Imagine a dinner that combines juicy, perfectly seasoned pork chops with a vibrant, flavor-packed rice dish that'll have your family begging for seconds. This Easy Pork Chop Tomato Rice is not just a meal; it's a culinary adventure that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece right in your own kitchen. With minimal prep time and maximum flavor, this one-skillet wonder is about to become your new go-to weeknight dinner that looks and tastes like you've been slaving away for hours!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 pork chops
- 1 cup rice
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of oil and sear the pork chops for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove chops and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add chopped onions and sauté until translucent and slightly caramelized, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add uncooked rice to the skillet and stir, allowing it to toast lightly for 1-2 minutes to enhance flavor.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice and chicken broth. Stir to combine and ensure rice is evenly distributed.
- Carefully place the seared pork chops on top of the rice mixture, nestling them slightly into the liquid.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until rice is tender and pork chops are cooked through (internal temperature of 145°F).
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions if desired.
Tips
- Pat those pork chops completely dry before seasoning - this is the secret to achieving that gorgeous golden-brown sear that locks in flavor and creates a delicious crust.
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven for even heat distribution and the best possible rice texture.
- Don't skip toasting the rice! Those extra 1-2 minutes of toasting will develop a nutty, deeper flavor that elevates the entire dish.
- Check the internal temperature of your pork chops - 145°F is the magic number for perfectly cooked, juicy meat that's safe to eat.
- Let the dish rest for those crucial 5 minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is moist and flavorful.
- Optional but recommended: Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or green onions to add a pop of color and fresh flavor to your finished dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 85mg
