Easy Baked Pork Chops
Easy Baked Pork Chops are a comforting and flavorful dish that combines succulent pork with a savory rice and vegetable medley. The blend of Italian herbs and chicken bouillon infuses the rice with rich flavor, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings. A satisfying meal for all.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large baking dish, combine chopped celery, uncooked rice, sliced onion, water, instant chicken bouillon, Italian herb seasoning, and salt.
- Place the pork chops on top of the rice mixture.
- Arrange green pepper rings around the pork chops.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the pork chops are cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider marinating the pork chops in Italian dressing for a few hours before cooking. If you're out of instant chicken bouillon, you can use homemade chicken stock instead, but reduce the amount of water to prevent it from being too soupy. You can also substitute the long grain rice with brown rice for a nuttier flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these baked pork chops with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. They also pair beautifully with mashed potatoes or a light quinoa salad. For an exciting twist, you might consider serving them alongside the Chunky Chicken Chili for a comforting family dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover baked pork chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chops in a baking dish with a little broth or water to keep them moist, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Baked Pork Chops contains roughly 230 calories, with 4g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1399mg per serving (61% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use bone-in pork chops instead of boneless?
Yes, you can use bone-in pork chops for this recipe. Just keep in mind that they may require a slightly longer cooking time. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption.
What can I use instead of green peppers?
If you don't have green peppers on hand, you can substitute with sliced bell peppers of any color or even omit them entirely. Alternatively, you could add some sliced mushrooms for an earthy flavor.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator. Just add an extra few minutes to the cooking time if baking straight from the fridge.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).