Instant Pot Pork Chops and Gravy

written by Instant Pot Cooking | August 27, 2026

Ingredients:

4 boneless pork chops, at least 1-inch thick
2 tablespoons light brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
2 cups chicken stock, divided
3 tablespoons cornstarch
Chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, for garnish (optional)
3 tablespoons chicken stock

Directions:

In a large bowl, add 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper. Stir until evenly combined.

Add 4 boneless pork chops to the bowl and toss until coated on all sides. The chops should look evenly dusted and slightly sticky from the sugar.

Select SAUTÉ on the Instant Pot. Once the pot feels hot when you hold your hand a few inches above the bottom, add 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil.

Add the pork chops in a single layer. Sear for about 2 minutes per side, until lightly browned. You should hear a steady sizzle. Remove pork chops to a plate.

Measure 3 tablespoons chicken stock into a small jar or bowl and set aside. Pour the remaining 2 cups chicken stock into the pot and use a spatula to scrape up the browned bits from the bottom. The liquid should look slightly cloudy and smell savory. Turn the pot OFF.

Return the pork chops to the pot. Lock the lid in place and set the valve to SEALING. Cook on HIGH pressure for 8 minutes. The pot will take about 10 minutes to come to pressure.

When cooking is complete, allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes. Carefully switch the valve to VENTING to release any remaining pressure.

While the pressure releases, add 3 tablespoons cornstarch to the reserved chicken stock. Seal the jar and shake until smooth with no lumps.

Remove the pork chops to a serving platter. Select SAUTÉ on the Instant Pot. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook, stirring constantly, until the gravy thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
SERVE: Spoon gravy over the pork chops and garnish with Chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley if desired.