Oven mitts: Safely handle hot baking dish and remove foil.
Baked Pork Chops and Rice: The Easy Way
Warm Up the Cooking Zone: Fire up your oven to a cozy 350F, creating the perfect environment for your delicious meal.
Pamper the Pork Chops: Massage the meat with a light olive oil coat, then sprinkle a magical blend of seasonings to make them irresistibly tasty.
Create a Flavor Foundation: In a baking dish, whip up a creamy rice base by mixing broth, mushroom soup, and a colorful mix of veggies that'll make your taste buds dance.
Layer and Embrace: Gently nestle the seasoned pork chops on top of the rice mixture, creating a comforting one-pan wonder.
Seal and Cook: Wrap the dish in foil like a warm blanket, letting it bake for 30 minutes of transformative magic.
Crisp and Perfect: Unveil the dish, let it continue cooking for another 20-25 minutes until the pork reaches golden perfection and the rice becomes tender.
Final Touch: If you're feeling adventurous, give the top a quick broil to create a tempting golden-brown crust.
Rest and Serve: Let your masterpiece settle for a few minutes, then dive into a meal that promises to comfort and delight.
New Ways to Flavor Pork Chops & Rice
Avoid overcooking by using a meat thermometer to check internal temperature, ensuring your pork chops remain tender and succulent every single time.
Prepare the entire dish up to the baking stage, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, allowing flavors to meld and making weeknight dinners a breeze.
Swap cream of mushroom soup with a gluten-free alternative or homemade cream sauce to accommodate gluten-sensitive diets without compromising flavor.
Experiment with different vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini to add variety and boost nutritional value of the rice mixture.
Replace pork chops with chicken breasts or thick-cut turkey cutlets for a delightful protein variation that maintains the dish's comforting essence.
Serve That Pork Chop Bake with a Side of Comfort
Fresh Herb Sprinkle: Chop some fresh parsley, thyme, or chives to scatter over the top for a burst of bright, green flavor that adds color and freshness to the hearty dish.
Creamy Side Salad Companion: Pair the pork chops and rice with a light, crisp green salad dressed in a tangy ranch or buttermilk dressing to balance the rich, savory flavors of the main course.
Veggie Boost Bonus: Roast some additional seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or green beans alongside the dish to create a complete, nutritious meal that adds extra texture and nutrients.
Wine Pairing Delight: Serve with a glass of medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay or a light red like Pinot Noir to complement the rich, comforting flavors of the pork chops and creamy rice.
How to Store Pork Chops and Rice Just Right
Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly to lock in moisture and prevent flavor loss. Refrigerated meals stay fresh for 3-4 days, maintaining delicious taste and texture.
Portion individual servings in freezer-safe containers. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen dishes remain tasty for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Warm refrigerated portions in the oven at 350F for 15-20 minutes. Cover with foil to retain moisture and prevent drying. Add a splash of chicken broth to refresh rice and keep pork chops tender. Stir rice midway through heating.
Prepare rice and season pork chops in advance. Store components separately to maintain optimal texture. Keep seasoned pork chops and rice in separate containers. Mix and bake when ready to enjoy a fresh, home-cooked meal with minimal effort.
Succulent Parmesan-crusted Baked Pork Chops & Rice offer a delightful culinary journey through home-style comfort. Hearty ingredients and simple techniques combine to create a satisfying dinner that delights palates with rich flavors and tender textures you’ll crave.
Ingredients
Scale
4 pork chops (bone-in or boneless, 1-inch thick)
1 can (10.5 oz / 300 g) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup)
1 ¾ cups (420 ml) chicken broth (or water)
1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
½ cup diced onion
½ cup diced bell peppers (optional)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp butter (optional, for extra flavor)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
Oven Preparation: Ignite the oven to a steady 350F (175C), creating an ideal cooking environment for the dish.
Pork Chop Seasoning: Massage olive oil into the pork chops, then generously dust with a harmonious blend of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, ensuring complete flavor coverage.
Rice Foundation: In a 9×13-inch baking vessel, orchestrate a symphony of rice, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, diced onion, celery, carrots, and Italian seasoning, blending ingredients into a uniform landscape and punctuating with butter fragments for luxurious depth.
Culinary Assembly: Nestle the seasoned pork chops atop the rice mixture, creating a picturesque layer of protein and grains.
Transformative Baking: Shield the dish with aluminum foil, allowing flavors to meld during an initial 30-minute thermal journey. Unveil the foil and continue baking for an additional 20-25 minutes, pursuing tender rice and perfectly cooked pork chops reaching an internal temperature of 145F (63C).
Final Flourish: Optionally, activate the broiler for 2-3 minutes to achieve a golden, appetizing exterior on the pork chops.
Serving Ritual: Pause momentarily, allowing the dish to rest and settle. Present steaming hot, potentially adorned with fresh parsley for a vibrant touch.
Notes
Choose bone-in, thick-cut pork chops around 1-inch thick for juicier, more flavorful results that won’t dry out during baking.
Cover dish with foil during initial baking to trap steam, ensuring rice stays moist and pork remains tender without becoming tough or rubbery.
Use meat thermometer to check pork reaches exactly 145°F, preventing overcooking while guaranteeing food safety and maintaining succulent texture.
Swap Italian seasoning with herbs like thyme or rosemary, or use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup for dietary accommodations without compromising dish’s rich flavor profile.
Focus: Focused on mastering culinary methods and food science, immersive externships, hands‑on training in industry‑standard kitchen labs, and equipping graduates for roles in restaurant operations.
William Hawkins isn’t just a chef, he’s a storyteller through food. From his hometown of Louisville, KY, he’s spent years refining his craft, turning local ingredients into something extraordinary.
With classical training from Sullivan University and a career marked by innovation, mentorship, and Southern soul, William approaches every recipe with purpose. His kitchen is where old techniques meet fresh ideas, and where comfort food gets a thoughtful, modern twist.
When he’s not building dishes from the ground up, he’s out gathering inspiration from nature, markets, and the stories people share around the table.
William Hawkins
Founder & Culinary Director
Expertise
Education
Sullivan University, Louisville, KY
William Hawkins isn’t just a chef, he’s a storyteller through food. From his hometown of Louisville, KY, he’s spent years refining his craft, turning local ingredients into something extraordinary.
With classical training from Sullivan University and a career marked by innovation, mentorship, and Southern soul, William approaches every recipe with purpose. His kitchen is where old techniques meet fresh ideas, and where comfort food gets a thoughtful, modern twist.
When he’s not building dishes from the ground up, he’s out gathering inspiration from nature, markets, and the stories people share around the table.