Baked Pork Chops & Rice Recipe

Simple Baked Pork Chops & Rice Recipe Everyone Will Adore

Crispy, golden baked pork chops mesh perfectly with fluffy rice in this comforting one-pan wonder.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this simple yet satisfying combination.

The secret lies in selecting fresh, high-quality ingredients that complement each other beautifully.

Tender meat and perfectly cooked grains create a meal you’ll want to savor slowly.

Herbs and simple seasonings bring depth to this classic dish without overwhelming delicate flavors.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this recipe comes together, making it ideal for busy weeknights.

Let this hearty meal become your new go-to dinner that promises to impress everyone around the table.

Why Baked Pork Chops & Rice Feels Like Sunday Supper

  • Effortless One-Pan Wonder: Simplify your cooking routine with this delightful baked pork chops and rice dish that requires minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
  • Quick Weeknight Dinner Champion: Whip up a satisfying meal in under an hour, perfect for busy families craving a delicious home-cooked dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Customizable Flavor Explosion: Easily adjust seasonings and add your favorite vegetables to create a personalized meal that suits every taste bud and dietary preference.
  • Comfort Food Meets Convenience: Enjoy a hearty, home-style meal that combines tender pork chops with creamy, seasoned rice for a comforting and filling dinner experience.

What You’ll Need For Baked Pork Chops & Rice

Protein:
  • Pork Chops: Tender center cut meat with rich flavor, boneless or bone-in work well. Choose thick-cut chops for juiciness and best results.
Seasonings and Spices:
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Classic flavor enhancers with aromatic warmth.
  • Smoked Paprika, Italian Seasoning: Adds depth and complexity to the meat's flavor profile.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for bringing out natural meat flavors and seasoning balance.
Rice and Liquid Base:
  • Rice: White long-grain rice preferred for consistent texture and absorption.
  • Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creates creamy base and adds moisture to rice mixture.
  • Chicken Broth: Provides additional flavor and helps rice cook perfectly.
Optional Enhancement Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil: Used for optional pork chop searing to develop golden crust.
  • Butter: Adds richness and extra flavor to rice base.
  • Onions, Bell Peppers: Fresh vegetables that contribute texture and mild sweetness.
Garnish and Finishing Options:
  • Fresh Parsley: Bright green herb for color and fresh taste.
  • Lemon: Optional acidic element to brighten overall dish.

Steps To Make Baked Pork Chops & Rice With Ease

Step 1: Awaken The Oven

Crank up your oven to a toasty 350F (175C). Grab a spacious baking dish that’ll cradle your entire meal.

Step 2: Spice Up The Protein

Whip together a flavor explosion with:
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Smoked paprika
  • Italian seasoning
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Massage this magical blend all over your pork chops, making sure every inch gets some love.

Step 3: Sizzle And Seal

Heat a skillet with a glug of olive oil. Dance those pork chops around until they develop a stunning golden crust – about 2-3 minutes per side. This step is optional but adds serious flavor depth.

Step 4: Rice Transformation

In your baking dish, create a dreamy base by mixing:
  • Uncooked rice
  • Cream of mushroom soup
  • Chicken broth
  • Diced onions
  • Chopped bell peppers
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Stir until everything looks perfectly married.

Step 5: Culinary Assembly

Nestle those seared pork chops right on top of your rice landscape. Tuck the entire dish under a cozy aluminum foil blanket.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and let magic happen for 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the rice is tender and pork chops reach 145F (63C) internally.

Step 7: Final Flourish

Want extra pizzazz? Remove the foil and broil for 2-3 minutes until the top gets a gorgeous golden tan.

Step 8: Plate And Celebrate

Fluff that rice with a fork, letting all those delicious juices mingle. Sprinkle some fresh parsley or squeeze lemon for brightness. Serve alongside steamed vegetables or a crisp salad.

Pro Tips For Juicy Pork Chops & Fluffy Rice

  • Boost Flavor Intensity: Toast spices like garlic powder and paprika in a dry skillet for 30 seconds before mixing into the seasoning blend to enhance their aromatic qualities and deepen the overall taste profile.
  • Prevent Dry Meat: Let pork chops rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring tender and succulent meat that doesn't feel tough or stringy.
  • Customize Rice Texture: Rinse rice beforehand to remove excess starch, which helps create fluffy grains that don't clump together and absorb flavors more effectively during baking.
  • Elevate Nutrition Levels: Swap chicken broth with low-sodium vegetable broth and add diced carrots or frozen peas to increase vegetable content and nutritional value without compromising taste.
  • Make It Gluten-Free: Replace cream of mushroom soup with homemade cashew cream or gluten-free mushroom soup alternative to accommodate dietary restrictions while maintaining rich, creamy consistency.

How To Store Baked Pork Chops & Rice Smartly

  • Refrigerate leftover pork chops and rice in an airtight container for maximum freshness.
  • Store the dish promptly within two hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Consume refrigerated leftovers within 3-4 days for the best quality and taste.
  • When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent the rice from drying out.
  • Microwave on medium power, stirring occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 165F (74C).
  • Alternatively, reheat in a covered oven-safe dish at 350F (175C) for 15-20 minutes.
  • Avoid freezing this dish, as the rice and cream-based sauce may separate and lose texture upon thawing.
  • Separate pork chops and rice before storing if you want to maintain their individual textures.
  • Cool the dish completely before transferring to storage containers to prevent condensation and potential bacterial growth.

