When it comes to a weeknight dinner that’s quick, flavorful, and impressively juicy, Instant Pot Pork Chops with Green Beans checks all the boxes. This recipe combines tender pork chops with perfectly cooked green beans in a savory, herb-infused broth, all made effortlessly in the Instant Pot. With minimal prep and a cooking time under 30 minutes, it’s ideal for busy nights, meal prep, or a simple family dinner.

Why Instant Pot Pork Chops Are So Tender

Cooking pork chops in a pressure cooker ensures that they remain juicy and flavorful. Traditional pan-searing can sometimes dry out pork, but the Instant Pot locks in moisture while infusing the meat with aromatics and seasonings. The combination of chicken broth, garlic, and herbs results in pork chops that are melt-in-your-mouth tender with a savory, home-cooked taste.

Ingredients

4 boneless pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup chicken broth
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon dried thyme or 2 teaspoons fresh thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped
12 oz fresh green beans, trimmed
Optional garnish: chopped parsley or thyme sprigs

Instructions

Season the Pork Chops: Pat pork chops dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and rosemary.
Sear in the Instant Pot: Turn the Instant Pot to the sauté function. Add olive oil and allow it to heat. Sear pork chops for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly golden. Remove chops and set aside.
Prepare the Aromatics: Add minced garlic to the Instant Pot and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Deglaze the Pot: Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. This step prevents the burn warning and adds extra flavor.
Pressure Cook the Pork Chops: Return pork chops to the pot. Lock the lid and set the Instant Pot to Manual/Pressure Cook for 8 minutes. Ensure the valve is sealed.
Quick Release and Add Green Beans: Once cooking is complete, perform a quick release. Open the lid carefully, then add the trimmed green beans.
Final Cook for Green Beans: Lock the lid again and cook on high pressure for an additional 2 minutes for perfectly crisp-tender green beans. Quick release when done.
Serve and Garnish: Remove pork chops and green beans to a serving platter. Spoon a little cooking liquid over the pork chops for extra flavor. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme sprigs if desired.

Tips for the Perfect Pork Chops

Choose the right cut: Bone-in pork chops offer more flavor, but boneless work well for quick cooking.
Avoid overcooking: Pork cooks fast in a pressure cooker; following the timing ensures juicy meat.
Searing matters: A quick sear locks in flavor and improves the overall texture.
Fresh green beans: Using fresh rather than frozen gives a crisp, vibrant side dish.

Variations

Garlic Butter Pork Chops: Finish the pork chops with a pat of garlic butter before serving.
Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked chili flakes to the seasoning mix for a kick.
Vegetable Medley: Swap green beans for broccoli, carrots, or asparagus for variety.
Creamy Option: Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream after cooking for a rich, comforting sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Pair Instant Pot Pork Chops with Green Beans with:

Mashed potatoes or roasted baby potatoes
Steamed rice or quinoa
A simple side salad with vinaigrette
Warm crusty bread to soak up the juices

Fun Facts & Cultural Context

Pork chops are a staple of American home cooking and have roots in European cuisines, particularly German and Scandinavian. Traditionally pan-fried or baked, the advent of electric pressure cookers like the Instant Pot has revolutionized the way families enjoy pork, turning a potentially dry cut into a juicy, fast-cooked delight. Green beans add a fresh, nutritious component and are commonly paired with pork in southern-style meals.

Why This Recipe Works for Busy Weeknights

Time-Saving: Total cook time is under 25 minutes with prep included.
One-Pot Meal: No extra pans or dishes needed.
Flavorful & Juicy: Locking in moisture ensures pork chops are never dry.
Customizable: Easily swap vegetables or adjust seasonings to taste.

With its combination of tender meat, crisp vegetables, and minimal cleanup, this recipe is a go-to for families, meal preppers, and anyone seeking a quick, nutritious, and flavorful dinner.