These Easy Southern Baked Pork Chops with Rice are a cozy meal everyone will love! Juicy pork chops bake in a tasty rice mixture, making dinner super simple and delicious.
Honestly, who doesn’t love a one-pan dish? You pop everything in the oven, and soon the house smells amazing—no fuss, just enjoy the tasty results!
What’s great is how easy they are to make! I like to serve them with a side of steamed veggies for colorful and yummy plates. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in chops are great for flavor, but you can use boneless if you prefer. Just keep an eye on cooking times. Thinner chops will cook faster!
Rice: I love long-grain white rice for this dish, but feel free to swap in brown rice or even instant rice. If using brown rice, adjust the cooking time, as it needs more liquid and longer to cook.
Cream Soups: If you want a lighter option, try using a low-fat version of cream of mushroom or chicken soup. You could also make your own cream sauce using milk and flour if you prefer less processed ingredients.
Seasonings: Dried thyme adds a lovely flavor. If you don’t have it, Italian seasoning works too. Personal tip: I sometimes add a dash of hot sauce for a little kick!
How Do I Ensure Perfectly Cooked Pork Chops?
The key to juicy pork chops is to not overcook them. Here’s how to keep them tender:
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature—145°F (63°C) is safe and will keep them juicy!
- Let the chops rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps the juices redistribute.
- Covering the dish with foil while baking traps moisture, which also helps keep the pork chops tender.
By following these tips, you’ll serve up deliciously baked pork chops every time! Enjoy cooking!
Easy Southern Baked Pork Chops with Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 ¾ cups chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 1 hour to bake. So, you’ll spend only a little time getting everything ready, and then you can relax while it cooks in the oven!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake.
2. Prepare the Rice Mixture:
In a large bowl, mix together the uncooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, chopped onion, minced garlic, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir until everything is combined and holds together nicely.
3. Assemble the Dish:
Pour the rice mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly. This is where all the magic happens!
4. Add the Pork Chops:
Now, brush both sides of each pork chop with olive oil or melted butter. This adds flavor and helps them brown. Place the chops right on top of the rice mixture, making sure they’re snug!
5. Cover and Bake:
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to keep the moisture in while it bakes. Pop it in the oven and set a timer for 1 hour.
6. Check for Doneness:
After an hour, carefully remove the foil. Check that your pork chops are cooked through (they should reach an internal temperature of 145°F or 63°C) and the rice is tender. If they need more color, bake uncovered for an extra 10-15 minutes.
7. Rest and Serve:
Once done, take it out of the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This resting time helps keep the juices in the pork. Then, if you want, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color!
8. Enjoy!
Serve hot and enjoy your comforting Southern baked pork chops with creamy, flavorful rice. Happy eating!
FAQ for Easy Southern Baked Pork Chops with Rice
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Yes, you can use boneless pork chops! Just be mindful that they may cook faster, so check their internal temperature at around 45 minutes to avoid drying them out.
Can I Substitute the Cream Soups?
Absolutely! You can use reduced-fat or low-sodium versions of cream soups if you prefer. For a homemade option, a mix of cream and a bit of chicken stock can work as a great substitute.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of broth to the rice if it seems dry.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the rice mixture and place the pork chops on top a few hours in advance. Just cover and refrigerate until ready to bake. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it’s going in the oven cold.
