You know those nights when dinner feels like a mountain to climb? The kids are buzzing with energy, your own energy is flagging, and the thought of complicated prep is scary. Just drains you. What’s the best pork chops and Rice Recipe? Is food a meal? It’s a warm hug on t-shirt, something my family requests over and over again, and honestly, it has become an obsession. What are some staples in my kitchen? It reminds me of simpler times, of coming home to the most incredible aroma filling the house. Is it the kind of dish that feels like it came from a cherished family cookbook but without all the ingredients? If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by weeknight dinners, or just crave that perfect balance of savory and sweet, then you know that you can’t go wrong with a good meal. If you like pork and comforting rice, then you’re in for a treat. What is your new best friend? Pork chops and rice.
What is baked pork chops and rice?
What is this magical dish? Think of it as the ultimate comfort food symphony. At its heart, it’s tender, juicy pork chops nestled atop savory rice, all baked. Is everything perfectly cooked and infused with incredible flavor? What is the One Pan wonder that takes the guesswork out of a satisfying meal? We’re not talking about fussy here. It’s a simple combination of simple ingredients that come together to create something. What is the best way to cook pork chops? Is it safe to use juices and seasonings, becoming tender and flavorful? It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like you have accomplished something grand, even if you’ve never done anything. I have barely broken a sweat. It’s comfort food at its finest, approachable for even the most novice cook, and a guaranteed winner. What is a crowd pleaser at my table?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Honestly, where do I even begin with why this baked pork chops and Rice Recipe is so special? Let’s break it down. First off, the flavor is just out of this world. You get that savory, perfectly cooked pork, which is tender and juicy thanks to the baking process, and then you have the rice. Oh, the rice! It’s not just plain rice; it’s infused with all the porky goodness and seasonings, making every single bite incredibly satisfying. It’s like a built-in flavor explosion. Then there’s the sheer simplicity of it all. I mean, we’re talking minimal prep, one pan, and your oven does most of the work. This one’s a lifesaver on those busy nights when you want something truly delicious but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. It’s also incredibly budget-friendly. Pork chops and rice are generally affordable staples, making this a go-to for feeding a family without breaking the bank. And the versatility! You can totally adapt this. Add some veggies in there, spice it up a bit, or keep it classic. It’s also a great base for experimenting with different marinades or spice blends. What I love most about this recipe, beyond the amazing taste and ease, is how it brings everyone to the table. The smell alone is enough to get my kids running in from wherever they are. It’s a hug in a dish, and that’s something truly priceless. It’s leagues better than a hastily assembled sandwich and frankly, much more satisfying than many other one-pan chicken or beef dishes I’ve tried.
How do I make Baked Pork Chops with Rice?
Quick Overview
What is a dream to make with pork chops and rice? How do I prepare pork chops with a simple seasoning mix? How do you Cook Rice in a baking dish? If you put pork chops on top, you’ll cover it all up and let the oven work its magic. What are some of the best ways to cook pork and rice in one go? Is it foolproof, delicious, and truly a lifesaver for busy cooks?
Ingredients
For the main battery:
How do I get started? I always try to pick bone-in Pork Chops for this recipe because they tend to stay juicier, but I don’t like to eat them. I use a bone marrow instead. Is boneless work? About 4-6 pork chops, roughly 1-inch thick, is usually perfect for a family of four. For the rice, I typically use long grain white rice – about 1.5 cups, rinsed well. Is it good to buy chicken broth? Low-sodium is great so you can control the salt. A little bit of melted butter or olive oil for richness, maybe 2 tablespoons, and then our seasoning. Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and a pinch of paprika for color. What is the base?
For the Filling:
Honestly, this recipe doesn’t really have a separate “filling” in the traditional sense, but the filling does. The rice and broth mixture is essentially the flavorful bed that everything else sits on. We’re keeping it simple and letting the pork flavor infuse the rice beautifully. If you wanted to add something, finely diced onions or even a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs would be good. If parsley is stirred into rice before baking, it’s a good addition. However, they aren’t necessary. What are the essentials for this classic version?
