Tender Pork Chops & Rice Recipe

Quick Baked Pork Chops & Rice Recipe – A Cozy Family Favorite

Crispy golden edges meet succulent meat in this incredible pork chops & rice recipe that promises pure comfort on a plate.

Home cooks adore this classic dish for its simplicity and rich flavors.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated the art of creating perfectly cooked pork chops with fluffy rice.

Each bite delivers a tender, juicy experience that melts in your mouth.

The combination of herbs and seasonings elevates this meal from ordinary to extraordinary.

Minimal ingredients and straightforward techniques make this recipe accessible for cooks of all skill levels.

Prepare to savor a hearty meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Steps To Make Baked Pork Chops & Rice

  • Warm Up The Oven

Get your oven ready by setting it to a cozy 350F. This will create the perfect environment for your delicious meal.

  • Season Your Protein

Grab your favorite spices and generously coat the pork chops. Mix garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to create a flavor explosion.

  • Create A Creamy Rice Base

In a large baking dish, combine rice with cream of mushroom soup and chicken broth. Toss in some diced onions and bell peppers for extra texture and flavor. Pro tip: Add small butter pieces for richness.

  • Layer And Seal

Gently place your seasoned pork chops on top of the rice mixture. Cover the entire dish with aluminum foil to trap all those amazing flavors.

  • Bake To Perfection

Pop the dish into the oven and let it cook for 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the rice is tender and the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145F.

  • Final Touch

For a gorgeous golden finish, remove the foil and broil for a quick 2-3 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid burning.

  • Serve And Enjoy

Fluff the rice, mix in the delicious pork chop juices, and serve. Consider adding fresh parsley or a lemon squeeze for extra zest. Pair with steamed veggies or a crisp salad.

Helpful Hints For Baked Pork Chops & Rice

  • Moisture Mastery: Avoid dry pork chops by not overcooking; use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature and remove from oven exactly at 145F for juicy results.
  • Seasoning Swap: Experiment with different herb blends like Cajun seasoning, ranch mix, or Mediterranean spices to create unique flavor profiles that match your taste preferences.
  • Dietary Adaptations: For gluten-free version, replace cream of mushroom soup with homemade cream sauce or gluten-free cream soup alternative. Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth for added flexibility.
  • Veggie Boost: Enhance nutritional value by adding extra vegetables like sliced mushrooms, zucchini, or carrots directly into the rice mixture before baking for a more complete one-dish meal.
  • Protein Alternatives: Replace pork chops with chicken breasts or turkey cutlets for a different protein option while maintaining the same cooking method and rice base.

Baked Pork Chops & Rice Serving Tips

  • Veggie Companion Delight: Roast colorful zucchini, carrots, and broccoli alongside the dish for a nutritious and vibrant side that complements the rich pork chops and creamy rice.
  • Salad Symphony: Toss a crisp mixed green salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and a light vinaigrette to add freshness and balance the hearty main course.
  • Bread Buddy Boost: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls to soak up the delicious sauce and add a comforting texture to your meal.
  • Wine Pairing Pleasure: Select a medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay or a light red like Pinot Noir to enhance the flavors of the seasoned pork chops and creamy rice.

How To Store Baked Pork Chops & Rice Right

  • Quick Cool Down: Let the dish rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes after cooking, allowing flavors to settle and making cutting easier.
  • Refrigerator Storage Strategy: Transfer leftovers into sealed containers within 2 hours of cooking. Properly stored meals stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, maintaining delicious taste and texture.
  • Freezer Friendly Technique: Portion individual servings in freezer-safe containers. Sealed meals can last up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain moisture and flavor integrity.
  • Reheating Wisdom: Warm refrigerated portions in the microwave or oven at 350F, covering with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore rice moisture and ensure tender pork chops during reheating.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Calories: 420 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients For Baked Pork Chops & Rice

For Pork Chops:
  • Pork Chops: Tender cut that provides protein and main protein focus, choose bone-in for richer flavor and more moisture.
  • Garlic Powder: Adds depth and aromatic warmth without fresh garlic's intensity.
  • Onion Powder: Creates savory base note with subtle sweetness.
  • Smoked Paprika: Introduces smoky complexity and beautiful reddish color.
  • Italian Seasoning: Blends herbs for multilayered herbal undertones.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile and tenderizes meat.
  • Black Pepper: Provides subtle heat and sharp flavor accent.
  • Olive Oil: Helps create golden sear and prevents sticking.
For Rice Mixture:
  • Long Grain Rice: Fluffy base that absorbs surrounding flavors perfectly.
  • Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creates creamy, rich binding sauce.
  • Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and deepens savory undertones.
  • Diced Onions: Introduces sweet, caramelized background flavor.
  • Bell Peppers: Brings color, crunch, and subtle vegetable sweetness.
  • Butter: Provides richness and silky texture to rice base.
For Optional Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley: Adds bright, fresh finishing touch.
  • Lemon: Provides zesty, acidic contrast to rich dish.

