This Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin With Chipotle Orange Sauce is fast, tender, and savory. It’s delicious, simple, and quick, just like any good dinner should be.
What Makes this Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin With Chipotle Orange Sauce So Good
Let me tell you, you’ve not truly experienced a good pork tenderloin until you’ve had this Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin recipe .
- Fast. This Instant Pot pork tenderloin recipe is done in less than 30 minutes .
- Easy. Blend the ingredients for the sauce, pour and cook . That’s it.
- Family-Friendly. Even your pickiest eaters will love this Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin .
- Tasty. From the unbelievably tender pork tenderloin to the subtle heat and delicious sweetness of the sauce, you’ll want to savor each and every bite.
This will likely be the best pork tenderloin recipe you’ve ever had the pleasure of consuming.
Can You Make Pork Tenderloin in an Instant Pot?
I’m not going to lie, cooking pork tenderloin in the Instant Pot can be a bit finicky. Pork tenderloin is very lean, and it’s all too easy to overcook it.
Lucky for you I’ve done you the service of continuous trial and error in order to come up with the best Instant Pot instructions to make a perfectly tender and juicy Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin .
There are a few things that help make pork tenderloin juicy in a pressure cooker:
- Short cook times. Zero minutes. Yes, ZERO . Do not overcook this.
- Sauce it good! You really need a moist sauce or gravy to add to the Instant Pot pork tenderloin .
- Undercook rather than overcook . If in doubt, undercook and then re-cook. You do not want to exceed 145F for internal temperature. If your pork tenderloin is a meaty one, thicker than 2 inches, you may need to recook under pressure for a minute or two. But this is better than overcooking. (Trust me, I had to make this 3 times to get it right.)
Thanks to the Instant Pot this pork tenderloin recipe is super quick and easy to make. The hardest part of the recipe is blending the ingredients for the sauce, and even that is mostly effortless.
Can You Use Tenderloin For Pulled Pork?
In my opinion, no. Pork tenderloin is a very lean cut of meat that won’t make for the most flavorful or juicy pulled pork. If you’re wanting to make Instant Pot Pulled Pork , you should use pork shoulder or another fatty cut of meat.
Is This Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin Recipe Keto?
If you want to make it keto-friendly , simply use a low carb , sugar-free orange marmalade and omit the dried apricots. Simply, delicious and low carb . Who could possibly ask for more?
How To Make Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin With Chipotle Orange Sauce
- Blend sauce ingredients. In a small blender jar, blend together marmalade, chipotle chili, cumin, salt, pepper, and the 2 tablespoons water. Blend until almost smooth.
- Add ingredients. In the Instant Pot , combine the 1/4 cup water, onion, and apricots, if using. Place the pork on top and pour the sauce over everything. Do not stir.
- Cook. Secure the lid on the pot. Close the pressure-release valve. Select MANUAL and set the pot at HIGH pressure for 0 minutes. At the end of the cooking time, allow the pot to sit undisturbed for 10 minutes, then release any remaining pressure.
- Rest. Remove the pork tenderloin from the Instant Pot and let it rest for 5 minutes.
- Serve. Slice the pork into medallions and arrange on a serving platter. Sprinkle with orange zest and parsley, if desired. Pour some of the sauce on the pork and pass the rest around at the table.
What Is The Difference Between Pork Loin and Pork Tenderloin?
This is a Pork Tenderloin
Pork loin and pork tenderloin are indeed quite different from each other in a number of ways:
- They are cut from different parts of the animal. Pork loin is cut from the lower back whereas a pork tenderloin is cut from the muscle that runs along the backbone.
- They vary in size. Pork tenderloin is thin in small compared to the wideness of pork loin. Tenderloin usually comes in a plastic tube-shape.
- They’re cooked quite differently. Pork loin is best cooked slowly whereas pork tenderloin is best cooked quickly and with high heat.
This is a pork loin roast.
How Long Should You Cook Pork In A Pressure Cooker?
So you want to know the perfect Instant Pot Pork Loin cooking time?
It’s really hard to not overcook pork tenderloin in the Instant Pot. What works for me is zero minutes at high pressure and a 5 to 10-minute natural pressure release .
As long as to stick to this method your Instant Pot pork tenderloin should turn out perfectly.
Other Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin Recipes
Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin and Sauerkraut
Sauerkraut is already cooked, so you will simply need to:
- Place sauerkraut on the bottom of the Instant Pot liner with 1/2 cup of brine.
- Place the pork loin on top of the sauerkraut.
- Cook as directed.
Note that cooking the sauerkraut further will kill any probiotics, so you may choose to eat the sauerkraut cold along with the tenderloin.
Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin Teriyaki Recipe
Cook the pressure cooker pork tenderloin per the directions below and baste the pork loin with your favorite teriyaki sauce.
Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin and Potatoes
This recipe will only work one way:
- Cut potatoes very finely and place in the Instant Pot with the pork loin .
- Mash the potatoes afterward, as they will be so tender they will fall apart.
Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin With Rice
As much as people REALLY want this recipe to be a thing, it just can’t be if you want a quality meal. Rice takes at least 4 minutes to cook under pressure and if you cook your pork tenderloin for that long, it will be as tough as shoe leather.
If you really want rice with it, you can learn how to cook rice in your Instant Pot . Or use a separate Instant Zest rice cooker to cook alongside your pork tenderloin.
Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin With Red Cabbage
For this recipe, you will either need to cook your cabbage while your pork tenderloin is resting, or use a separate Instant Pot for the desired taste. But I promise you it’s worth it.
Just make the Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin as the directions list and make my German Red Cabbage recipe to serve with it.
Tips And Tricks For Making Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin
- To make this dish low carb, use sugar-free marmalade and do not use the apricots.
- You may also want to thicken the sauce with a cornstarch slurry. While the pork is resting, combine 1/4 cup water and 1 tablespoon cornstarch in a small bowl. Select SAUTÉ/Normal on the pot. Stir the slurry into the sauce and allow it to bubble. Cook, stirring frequently, until thickened, 1 to 2 minutes.
- You can substitute xanthan gum for cornstarch for a lower carb option.
Looking For More YummyPork Recipes? Check These Out!
- Instant Pot Tamale Pie - All the taste of tamales but done in under an hour.
- Pork Chile Verde - A quick, savory dinner in your Instant Pot.
- Air Fried Char Siu Pork - A traditional recipe made the modern way.
- Instant Pot Green Beans with Bacon - A quick, low carb, and nutritious dish.
- Keto Ham and Bean Soup - This uses a secret keto bean substitute that tastes just like the real thing!
- Pan-Fried Pork Chops and Cabbage - A delicious, savory & keto dish
- Indian Pulled Pork Tacos - An Indian twist on traditional tacos.
- Crispy Pork Belly - Crispy, delicious, and full of flavor.
- Instant Pot Pork Chops and Rice with vegetables - Easy one-pot meals.
- Pork Chops with Mustard Cream Sauce - A 30-minute keto dinner.
- Grilled Pork Tenderloin - A great excuse to fire up the grill.
Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin With Chipotle Orange Sauce
Equipment
- Instant Pot
Ingredients
- ▢ 1/4 cup Orange Marmalade
- ▢ 1 Chipotle Chile in Adobo Sauce , canned
- ▢ 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
- ▢ 1 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
- ▢ 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cumin
- ▢ 2 tablespoons Water
- ▢ 1/4 cup Water
- ▢ 1 cup Onion , sliced
- ▢ 1 cup Dried Apricots
- ▢ 1 pound Pork Tenderloin , cut into thirds
- ▢ Orange Zest , for garnish (optional)
- ▢ Chopped Parsley , for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a small blender jar, blend together marmalade, chipotle chili, cumin, salt, pepper, and the 2 tablespoons water. Blend until almost smooth.
- In the Instant Pot , combine the 1/4 cup water, onion, and apricots, if using. Place the pork on top and pour the sauce over everything. Do not stir.
- Secure the lid on the pot. Close the pressure-release valve. Select MANUAL and set the pot at HIGH pressure for 0 minutes. At the end of the cooking time, allow the pot to sit undisturbed for 10 minutes, then release any remaining pressure.
- Remove the pork tenderloin from the Instant Pot and let it rest for 5 minutes.
- Slice the pork into medallions and arrange on a serving platter. Sprinkle with orange zest and parsley, if desired. Pour some of the sauce on the pork and pass the rest around at the table.
Tips And Tricks For Making Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin With Chipotle Orange Sauce
- To make this dish low carb, use sugar-free marmalade and do not use the apricots.
- You may also want to thicken the sauce with a cornstarch slurry. While the pork is resting, combine 1/4 cup water and 1 tablespoon cornstarch in a small bowl. Select SAUTÉ/Normal on the pot. Stir the slurry into the sauce and allow it to bubble. Cook, stirring frequently, until thickened, 1 to 2 minutes.