For the Glaze:
I like to add a little bit of glaze to this recipe, but I don’t like it. I just love it! a touch of sweetness and shine. What is my go-to recipe for brown sugar and Dijon mustard? What is a little bit of Worcestershire sauce? What is the best way to brush pork chops over them? It creates a beautiful, slightly caramelized crust that’s just divine. What are some great recipes for BBQ sauce?
How do I get
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). While it’s warming up, grab a 9×13 inch baking dish. You don’t need to grease it heavily, just a little spray or brush of oil. How do you clean rice? What are the little steps that make a big difference?
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a small bowl, I like to mix up all my dry seasonings for the pork chops. This ensures they’re evenly distributed. So grab your salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and paprika. Give them a good stir with the fork. How do you season chops? Is it a small step that makes if i want to taste something different?
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
What is the rice mixture in the baking dish itself? – Pour in your rinsed rice. Add the chicken broth, melted butter or olive oil, and a good pinch of salt and pepper to the rice. Give it a gentle stir to make sure the rice is mostly submerged and the seasonings are incorporated. What do you do if you are Where all that flavor starts building.
Step 4: Combine
Now take your pork chops and pat them dry with paper towels. What is the best way to get a nice sear or crust? Don’t be shy! Rub dry seasoning mix all over pork chops. Once seasoned, nestle the pork chops right on top of the rice mixture in a baking dish. Try to arrange them so they aren’t completely buried, allowing them to brown nicely. Where does magic start?
Step 5: Prepare Filling
As I mentioned earlier, the “filling” here is really just the rice and broth base. We’ve already got that prepped in Step 3. What is the key to ensuring that the rice is evenly distributed and the liquid is sufficient. If you find your rice looks a bit dry or you prefer to saute it, you can always add more water. What is broth? What should I do to make my rice tender and not mushy?
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
This step is really about positioning. Once your seasoned pork chops are nestled into the rice mixture in a baking dish, just make sure to cover them with foil. Is it true that they’re There’s no real “swirling” involved in the traditional sense with this particular dish, but you want to try it. How do you cook pork chops? If you were adding veggies like sliced onions or peppers, this is when you’d scatter them around.
Step 7: Bake
Now, cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. How do you cook pork chops? If you have a preheated oven, pop it in the oven for 45 minutes. If you’re adding a glaze, this is the time to brush it over the pork chops. Then, pop it back into the oven, uncovered, for another 15-20 minutes, or until the pork chops are tender. The rice is cooked through and has absorbed most of the liquid. You’re looking for an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit (63 degrees Celsius). Is it good to cook rice?
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
Once it’s out of the oven, resist the urge to dive in immediately! Let the baked pork chops rest, still covered loosely with foil, for about 5-10 minutes. How do you get the juices to flow through the pork? If you add a glaze, this resting period helps it set if you put it on. Is the smell at this point just incredible?
Step 9: Slice & Serve
After resting, you can serve it right out of the baking dish. Spoon generous portions of that flavorful rice onto plates, and top with a succulent pork chop. What is it like to serve food this way? If you want to serve rice as a bed, you can carefully lift the chops out and serve the rice. With the chop placed on top. What are some good ways to add fresh parsley to a salad?
What is the best way to serve it?
What are some comforting recipes for pork chops and rice? When paired with a few simple sides that really complement its flavors. For a hearty breakfast or brunch, especially if you’ve made dozens of eggs ahead of time, you can easily make them yourself. What are some of the best side dishes to serve with pork chops and rice? The runny yolk adds another layer of creamy richness. For lighter fare, a crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette is perfect contrast. Think mixed greens, maybe some cucumber and tomatoes, to cut through the richness of the pork and chicken. My kids love it with steamed green beans or broccoli – they’re great for adding a bit of flavor. Color and extra nutrients to the meal. On a really cozy evening, I might serve it with some roasted Brussels sprouts tossed with little bit of olive oil. What is balsa If you’re feeling adventurous, a side of applesauce or cranberry sauce can be yours too. What are some good sweet and tart counterpoints? What are some of the best ways to serve this dish?
