Here’s a recipe for The Best Oven Baked Pork Chops and Rice—a delicious, easy, and comforting dish that combines tender, juicy pork chops with flavorful, seasoned rice. It’s a perfect one-pan meal that everyone will love!
Ingredients:
For the pork chops:
- 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme (or Italian seasoning)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the rice:
- 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice
- 3 cups chicken broth (or water, but chicken broth gives more flavor)
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or use a seasoning blend of your choice)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional, for added color and flavor)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork Chops:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels to ensure they sear well.
- In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Rub the spice mixture all over the pork chops, coating them evenly.
- Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the pork chops and sear them for about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown. You don’t need to cook them through yet, just get a nice sear.
2. Prepare the Rice:
- Remove the pork chops from the skillet and set them aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until softened.
- Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the rice, making sure it gets coated in the butter and onion mixture. This step helps to give the rice a nice flavor.
- Pour in the chicken broth and season with thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
3. Assemble and Bake:
- Once the rice mixture is simmering, place the pork chops on top of the rice. You can push them slightly into the rice so they’re partially submerged.
- If you’re using peas, sprinkle them over the rice for some added color and flavor.
- Cover the skillet tightly with a lid or foil and place it in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pork chops are cooked through (internal temperature should reach 145°F/63°C) and the rice is tender and fluffy.
4. Finish and Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let the dish sit, covered, for about 5 minutes.
- Fluff the rice with a fork before serving, and give the pork chops a final sprinkle of salt and pepper, if desired.
Tips:
- If you prefer to use boneless pork chops, make sure they’re about 1-inch thick so they cook properly without drying out.
- For a bit more flavor, you can marinate the pork chops in the spice mix for a couple of hours before cooking, though it’s not necessary.
- You can add other veggies like carrots or bell peppers to the rice for extra color and texture.
This Oven Baked Pork Chops and Rice is super simple but full of flavor. The rice soaks up all the delicious juices from the pork chops, making each bite so satisfying. Enjoy your comforting one-pan meal!