Rice And Honey Pork Chops
Juicy pork chops baked with sweet honey, raisins, and orange juice serve over tender rice for a flavorful, family-friendly meal with a hint of citrus and sweetness.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In an 8 x 8-inch baking dish, combine rice, orange juice, raisins, and salt.
- Stir to mix the ingredients well.
- Arrange the pork chops on top of the rice mixture, pressing down into the rice.
- Drizzle honey evenly over the pork chops.
- Cover with wax paper and cook uncovered for 16 minutes.
- Optional: During the last 2 minutes, spoon rice over the pork chops if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider marinating the pork chops in a mixture of orange juice and honey for a few hours before cooking. You can substitute the quick cooking rice with brown rice, but adjust the cooking time accordingly. If you prefer fresh fruit, try adding chopped apples or peaches in place of raisins for a fresh twist. This dish is a great way to use leftover rice.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Rice And Honey Pork Chops with a side of steamed broccoli or a mixed green salad for a balanced meal. The sweetness of the honey and raisins pairs beautifully with a refreshing side like My Sister Linda'S Broccoli Salad. For a heartier option, consider pairing with roasted vegetables or a baked potato.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Rice And Honey Pork Chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of orange juice to keep the rice moist, and cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Microwave on medium heat until warmed through, or reheat in the oven at 350°F until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rice And Honey Pork Chops contains roughly 351 calories, with 5g protein, 88g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is a good source of potassium (14% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1770mg per serving (77% 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 ensure they are of similar thickness to maintain the cooking time. Bone-in chops may require a couple of extra minutes to cook through, so check for doneness using a meat thermometer.
What can I substitute for raisins if I don't have any?
If you don’t have raisins, you can substitute with dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots. Both options will add a nice sweetness and complement the flavors of the dish. Fresh fruit like diced apples or pears can also work for a fresher taste.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the rice mixture and arrange the pork chops in advance. Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing in the oven to ensure even cooking.
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).