Fruited Rice And Pork Chops Bake
A hearty baked dish featuring tender pork chops, fragrant rice, and sweet dried fruit, perfect for family dinners with rich flavors and comforting aromas.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the pork chops in vegetable oil in a large skillet; remove from heat.
- Add enough water to the condensed chicken broth to make 2 1/2 cups liquid.
- Add honey, garlic salt, and ground ginger; mix well.
- Pour the liquid into a 12 x 8 x 2-inch baking dish.
- Add rice and chopped dried fruit; stir to combine.
- Arrange the browned pork chops over the rice and fruit mixture.
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
- Bake at 350°F for 50 minutes.
- Uncover and continue baking until all liquid is absorbed, about 5 to 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider marinating the pork chops in the broth mixture for a few hours before browning. If you don't have dried fruit on hand, feel free to substitute with fresh fruit like diced apples or pears. You can also use brown rice instead of white rice for added nutrition, but adjust the cooking time accordingly as it typically requires longer to cook.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Consider serving it alongside crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices. If you're looking for more American recipes to complement your meal, check out Phyllis'S Chicken Salad for a refreshing side.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the dish in the oven at 350°F covered with foil until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. Alternatively, individual portions can be microwaved for quick reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fruited Rice And Pork Chops Bake contains roughly 364 calories, with 6g protein, 78g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (13% of the Daily Value) and protein (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 504mg per serving (22% 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 a different type of meat instead of pork chops?
Yes, you can substitute the pork chops with boneless chicken thighs or breasts. Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the meat to ensure it's cooked through but still moist.
What can I use if I don't have chicken broth?
If you don't have chicken broth, vegetable broth is a great alternative. You can also use water with a bouillon cube dissolved in it for similar flavor. For a richer taste, consider using homemade broth if available.
Is it possible to make this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. Just be sure to cover it tightly with foil. When ready to serve, bake straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
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).