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Originally Published March 4, 2020
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Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin With Chipotle Orange Sauce
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup Orange Marmalade
- 1 Chipotle Chile in Adobo Sauce canned
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
- 1 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cumin
- 2 tablespoons Water
- 1/4 cup Water
- 1 cup Onion sliced
- 1 cup Dried Apricots
- 1 pound Pork Tenderloin cut into thirds
- Orange Zest for garnish (optional)
- Chopped Parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a small blender jar, blend together marmalade, chipotle chili, cumin, salt, pepper, and the 2 tablespoons water. Blend until almost smooth.
- In the Instant Pot , combine the 1/4 cup water, onion, and apricots, if using. Place the pork on top and pour the sauce over everything. Do not stir.
- Secure the lid on the pot. Close the pressure-release valve. Select MANUAL and set the pot at HIGH pressure for 0 minutes. At the end of the cooking time, allow the pot to sit undisturbed for 10 minutes, then release any remaining pressure.
- Remove the pork tenderloin from the Instant Pot and let it rest for 5 minutes.
- Slice the pork into medallions and arrange on a serving platter. Sprinkle with orange zest and parsley, if desired. Pour some of the sauce on the pork and pass the rest around at the table.
Tips And Tricks For Making Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin With Chipotle Orange Sauce
- To make this dish low carb, use sugar-free marmalade and do not use the apricots.
- You may also want to thicken the sauce with a cornstarch slurry. While the pork is resting, combine 1/4 cup water and 1 tablespoon cornstarch in a small bowl. Select SAUTÉ/Normal on the pot. Stir the slurry into the sauce and allow it to bubble. Cook, stirring frequently, until thickened, 1 to 2 minutes.
Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin With Chipotle Orange Sauce https://twosleevers.com/instant-pot-pork-tenderloin/
Create an irresistible Monterey Chicken using the magic of your air fryer. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this mouthwatering combination of juicy grilled chicken, smoky bacon, melted cheese, and zesty barbecue sauce.
Why This Will Be Your Go-To Weeknight Meal
- Fast.
- Easy .
- Low Carb.
With just a handful of ingredients and the help of your trusty air fryer, you can create a restaurant-quality dish right in the comfort of your own kitchen. The Air Fryer Monterey Chicken brings together the perfect blend of flavors and textures, with juicy chicken, crispy bacon, gooey melted cheese, and tangy barbecue sauce.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Chicken Breasts
- Bacon
- Monterey Jack Cheese
- Cherry Tomatoes
- Low Carb Barbecue Sauce
- Garlic Powder
- Paprika
- Salt
- Black Pepper
- Green Onion
How To Make Monterey Chicken
- Preheat the Air Fryer - Start by preheating your air fryer to 400F. Preheating ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and achieves that desirable crispy exterior.
- Season the Chicken - In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with this flavorful mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Wrap with Bacon - Take a slice of bacon and wrap it around each chicken breast, securing it in place. The bacon will not only infuse a smoky flavor into the chicken but also keep it moist during the cooking process.
- Air Fry the Chicken - Place the bacon-wrapped chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between them for proper air circulation. Cook for approximately 20 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165F and the bacon turns crispy.
- Add Cheese and Barbecue Sauce - Once the chicken is cooked, remove the basket from the air fryer and sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly over each chicken breast. Drizzle the barbecue sauce generously on top of the cheese.
- Air Fry Again - Return the basket to the air fryer and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese melts and turns golden brown. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
- Serve and Garnish - Carefully remove the Air Fryer Monterey Chicken from the basket and transfer it to a serving plate. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for an added touch of freshness and vibrant color.
Tips And Tricks
- Use Thinly Sliced Chicken Breasts - Opt for chicken breasts that are relatively thin or consider butterflying them to ensure even cooking. Thinner pieces cook faster and more evenly in the air fryer.
- Marinate the Chicken - For an extra burst of flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in your favorite marinade for at least 30 minutes before seasoning and cooking. This will infuse the meat with delicious flavors and make it even more tender.
- Experiment with Cheese - While Monterey Jack cheese is the traditional choice for Monterey Chicken, feel free to experiment with other types of cheese like cheddar, pepper jack, or even a combination of different cheeses. This allows you to customize the flavor profile to your liking.
Variations
- Southwest Monterey Chicken - Season the chicken with a blend of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and smoked paprika for a southwestern flair. Top the chicken with pepper jack cheese instead of Monterey Jack for a spicier kick. Serve with a side of black beans, corn salsa, and a dollop of sour cream for a complete southwestern meal.
- BBQ Ranch Monterey Chicken - Instead of using regular barbecue sauce, mix equal parts barbecue sauce and ranch dressing for a creamy and tangy flavor combination. Top the chicken with a blend of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses for a richer taste. Garnish with chopped green onions and crispy bacon bits for added texture and flavor.
