Italian Chops And Rice
Juicy pork chops simmered with flavorful tomatoes, onions, and herbs, served over rice—a hearty, family-friendly Italian-inspired dish packed with savory goodness.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Season the pork chops with salt and pepper to taste.
- Brown the chops on both sides in vegetable oil in a large ovenproof skillet.
- Remove the browned chops and set aside.
- Add sliced onion and green pepper to the skillet and sauté until tender-crisp.
- Stir in the canned tomatoes, chicken broth, salt, oregano, basil, garlic powder, pepper, and rice.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Arrange the cooked chops on top of the rice mixture.
- Cover the skillet and reduce heat to simmer.
- Cook for 30 minutes until the rice is tender and the chops are cooked through.
- Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider using bone-in pork chops for added flavor. If you prefer a lighter option, swap the pork for skinless chicken breasts, which pair well with the same seasoning. You can also replace the green pepper with zucchini or mushrooms for a different flavor profile. Ensure the rice is well-coated with the broth for optimal texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Italian Chops and Rice with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad for a balanced meal. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan enhances the dish's flavor. This recipe pairs beautifully with creamy chicken cacciatore or stuffed shells italiano, making it perfect for a family dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the dish in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying out, and cover to steam the rice and rewarm the chops evenly. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Chops And Rice contains roughly 1068 calories, with 26g protein, 182g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (188% of the Daily Value), and calcium (131% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1010mg per serving (44% 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 brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice for white rice, but keep in mind that brown rice requires a longer cooking time. Adjust the liquid and cooking time accordingly, adding about 15-20 minutes to ensure the rice is tender and fully cooked.
What can I do if I don't have chicken broth?
If you don't have chicken broth, you can use vegetable broth or even water as a substitute. For added flavor, consider enhancing the water with a splash of soy sauce or a bouillon cube dissolved in warm water to mimic the depth of chicken broth.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños when sautéing the vegetables. You could also serve the dish with a side of spicy marinara sauce for dipping, which complements the Italian flavors beautifully.
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).