What To Pair With Baked Pork Chops & Rice

  • Complement with Crisp White Wine: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that cuts through the richness of the pork chops, offering a refreshing contrast with its bright, citrusy notes.
  • Match with Hearty Side Salad: Create a light green salad featuring mixed spring greens, sliced cucumber, and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the savory, creamy rice and tender pork chops.
  • Enhance with Roasted Seasonal Vegetables: Prepare a colorful medley of roasted zucchini, carrots, and Brussels sprouts seasoned with olive oil and herbs, providing a nutritious and flavorful accompaniment that complements the main dish's robust flavors.
  • Pour Craft Beer Pairing: Select a malty amber ale or a crisp pilsner that echoes the dish's richness while cutting through the creamy rice and adding a subtle hoppy complexity to the meal.

Flavorful Twists On Baked Pork Chops & Rice

  • Spicy Southwest Remix: Replace Italian seasoning with chili powder, cumin, and cayenne. Add diced green chiles to the rice and top with pepper jack cheese before baking for a zesty southwestern kick.
  • Herb Garden Special: Swap seasoning mix with fresh chopped rosemary, thyme, and sage. Use wild rice blend instead of white rice and incorporate chopped mushrooms for an earthy, herbaceous flavor profile.
  • Mediterranean Fusion: Substitute seasoning with dried oregano and za'atar spice blend. Mix kalamata olives and diced tomatoes into the rice. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the dish during the last 10 minutes of baking for a Mediterranean-inspired meal.
  • Asian-Inspired Creation: Season pork chops with ginger, garlic, and five-spice powder. Replace chicken broth with coconut milk and add soy sauce to the rice mixture. Garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for an Asian flair.

FAQs For Baked Pork Chops & Rice

  • What makes these pork chops so flavorful?

The secret is in the seasoning blend of garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning. This combination creates a delicious crust that locks in moisture and adds incredible depth of flavor to the pork chops.

  • Can I use a different type of rice?

Absolutely! While long-grain white rice works best, you can substitute with brown rice or wild rice. Just keep in mind that cooking times might need slight adjustments to ensure the rice becomes tender.

  • Is searing the pork chops really necessary?

Searing is optional but recommended. It creates a beautiful golden-brown exterior that adds extra flavor and helps seal in the meat’s juices. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step and still have delicious pork chops.

  • How can I tell if the pork chops are fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 145F (63C). This ensures the pork is safe to eat while remaining juicy and tender. Avoid overcooking, as this can make the meat tough and dry.

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Baked Pork Chops & Rice Recipe

Baked Pork Chops & Rice Recipe


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4.9 from 10 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Savory “Baked Pork Chops & Rice” combines hearty comfort with simple elegance, delivering a classic one-pan meal that promises rich flavors and tender meat. Home cooks can enjoy this satisfying dish that brings warmth and deliciousness to the dinner table.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat:

  • 4 pork chops (bone-in or boneless, about 1-inch thick)

Spices and Seasonings:

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Base and Liquid Ingredients:

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
  • 1 can (10.5 ounces / 300 grams) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup)
  • 1 ¾ cups (420 milliliters) chicken broth (or water)
  • ½ cup diced onion
  • ½ cup diced bell peppers (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for extra flavor)

Instructions

  1. Craft a zesty seasoning blend by combining garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper in a small mixing bowl. Thoroughly massage this aromatic mixture onto both surfaces of the pork chops, ensuring complete coverage.
  2. Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the seasoned pork chops for approximately 2-3 minutes per side until a rich golden-brown crust develops. Transfer the chops to a temporary plate.
  3. Preheat the oven to 350F (175C). In a spacious baking dish, blend uncooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, diced onions, bell peppers, and remaining spices. Whisk the ingredients until thoroughly incorporated.
  4. Strategically place small butter fragments across the rice mixture to enhance richness and depth of flavor.
  5. Nestle the seared pork chops atop the rice mixture, creating an even layer. Securely wrap the baking dish with aluminum foil to trap moisture and promote even cooking.
  6. Slide the covered dish into the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. Verify doneness by ensuring rice reaches tender consistency and pork chops register an internal temperature of 145F (63C).
  7. For a visually appealing finish, remove the foil and broil briefly, watching carefully to prevent burning. The surface should develop a tempting golden-brown hue.
  8. Gently fluff the rice with a fork, allowing the savory pork juices to intermingle with the grains.
  9. Elevate the presentation by garnishing with fresh chopped parsley or a bright squeeze of lemon juice. Serve alongside steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Enhance flavor by marinating pork chops in buttermilk or brine for 1-2 hours before seasoning to ensure maximum tenderness and juiciness.
  • Customize spice blend by experimenting with different herb combinations like thyme, rosemary, or herb de Provence for unique taste profiles.
  • Create gluten-free version by substituting cream of mushroom soup with homemade cashew cream or gluten-free cream soup alternative.
  • Reduce cooking time for thinner pork chops by checking internal temperature earlier and adjusting baking duration to prevent overcooking and maintain moisture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 850 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Emily Morgan

Emily Morgan

Food Critic & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

Global Food Exploration & Critique, Simple Kitchen Hacks & Time-Saving Tips, Presentation & Plating Techniques, Culinary Research & Storytelling.

Education

New York University

  • Program: Bachelor’s in Journalism
  • Focus: Combined foundational journalism training with deep dives into global food traditions, restaurant criticism, and the cultural role of cuisine.

Emily Morgan has journeyed across the globe, collecting culinary secrets that turn everyday ingredients into impressive meals.

Based in Seattle and armed with a Journalism degree from NYU, she blends thorough research with a flair for presentation, ensuring every dish looks just as good as it tastes.

Focusing on fresh flavors, simple methods, and a bit of fun, Emily shows home cooks how to elevate their daily cooking without fancy gadgets or complex steps.

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