- Hawaiian Monterey Chicken - Marinate the chicken breasts in a mixture of pineapple juice, soy sauce, and ginger for a tropical twist. Use a combination of Swiss and Monterey Jack cheeses for a milder, creamy flavor. Top the chicken with grilled pineapple rings and sprinkle with toasted coconut flakes before serving.
- Mediterranean Monterey Chicken - Season the chicken with a blend of dried oregano, garlic powder, lemon zest, and black pepper. Replace the barbecue sauce with a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a spread of sun-dried tomato pesto. Top the chicken with crumbled feta cheese and chopped Kalamata olives. Serve with a side of Mediterranean-inspired couscous or a Greek salad.
- Buffalo Monterey Chicken - Season the chicken with a mixture of buffalo wing sauce, garlic powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick. Use blue cheese crumbles instead of Monterey Jack cheese for that classic buffalo chicken flavor. Serve with a side of celery sticks and a creamy blue cheese dressing.
What To Serve With It
When it comes to serving Monterey Chicken, there are various delicious side dishes that can complement the flavors and create a well-rounded meal. Here are some popular options:
- Steamed or Roasted Vegetables - Steamed or roasted vegetables provide a nutritious and simple side dish. Choose vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, or asparagus. Season them with herbs, garlic, or a squeeze of lemon juice for added flavor.
- Fresh Garden Salad - A refreshing garden salad is always a great accompaniment to Monterey Chicken. Toss together a mix of crisp lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and your favorite salad toppings. Dress it with a light vinaigrette or a creamy dressing of your choice.
- Rice or Quinoa- Serve Monterey Chicken with a side of cooked rice or quinoa for a satisfying and filling meal. You can opt for white rice, brown rice, wild rice, or even flavorful variations like cilantro-lime rice or lemon-herb quinoa.
- Baked Potato - Baked potatoes make a hearty and comforting side dish. Serve them with toppings such as sour cream, chives, shredded cheese, or bacon bits. You can also try sweet potatoes for a healthier twist.
- Corn on the Cob- Grilled or boiled corn on the cob is a classic choice to pair with Monterey Chicken. Brush the corn with butter, sprinkle with salt, and cook until tender. Serve with a squeeze of fresh lime juice for a burst of flavor.
How Long Does It Last?
The shelf life of Monterey Chicken depends on how it has been stored and handled. Here are some general guidelines:
If you have leftovers from a meal that has already been cooked, they should be stored promptly in the refrigerator
Wrap the chicken tightly in foil or place it in an airtight container. Leftover Monterey Chicken can typically be consumed within 2-3 days.
Can You Freeze It?
If you’d like to extend the shelf life of Monterey Chicken, you can freeze it. It’s best to freeze the chicken before adding the cheese and barbecue sauce. Wrap each chicken breast tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil, or place them in freezer-safe bags.
Frozen Monterey Chicken can be stored for up to 2-3 months in the freezer. Thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
More Low Carb Chicken Recipes
- Instant Pot Butter Chicken
- Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
- Keto Tuscan Chicken
- Sesame Ginger Chicken
- Chipotle Chicken
Monterey Chicken | Air Fryer Smothered Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- ▢ 4 chicken breasts
- ▢ 1/2 cup cooked bacon
- ▢ 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
- ▢ 1/2 cup Monterey Jack Cheese
- ▢ 1/2 cup Cherry Tomatoes
- ▢ 1 tsp Salt
- ▢ 1/2 tsp Ground Black Pepper
- ▢ 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
- ▢ 1/4 tsp Paprika
- ▢ 1/4 cup greenonion
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer - Start by preheating your air fryer to 400F. Preheating ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and achieves that desirable crispy exterior.
- Season the Chicken - In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with this flavorful mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Air Fry the Chicken - Place the bacon-wrapped chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between them for proper air circulation. Cook for approximately 20 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165F and the bacon turns crispy.
- Add Cheese, Cherry Tomatoes, and Barbecue Sauce - Once the chicken is cooked, remove the basket from the air fryer and sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly over each chicken breast. Drizzle the barbecue sauce generously on top of the cheese.
- Air Fry Again - Return the basket to the air fryer and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese melts and turns golden brown. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
- Serve and Garnish - Carefully remove the Air Fryer Monterey Chicken from the basket and transfer it to a serving plate. Sprinkle with fresh chopped green onion for an added touch of freshness and vibrant color.
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Nutrition
And don’t forget to check out my air fryer cookbooks! Every day easy air fryer , and Air Fryer Revolution .
