This Baked Pork Chops & Rice dish is a cozy meal that’s super easy to make! Juicy pork chops baked with fluffy rice create a tasty combination that’s hard to resist.
Who doesn’t love a one-pan meal? I can enjoy leftovers the next day, and the rice soaks up all the flavors, making it even better. Perfect for busy weeknights! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: You can use either bone-in or boneless pork chops for this recipe. Bone-in chops are juicier, but boneless are easier to serve. If you need a leaner option, consider using chicken breasts or thighs instead!
Rice: Long-grain white rice is perfect because it cooks evenly and absorbs flavors well. If you want a healthier option, you could use brown rice. Just remember that brown rice requires more cooking time and liquid!
Chicken Broth: This adds great flavor, but if you’re looking for a low-sodium option, you can use low-sodium broth or even vegetable broth for a vegetarian twist. Water is another possible substitute, but it may lack some depth of flavor.
Onion & Garlic: Fresh garlic and onion bring a lot of flavor to the dish. If you don’t have fresh ones, you can use garlic powder and onion powder. About 1 tsp of each should work well!
Seasonings: I love using dried thyme for its earthy flavor. If you don’t have it, oregano or Italian seasoning can work nicely. Feel free to adjust the seasonings to suit your taste, especially the paprika for a smoky kick!
How Do I Ensure My Pork Chops Are Perfectly Seared?
Searing your pork chops properly is key to getting that wonderful flavor and texture. Here’s how to do it:
- Heat your skillet over medium-high heat before adding the oil. Make sure it’s hot enough that the oil shimmers.
- Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels before seasoning. This helps them brown better.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; sear them in batches if needed. This allows each chop to get that beautiful crust.
- Cook each side for 3-4 minutes until they turn golden brown, then remove them to rest. Residual heat will keep them cooking, ensuring juiciness.
How to Make Baked Pork Chops & Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp paprika
For the Rice:
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes for preparation and another 35 minutes for baking. So you can have a delicious meal ready in about 45 minutes. It’s simple and perfect for a cozy dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, it’ll be the perfect temperature when you’re ready to bake.
2. Sear the Pork Chops:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. While the oil warms up, season your pork chops with salt, pepper, and paprika. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the pork chops to the skillet. Sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they have a nice brown color. Remove the pork chops from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Onions and Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them together for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and aromatic. This will give a lovely flavor to your dish!
4. Prepare the Rice Mixture:
Now it’s time to add the uncooked rice and the dried thyme to the skillet. Pour in the chicken broth and stir everything together. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer; this means you’ll see little bubbles forming, but it shouldn’t be boiling hard.
5. Assemble in the Baking Dish:
Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish, then pour the rice mixture into the bottom of the dish. Make sure it’s spread evenly. Next, place your seared pork chops right on top of the rice. They’ll soak up all that great flavor as they bake!
6. Bake:
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and pop it into your preheated oven. Bake for about 30-35 minutes. Your goal is for the rice to become tender and for the pork chops to reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
7. Let it Brown (Optional):
If you want the pork chops to get a little brown on top, remove the foil in the last 5 minutes of cooking. This will give them a lovely golden color.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the baking time is up, let the dish rest for a few minutes. Then serve it hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy your delicious baked pork chops and rice!
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Yes, but be aware that brown rice requires a longer cooking time. You’ll need to adjust the chicken broth to about 2 1/2 cups, and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the pork is cooked through.
Can I Substitute the Chicken Broth?
Absolutely! If you don’t have chicken broth on hand, you can use vegetable broth for a lighter flavor, or even water with a sprinkle of salt and herbs. For an extra kick, consider using beef broth.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep the rice from drying out, you can add a splash of broth before reheating. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, adding a bit of water if necessary.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Recipe?
Yes! Feel free to add vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers. Just stir them into the rice mixture before pouring it into the baking dish, and adjust the baking time accordingly if using frozen vegetables to ensure they’re heated through.
