Instant Pot Pork Chops use just four ingredients for a flavorful, tender result. Here’s what you’ll need for 4 servings:

• 4 pork chops: Juicy, protein-packed base (bone-in or boneless).
• 3 tablespoons butter, cut into small chunks: Adds richness and depth.
• 1 (1-ounce) package dry onion soup mix (such as Lipton®): Provides savory, umami flavor.
• 1 cup apple juice: Adds sweet, tangy moisture for the sauce.

Why These Ingredients Matter

• Pork Chops: Tender and versatile, they absorb the savory-sweet flavors.
• Onion Soup Mix: Delivers instant seasoning with oniony depth.
• Apple Juice: Balances savory notes with sweet, fruity moisture.
• Butter: Enhances richness and creates a silky sauce.

Substitutions and Variations

• Pork Chops: Use bone-in or boneless (bone-in for more flavor, boneless for faster cooking); substitute with chicken breasts (adjust cooking time to 6-8 minutes).
• Butter: Swap with olive oil, plant-based butter, or omit for a lighter dish.
• Onion Soup Mix: Make your own with 2 tablespoons dried onion flakes, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
• Apple Juice: Replace with chicken broth, white wine, or orange juice.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free onion soup mix or homemade seasoning.
• Vegan Option: Not applicable, as pork is central; try a vegan alternative like seitan with vegetable broth.
• Flavor Variations:
  • Spicy Pork Chops: Add ¼ teaspoon cayenne or red pepper flakes with the soup mix.
  • Herb-Infused Pork Chops: Include 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary in the pot.
  • Maple Pork Chops: Add 1 tablespoon maple syrup to the apple juice.
  • Creamy Pork Chops: Stir ¼ cup heavy cream or sour cream into the sauce after cooking.
  • Mushroom Pork Chops: Add 1 cup sliced mushrooms to the pot before cooking.