What Tools You’ll Need For Baked Pork Chops & Rice

  • Large Skillet: Essential for searing pork chops and creating a golden-brown crust before baking.
  • 9×13 Inch Baking Dish: Perfect for mixing rice and baking the entire meal together.
  • Small Bowl: Used for mixing the seasoning blend for the pork chops.
  • Aluminum Foil: Covers the baking dish to keep moisture locked in during cooking.
  • Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure seasonings and spices.
  • Fork: Needed for fluffing rice and serving the final dish.
  • Sharp Knife: Useful for chopping onions and bell peppers.
  • Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for chopping ingredients.
Print
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Tender Pork Chops & Rice Recipe

Tender Pork Chops & Rice Recipe


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4.8 from 28 reviews

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

Description

Hearty baked pork chops & rice create a comforting meal packed with flavor and simplicity. Classic ingredients blend seamlessly, delivering a satisfying dinner that connects families around the table.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 pork chops (bone-in or boneless, about 1-inch thick)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
  • 1 can (10.5 oz / 300 g) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup)
  • 1 ¾ cups (420 ml) chicken broth (or water)
  • ½ cup diced onion
  • ½ cup diced bell peppers (optional)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp butter (optional, for extra flavor)

Instructions

  1. Seasoning Preparation: Craft a zesty spice blend by mixing garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Generously coat both sides of the pork chops with this aromatic mixture.
  2. Searing Technique: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear pork chops for 2-3 minutes per side until a golden-brown crust forms. Transfer to a temporary plate.
  3. Rice and Soup Base: In a baking dish, combine uncooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, diced onions, bell peppers, and remaining spices. Whisk ingredients until smoothly integrated.
  4. Layering and Preparation: Dot the rice mixture with butter fragments. Arrange seared pork chops evenly over the rice. Tightly seal the dish with aluminum foil to lock in moisture.
  5. Baking Process: Roast in a preheated 350F (175C) oven for 45-50 minutes. Confirm doneness by checking rice tenderness and ensuring pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145F (63C).
  6. Final Touches: Remove foil and broil briefly to achieve a golden-brown surface. Carefully monitor to prevent burning. Fluff rice with a fork, allowing pork juices to blend with the grains.
  7. Serving Suggestion: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or a bright lemon squeeze. Plate alongside steamed vegetables or a crisp salad for a complete, appetizing meal.

Notes

  • Sear for Maximum Flavor: Brown pork chops quickly before baking to lock in deep, rich taste and create a delicious golden crust that enhances overall dish texture.
  • Rice Moisture Management: Use exact liquid measurements to prevent dry or soggy rice; chicken broth helps create perfectly tender, fluffy grains that absorb surrounding flavors.
  • Temperature Precision: Check internal pork temperature with meat thermometer to guarantee food safety and prevent overcooking, which can result in tough, dry meat.
  • Customization Options: Swap cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or vegetable alternatives for dietary preferences; experiment with different bell pepper colors to add visual appeal and subtle flavor variations.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

Nutritional Analysis​, Dietary Accommodations​, Food Writing and Blogging​,

Education

University of Texas at Austin

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Nutrition
  • Focus: Emphasis on dietary planning, food science, and the relationship between nutrition and health.​

Institute of Culinary Education, New York, NY

  • Program: Plant-Based Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized training in vegetarian and vegan cooking techniques, emphasizing whole foods and sustainability.​

Olivia Bennett is Cooking Crusade’s go-to expert for nutritious, feel-good food. Based in Austin, she blends her degree in Nutrition from the University of Texas with plant-based culinary training from the Institute of Culinary Education.

Olivia’s recipes are all about balance: vibrant, wholesome, and easy-to-love dishes that work for all kinds of eaters. Her mission is simple: to make healthy eating approachable and genuinely tasty, with tips that support your lifestyle, not complicate it.

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