These tasty Southern baked pork chops are juicy and simple to make, perfect for a cozy dinner. They bake with rice that soaks up all the lovely flavors!
Honestly, what’s not to love? The pork chops are tender, and that rice is just plain comforting. I often pair this dish with a side of greens for a full meal. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in chops are best for this recipe as they stay juicy while baking. If you’re watching fat intake, you can switch to boneless chops or even chicken breasts. Just adjust cooking time as they might cook faster!
Rice: I suggest using long grain white rice for that fluffy texture. If you’re looking for healthier options, brown rice works too but may need more liquid and a longer cooking time.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: This adds creaminess and flavor. If you prefer homemade, you can make a simple white sauce with butter, flour, and mushrooms. For a dairy-free version, try coconut cream or a dairy-free soup substitute.
Onions and Garlic: Fresh onion and garlic give a great aroma. If you’re short on time, you can use onion powder and garlic powder instead, about 1 tsp of each.
Spices: Feel free to swap the thyme or oregano with your favorite herbs like basil or rosemary for a personalized touch!
How Do I Get the Pork Chops Juicy and Flavorful?
To keep pork chops juicy, seasoning and cooking them right is key. Start by generously seasoning the chops with salt, pepper, and paprika just before cooking. This not only adds flavor but also helps the meat retain moisture.
- Be sure to heat your oven fully to 350°F (175°C) before baking, which ensures even cooking.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil during cooking to lock in steam, which helps keep the meat tender.
- Don’t skip the broiling step at the end if you want a nice golden-brown crust. Just a couple of minutes under the broiler is enough.
These tips will help you achieve flavorful, juicy pork chops every time!
Easy Classic Southern Baked Pork Chops with Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
For the Rice Mixture:
- 1 cup long grain white rice, uncooked
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup)
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup water
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
For Seasoning:
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme or oregano (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare, and then you’ll bake it for 1 hour. All in all, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in about 1 hour and 10 minutes. Perfect for a cozy family dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your dish cooks evenly as soon as it goes in.
2. Prepare the Rice Mixture:
In a large oven-safe baking dish, mix together the uncooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, cream of mushroom soup, milk, and water. Stir everything together until well combined.
3. Season the Pork Chops:
Take the pork chops and season both sides with salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried thyme or oregano if you’re using it. This will give the chops a lovely flavor.
4. Assemble the Dish:
Place the seasoned pork chops on top of the rice mixture in the baking dish. Make sure they are nestled in so they cook nicely with the rice.
5. Drizzle with Oil:
Take your olive oil and drizzle it evenly over the pork chops. This helps them stay juicy and adds a nice flavor.
6. Cover and Bake:
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This will keep the moisture in. Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until the pork chops are cooked through (they should reach an internal temperature of 145°F or 63°C) and the rice is nice and tender.
7. Optional Broil:
After baking, you can remove the foil and put the dish under the broiler for 2-3 minutes to give the pork chops a nice golden-brown color. Just keep an eye on it so they don’t burn!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish your dish with fresh parsley if you like, and serve hot! Dig in and enjoy this heartwarming classic that the whole family will love!
FAQ for Easy Classic Southern Baked Pork Chops with Rice
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Yes, boneless pork chops can be used, but they will cook faster. Start checking them for doneness around 40 minutes to ensure they don’t dry out.
Is There a Vegetarian Option for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can replace the pork chops with hearty vegetables like portobello mushrooms, zucchini, or a plant-based protein. Use vegetable broth instead of water and skip the cream soup or use a vegan alternative.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pork chops and rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Yes! You can assemble everything a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just be sure to cover it tightly with foil to prevent it from drying out. When you’re ready to bake, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
