Pork Chops and Rice Skillet

This Pork Chops and Rice Skillet recipe is a comforting and flavorful one-pan dinner that combines tender, seared pork chops with Mexican-inspired rice.

Pork Chops and Rice Recipe

Seared pork chops complement this seasoned rice perfectly, making this pork chops and rice recipe a hearty and family-friendly dinner option.

With just one skillet, you’ll save time on cleanup and simplify your cooking process, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Our recipe ensures juicy and tender pork chops, thanks to the searing technique that locks in moisture and flavor.

We use bone-in pork chops or Porterhouse chops for this dish and it makes plenty for a hungry family.

Start to finish this one-skillet recipe will be ready in about 30 minutes.

We also love this Honey Garlic Pork Chops recipe.

Ingredients

• 4 porterhouse (bone-in loin) pork chops (1/2- 3/4-inch thick), seasoned with salt and pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small white onion, chopped
• 2 cups rice, uncooked
• 4 plum tomatoes, chopped
• 2 medium jalapeno peppers, minced
• 1 cup beer (can substitute with water)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• Fresh cilantro, chopped

Recipe Tips

• We suggest thick, bone-in pork chops for this recipe, but boneless chops may also be substituted.
• Use high heat when searing the pork chops. This helps develop a beautiful crust on the outside while keeping the inside tender.
• Pork chops can quickly become dry if overcooked. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
• Pork is safe to eat at 145 F, followed by a three-minute rest.

How to Make Baked Pork Chops and Rice

Heat oil in a large skillet. We like to use a cast iron skillet. Then add pork chops.

Sear pork on both sides on medium-high heat until brown, or about 1 minute on each side.

Remove from the skillet and cover loosely with foil.

Add garlic and onions to the skillet. Cook and stir until tender, or about 2 minutes. Scrape up brown bits from the bottom of the skillet.

Add rice, stirring constantly until rice begins to brown, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add tomatoes, jalapeños, beer and broth.

Bring to a boil and cover. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer 10 minutes.

Place pork on top of rice; cover.

Simmer 6-8 minutes or until the internal temperature on a thermometer reads 145 degrees F.

Let stand 5 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro if desired.

What to do with pork chops?

The best method to cook pork chops and keep the meat moist is searing the pork chops at high heat in a skillet.

Our Pork Chops and Rice Skillet is an example of using the pan-searing method to create a crust on the outside while keeping the inside tender.

We also like to grill pork chops on high heat or dice them up and use them for tacos.

Are pork chops healthy?

Pork chops are inherently a lean source of protein.

Pork chops offer a complete source of high-quality protein and deliver selenium, zinc, and easily absorbed iron.

How to make tender pork chops?

For tender pork chops, cook the pork chop to 145 degrees F followed by a three-minute rest.

Cooking a pork chop too long will result in a dry and tough eating experience.

We like to use an instant-read thermometer to tell the temperature of our chops.

The three-minute rest will give the juices time to redistribute throughout the meat and make the chops more juicy.

What temperature should pork chops be?

The safe internal pork cooking temperature for fresh cuts such as the pork chop, is 145 degrees F.

To check doneness properly, use a digital cooking thermometer.  

How long are pork chops good in the fridge?

Pork chops may be kept raw for 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator. After cooking, the meat can safely be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.

How to tell if pork chops are bad?

The color of the pork is a good indicator of its freshness. Fresh pork should be pink in color.

Choosing a pork chop that is a deep dark red or grayish will result in a suboptimal eating experience.

Pork chops should have little to no smell. If they do have an off smell, slimy texture or discoloration, it is best to err on the side of caution and discard the meat.

What can I make with Pork Chops and Rice Skillet?

You can make a full meal with one skillet, rice, pork chops, and a handful of seasonings.

Other Pork Chop Recipes

Get out your skillet for these juicy and tender Cast Iron Pork Chops with Beans for a Parmesan-coated, hearty meal you will love.

This tender Thin Air Fyer Pork Chops recipe is big on flavor, uses only a few seasonings, and is ready in under 15 minutes.

This Marry Me Pork Chops recipe makes the most tender chops in a heavy cream sauce loaded with rich Italian flavors from sundried tomatoes.