Juicy Baked Pork Chops & Rice Recipe for Cozy Weeknights

Comfort meets convenience in this delightful baked pork chops & rice recipe that promises a hearty meal without complicated steps.

Weeknight dinners become effortless with minimal ingredients and maximum flavor.

Juicy pork chops nestle perfectly atop fluffy rice, creating a one-pan wonder that saves time and cleanup.

Seasoned with simple herbs and a secret blend of spices, each bite delivers a satisfying crunch and tender meat.

Home cooks love how quickly this dish comes together, making it a reliable go-to for busy evenings.

Simple yet impressive, this recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Come hungry and leave happy with this crowd-pleasing meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

What Makes Baked Pork Chops & Rice So Satisfying

• Transform simple ingredients into a hearty, satisfying meal with minimal prep work and maximum flavor.
• Eliminate multiple dishes and cleanup by cooking pork chops and rice together in a single baking dish, saving time and reducing kitchen mess.
• Deliver a delicious, crowd-pleasing dinner that combines tender pork chops with creamy, seasoned rice that appeals to both kids and adults.
• Easily swap vegetables or seasonings based on what's in your pantry, making this recipe flexible for different taste preferences and dietary needs.

What You’ll Need for Baked Pork Chops & Rice

• Pork Chops: Tender protein centerpiece that brings rich flavor to the dish. Choose boneless or bone-in chops with some marbling for extra juiciness.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Classic spice mix that adds depth and warmth to the pork. Fresh ground spices provide more intense flavor.

• Long Grain White Rice: Fluffy foundation for the casserole. Choose standard white rice for best absorption of flavors.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creamy binding element that adds moisture and richness. Select low-sodium version for better control of salt content.
• Chicken Broth: Provides additional liquid and enhances overall savory profile. Homemade or low-sodium store-bought works well.

• Onion, Celery, Carrots: Classic vegetable trio that adds texture and subtle sweetness. Fresh vegetables provide better taste and nutrition.

• Italian Seasoning: Dried herb blend that introduces aromatic complexity. Classic mix with oregano, basil, and thyme.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a golden surface. Use unsalted butter for precise seasoning.
• Olive Oil: Helps seasonings adhere to pork and promotes even browning. Extra virgin provides best flavor.

• Fresh Parsley: Optional bright green topping that adds color and fresh herb notes.

How to Prepare Baked Pork Chops & Rice

Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Oven

Turn the oven to 350F (175C). Take out a 9×13-inch baking dish and a sheet of aluminum foil.

Step 2: Season the Protein

• Olive oil
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Massage each pork chop with olive oil. Create a flavor explosion by mixing the spices in a small bowl. Coat both sides of the pork chops generously with the spice blend.

Step 3: Create the Rice Base

• Long-grain white rice
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Chicken broth
• Diced onion
• Chopped celery
• Diced carrots
• Italian seasoning
• Butter

Pour all ingredients except butter into the baking dish. Stir until everything looks evenly distributed. Scatter small butter pieces across the top for extra richness.

Step 4: Layer and Bake

Gently place the seasoned pork chops on top of the rice mixture. Cover the dish completely with aluminum foil. Slide into the preheated oven.

Step 5: Cooking Time

Bake covered for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for 20-25 minutes. The goal is tender rice and pork chops reaching 145F (63C) internal temperature.

Step 6: Final Touch

For a golden-brown finish, switch the oven to broil. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the top looks perfectly caramelized.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if you want extra color and flavor. Serve hot and enjoy the mouthwatering meal.

Tips That Improve Baked Pork Chops & Rice

• Perfectly Season Pork Chops: Use a blend of spices like garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika to create a flavorful crust that locks in moisture and adds depth to the meat.
• Prevent Dry Rice: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil during initial cooking to trap steam and ensure the rice remains moist and tender throughout the baking process.
• Choose the Right Pork Chop Cut: Opt for bone-in pork chops around 1-inch thick, which help retain moisture and provide more flavor compared to thinner, boneless varieties.
• Control Cooking Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check that pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145F, guaranteeing perfectly cooked meat that's juicy and safe to eat.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute cream of mushroom soup with a gluten-free alternative or homemade cream sauce to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising taste.

Storing and Reheating Baked Pork Chops & Rice

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place in freezer-safe containers, preserving quality for up to 2 months.
• Preheat oven to 350F, cover dish with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F.
• Sprinkle a few drops of water over the food, cover with a microwave-safe lid, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.