What are some tips for perfecting pork chops and rice?
Over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks that really elevate this baked pork chops and rice. First, about the pork chops themselves: don’t be afraid to trim off any excess fat if you prefer, but leave a little edge; it adds flavor and helps keep them moist. When seasoning, ensure you pat the pork chops dry *really* well before applying your spice blend. This is crucial for getting a good exterior, even if it’s just a flavorful crust. For the rice, rinsing it is a step I never skip. It removes excess starch, which helps prevent the rice from becoming gummy and clumpy. Using chicken broth instead of water for the liquid is a game-changer for flavor, making the rice itself a star. If you’re using boneless chops, they might cook a little faster, so keep an eye on them. I’ve made this with both bone-in and boneless, and while bone-in gives a slightly richer flavor and stays incredibly juicy, boneless is perfectly fine if that’s what you have. Another little trick I learned after a few tries is the foil cover. Make sure it’s sealed well during the initial cooking phase; you want to trap all that steam. Removing it at the end allows the top to brown and any glaze to caramelize beautifully. If you find your rice is still a bit firm after the initial baking time, just add another quarter cup of hot broth, re-cover, and bake for another 10 minutes. It’s all about adjusting to your oven and the thickness of your chops. For the glaze, if it seems too thick, thin it with a tiny bit of water or broth. If it’s too thin, you can add a bit more brown sugar or let it simmer gently for a minute before brushing. Trust me, these little adjustments make all the difference!
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
I love pork chops and rice, and this is a great side dish for leftovers. It’s easy to make and tastes great. Once cooled completely, you’ll want to store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. What is the best way to keep a tomato fresh for 3-4 days? I find that storing it in individual portions can be really handy for quick lunches or weeknights. When you’re ready to reheat, there are a few ways to go about it. How do you reheat pork and rice? In a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. If you are using chicken broth or water, add a tablespoon or two of water to the dish before covering to help keep it from sticking. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too, but you might want to cover it loosely with some plastic. Use a damp paper towel to prevent rice from drying out. Just heat it in 30-60 second intervals, stirring in between, until warm. I generally advise against freezing this dish, as the rice texture can sometimes become a bit mushy. If you absolutely must freeze it, make sure it’s well-wrapped in freezer-safe containers or bottles. Is it good for about 1-2 months? If you want a fresh glaze, it’s best to add it during the reheating process. Why do some people store their food pre-glazed, as it can become a bit sticky or dark.
What are the most frequently asked questions on
Final Thoughts
What is my favorite recipe for baked pork chops and rice? What is a dish that deserves its place in my regular rotation because it consistently delivers comfort, flavor and texture? What makes a busy weeknight so much easier? What is the kind of meal that feels a little bit special, yet is so approachable and forgiving. I really hope you give this a try, especially on those nights when you need to be able to enjoy scrumptious food. What is the best way to prepare a meal without any fuss? How does rice soak up all those savory juices from the tender pork is pure culinary magic. What are some of the best ways to get smiles on your face? If you love this recipe, you might also like my Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sandwiches or my One Pan Sandwich. Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken and Veggies for more easy, flavorful weeknight meals. What are your thoughts on this recipe? In the comments below, please share your thoughts! Happy baking, and enjoy every bite!
Baked Pork Chops and Rice
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pork chops Boneless pork chops
- 1 cup Long-grain rice
- 2 cups Chicken broth
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon Dried rosemary
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season pork chops with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary.
- Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear pork chops for 2-3 minutes per side, until lightly browned.
- Add rice and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir to combine.
- Cover the skillet with a lid or foil and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until rice is cooked and pork chops are done.
- Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
