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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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