Pin It Juicy pork chops coated in a fragrant Parmesan and herb crust, served over fluffy seasoned rice for a comforting and flavorful meal.
I first made this cozy dish for a casual family dinner, and everyone loved how the crispy crust paired perfectly with the savory rice.
Ingredients
- Pork chops: 4 bone-in or boneless (about 1-inch thick)
- Grated Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup
- Bread crumbs: 1/2 cup, gluten-free or regular
- Fresh parsley: 2 tablespoons, finely chopped
- Fresh thyme leaves: 1 tablespoon (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon
- Onion powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
- Long-grain white rice: 1 cup
- Low-sodium chicken broth: 2 cups
- Unsalted butter: 1 tablespoon
- Salt (for rice): 1/2 teaspoon
- Black pepper (for rice): 1/4 teaspoon
- Fresh parsley (for rice): 2 tablespoons, chopped
- Lemon zest: 1 teaspoon, optional
Instructions
- Prep Oven & Pan:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or sheet pan.
- Mix Coating:
- In a shallow bowl, combine Parmesan, breadcrumbs, parsley, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Prepare Pork:
- Pat pork chops dry with paper towels. Brush both sides lightly with olive oil.
- Coat Pork Chops:
- Press each pork chop into the Parmesan herb mixture, coating both sides evenly.
- Bake Pork Chops:
- Place pork chops on the prepared dish. Drizzle with any remaining olive oil. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until pork reaches internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and crust is golden.
- Cook Rice:
- Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, bring chicken broth, butter, salt, and pepper to a boil. Add rice, stir, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 15 to 18 minutes until liquid is absorbed.
- Finish Rice:
- Remove rice from heat. Fluff with a fork. Stir in parsley and lemon zest if using.
- Serve:
- Serve pork chops over a bed of rice, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Pin It This became a fast favorite in our house, with the kids always asking for extra crispy edges and everyone enjoying second helpings.
Required Tools
Baking dish or sheet pan, mixing bowls, saucepan with lid, measuring cups and spoons, meat thermometer (recommended)
Allergen Information
Contains: Milk (Parmesan cheese), Gluten (breadcrumbs unless using gluten-free). Always check product labels for potential allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 470, Total Fat 18 g, Carbohydrates 37 g, Protein 38 g.
Pin It Try this meal for your next family dinner, and enjoy a comforting favorite packed with flavor and texture.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I ensure the pork chops stay juicy?
Pat the pork chops dry before coating and avoid overbaking by monitoring the internal temperature to 145°F (63°C) for juicy results.
- → Can I use boneless pork chops instead?
Yes, boneless pork chops work well; just reduce baking time slightly to prevent dryness.
- → What can be substituted for Parmesan cheese?
For a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast adds a similar umami flavor without dairy.
- → How is the rice prepared for best texture?
Simmer the rice gently in chicken broth with butter and seasonings, then fluff with a fork to separate the grains.
- → Can fresh herbs be used instead of dried?
Yes, fresh parsley and thyme can be used, adding vibrant flavor; adjust quantity to taste.
- → Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?
Using certified gluten-free breadcrumbs ensures the dish remains gluten-free.