that locks in flavor.
- Natural Pressure Release: Allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 5 minutes to keep the pork chops incredibly tender and juicy.
- Sauce Consistency: If the ranch cream sauce is too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to thicken. If it's too thick, add a splash of chicken broth.
- Temperature Check: Use a meat thermometer to ensure pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F for perfect doneness.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This recipe can be prepared in advance and reheated, making it perfect for meal prep or busy weeknights.
- Customize Your Sauce: Feel free to add garlic powder or fresh herbs to the ranch sauce for an extra flavor boost.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Cholesterol: 140mg