What to Pair with Baked Pork Chops & Rice

• Complement the rich, savory pork chops with a robust red wine like Syrah or Zinfandel, which stands up to the meat's hearty flavors and cuts through the creamy rice.
• Create a tangy side salad with shredded cabbage, green apples, and a light vinaigrette to provide a refreshing contrast to the warm, comforting main dish.
• Prepare a colorful mix of roasted Brussels sprouts, butternut squash, and red onions to add depth and nutritional balance to the meal, complementing the rice and pork.
• Select a malty amber ale or a smooth brown ale that echoes the dish's rich, earthy undertones and helps to cleanse the palate between bites.

Simple Variations for Baked Pork Chops & Rice

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Rice Option: Replace traditional rice with cauliflower rice for a lower-carbohydrate alternative. Follow the same seasoning and baking method, adjusting cooking time to prevent overcooking the cauliflower.
• Gluten-Free Herb Swap: Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and replace Italian seasoning with fresh thyme and rosemary. Choose gluten-free chicken broth to ensure dietary compatibility.
• Dairy-Free Coconut Milk Version: Substitute butter with coconut oil and use coconut milk instead of cream of mushroom soup. Add extra herbs like basil or oregano to enhance the flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Protein Substitute: Replace pork chops with thick-cut portobello mushrooms or firm tofu steaks. Marinate the alternative protein in similar seasonings and adjust baking time to ensure proper cooking.

FAQs About Baked Pork Chops & Rice

• What type of rice works best for this recipe?

Long-grain white rice is ideal because it absorbs liquid well and creates a fluffy texture without becoming mushy during the baking process.

• Can I use boneless or bone-in pork chops?

Both boneless and bone-in pork chops work perfectly for this recipe. Just ensure they are similar in thickness for even cooking.

• How do I know when the pork chops are fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 145F (63C). This ensures the pork is safe to eat while remaining juicy and tender.

• Is there a substitute for cream of mushroom soup?

You can replace it with cream of chicken soup or a homemade white sauce if you prefer. Each option will slightly alter the dish’s flavor profile.

Baked Pork Chops & Rice Recipe

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4.5 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Baked Pork Chops & Rice deliver comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen, promising golden-crusted pork nestled alongside fluffy seasoned rice. Rich flavors and simple preparation make this classic dish a weeknight winner you’ll want to savor again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 4 pork chops (bone-in or boneless, about 1-inch thick)

Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Rice and Sauce:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
• 1 can (10.5 ounces / 300 grams) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup)
• 1 ¾ cups (420 milliliters) chicken broth (or water)
• ½ cup diced onion
• ½ cup diced bell peppers (optional)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for extra flavor)

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to a moderate temperature of 350F (175C), preparing a cooking environment for succulent pork and fluffy rice.
2. Massage pork chops with olive oil, creating a smooth surface for seasoning absorption. Craft a spice blend using garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Generously coat both surfaces of the meat with this aromatic mixture.
3. Select a 9×13-inch baking vessel and transform it into a flavor foundation. Combine uncooked rice with cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, finely chopped onion, diced celery, sliced carrots, and Italian seasoning. Blend these components thoroughly, ensuring an even distribution across the dish.
4. Enhance the rice mixture’s richness by strategically placing small butter fragments throughout the surface, which will melt and infuse subtle creaminess during cooking.
5. Carefully position the seasoned pork chops atop the prepared rice landscape, creating a harmonious protein and grain arrangement.
6. Shield the entire dish with aluminum foil, creating a sealed environment that promotes moisture retention and even cooking. Slide into the preheated oven for half an hour.
7. Remove the foil to allow slight caramelization and continued cooking. Continue baking until rice reaches perfect tenderness and pork chops achieve a safe internal temperature of 145F (63C), approximately 20-25 additional minutes.
8. For those desiring enhanced visual appeal, briefly activate the broiler, allowing the meat to develop a golden-brown exterior lasting 2-3 minutes.
9. Allow the completed dish to rest momentarily, permitting juices to redistribute. Serve immediately, optionally garnishing with fresh parsley for a vibrant touch.

Notes

• Enhance meat tenderness by brining pork chops in saltwater solution for 30 minutes before seasoning, which helps prevent dryness during baking.
• Swap cream of mushroom soup with low-sodium cream of chicken or vegetable alternatives for healthier dietary options or reduced sodium intake.
• Use brown rice instead of white rice to boost nutritional value, adding more fiber and complex carbohydrates to the meal.
• Experiment with herb combinations like thyme, rosemary, or sage to create unique flavor profiles that complement the pork’s natural taste.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg