These Easy Southern Baked Pork Chops with Rice are delicious and comforting! Juicy pork chops are paired perfectly with fluffy rice, making it a cozy family meal.
Who doesn’t love a one-pan dinner? Just season, bake, and enjoy! I always make extra rice to soak up all the tasty juices—so good!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops are best for flavor and moisture. You can use boneless if that’s what you have, but adjust cooking time to prevent overcooking.
Rice: Long-grain white rice gives nice texture. For a healthier twist, consider brown rice, but remember to double the cooking time and liquid.
Chicken Broth: I prefer low-sodium broth to control the saltiness. Vegetable broth is a great alternative if you’re looking for a non-meat option.
Bell Pepper: Yellow adds sweetness and color, but feel free to substitute with green or red bell peppers, or even diced carrots for a different flavor.
Onion and Garlic: Essential for building flavor. If you’re short on time, onion powder and garlic powder can work as substitutes, but fresh is always better if you can use it!
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Searing Pork Chops?
Searing the pork chops helps lock in juices and add a lovely crust. Here are tips for a perfect sear:
- Make sure the skillet is hot—this prevents sticking!
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; if necessary, sear in batches.
- Leave the pork chops undisturbed for 2-3 minutes on each side to allow a nice golden crust to form.
Once properly seared, let them rest before adding them to the rice, as this keeps them juicy!
How to Ensure Fluffy Rice in Your Dish?
To avoid mushy rice, follow these steps:
- Rinse the rice under cold water before cooking to remove excess starch.
- Stick to the right liquid ratio—1 cup of rice usually pairs with 1.75 cups of liquid for perfect rice.
- Cover the skillet tightly during baking, which helps steam the rice evenly.
Letting the dish rest before serving allows the rice to absorb leftover moisture, ensuring fluffy grains!
Easy Southern Baked Pork Chops with Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- 1 teaspoon salt, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
For the Rice:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 3/4 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 small yellow bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
For Garnishing:
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Steamed broccoli or your preferred vegetable (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of preparation time and 35-40 minutes of cooking time. Altogether, you’ll need about 50 minutes to serve up these delicious baked pork chops with rice to your family!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, it will be warm and ready when it’s time to bake!
2. Season the Pork Chops:
Take your pork chops and season both sides with 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, paprika, and dried thyme. Make sure they are evenly coated for great flavor!
3. Sear the Pork Chops:
In an oven-safe skillet or baking dish, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the pork chops and sear them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re a beautiful golden brown. Once done, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
4. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the butter along with the chopped onion, yellow bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté this mixture for about 3-4 minutes until everything is softened and fragrant.
5. Prepare the Rice:
Now, stir in the rice and mix well with the butter and vegetables to coat. This adds flavor to the rice.
6. Add Chicken Broth:
Pour the chicken broth into the skillet and add the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Stir everything together nicely.
7. Arrange the Pork Chops:
Place the seared pork chops on top of the rice mixture. This allows the flavors to mingle as they bake!
8. Bake it Up:
Cover the skillet tightly with aluminum foil or a lid and place it in the oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the rice is tender and the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
9. Rest and Garnish:
Once done, carefully remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the juices settle.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve the pork chops and rice alongside steamed broccoli or your favorite vegetables for a complete meal.
Enjoy your easy, comforting Southern baked pork chops with flavorful rice! It’s sure to be a hit at the dinner table.
FAQ for Easy Southern Baked Pork Chops with Rice
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Yes, you can use boneless pork chops, but adjust the cooking time as they may cook faster than bone-in chops. Start checking for doneness at around 25-30 minutes to avoid overcooking.
What If I Don’t Have Chicken Broth?
No worries! You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth or even water. Just keep in mind that using water may result in a slightly less flavorful rice.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the pork chops, rice, and vegetables ahead of time and store them separately. Just combine and bake right before you’re ready to serve. It’s a great meal prep option!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pork chops and rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth and warm in the microwave or on the stove to keep the rice moist.
