These southern baked pork chops are juicy and served over fluffy rice, making a comforting meal everyone will love. It’s an easy recipe that packs big flavor without much fuss.
I can’t resist the smell wafting from the oven when these are baking. Perfect for busy weeknights! Just pop them in and let your kitchen fill with warmth and deliciousness.
What I love most is how simple it is to throw together. One pan, a few ingredients, and dinner is ready! It’s a real crowd-pleaser at my house.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in chops add flavor and juiciness. However, you can use boneless chops if you prefer. Just adjust cooking time since they may cook faster.
Rice: Long grain white rice is traditional, but you can swap it with brown rice or jasmine rice. Just remember that brown rice will need longer cooking time and more liquid.
Chicken Broth: This adds depth of flavor, but vegetable broth or even water works in a pinch. Just know it’ll change the taste slightly.
Bell Pepper & Onion: If you don’t have yellow bell pepper, feel free to use red or green. You could also add other vegetables like diced carrots or peas for more color.
Seasonings: Dried thyme is optional but adds a lovely aroma. You can swap it with Italian seasoning or even some dried rosemary if you’d like a different flavor profile.
How Do You Get the Pork Chops Perfectly Cooked?
Getting juicy, perfectly cooked pork chops is easy with just a few steps. Searing the chops before baking locks in moisture and flavors.
- Always let the pork chops rest for about 10 minutes after seasoning to maximize flavor.
- Sear them over medium-high heat—this helps develop a beautiful crust, which enhances taste.
- Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should read 145°F (63°C) for perfectly cooked chops.
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 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme (optional)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Rice Mixture:
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 2 1/4 cups chicken broth (or water)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 yellow bell pepper, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
For Serving:
- Steamed broccoli or other vegetables (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 15 minutes to prep and 35-40 minutes to bake. You’ll have a warm, hearty dinner ready in about an hour! Perfect for any night of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake your pork chops.
2. Season the Pork Chops:
Generously season the pork chops on both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and dried thyme if you like. Let them sit for a few minutes to absorb those flavors.
3. Sear the Chops:
In a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the pork chops and sear for about 3 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown. Once done, remove the chops and set them aside on a plate.
4. Cook the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the butter. When melted, toss in the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they are soft and fragrant.
5. Prepare the Rice:
Add the uncooked rice to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to lightly toast the rice along with the veggies. This enhances the flavor!
6. Add the Liquid:
Pour in the chicken broth, stir everything together, and bring it to a gentle simmer.
7. Nestle the Chops:
Place the seared pork chops on top of the rice mixture. This allows the flavors to mingle while baking.
8. Bake:
Cover the skillet with foil or a lid to trap in the steam and place it in the preheated 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 Serve:
Once done, take it out of the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes with the cover still on. This helps keep everything juicy. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving, and feel free to add a side of steamed broccoli or your favorite veggies!
Enjoy your warm, flavorful southern baked pork chops with perfectly cooked rice! This meal is comfort food at its best!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Yes, you can use boneless pork chops if you prefer! Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as boneless chops may cook faster, typically needing about 25-30 minutes in the oven.
What Should I Serve with This Dish?
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans, but you can also serve it with a fresh salad or some crusty bread to soak up any leftover juices.
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare everything up to the baking step, cover the skillet, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, just take it out, allow it to come to room temperature, and then bake as directed.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or use a microwave if you’re short on time.
