Save 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 these Parmesan Herb Pork Chops & Rice for a family weeknight dinner, and everyone asked for seconds. The crispy crust and savory rice quickly became a favorite in our house.
Ingredients
- Pork Chops: 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup grated
- 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 for pork chop coating + 1/2 teaspoon for rice
- Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon for pork chop coating + 1/4 teaspoon for rice
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
- Long-grain white rice: 1 cup
- Low-sodium chicken broth: 2 cups
- Unsalted butter: 1 tablespoon
- Fresh parsley (for rice): 2 tablespoons, chopped
- Lemon zest (optional): 1 teaspoon
Instructions
- Prepare Oven:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or sheet pan.
- Mix Coating:
- In a shallow bowl, combine Parmesan, bread crumbs, parsley, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Prep 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 baking dish. Drizzle with any remaining olive oil. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and the crust is golden.
- Prepare 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 for 15 to 18 minutes until liquid is absorbed.
- Finish Rice:
- Remove rice from heat. Fluff with a fork and stir in parsley and lemon zest if using.
- Serve:
- Serve pork chops over a bed of rice, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Save This is now our go-to meal for easy comfort food. My kids love helping press the coating on the pork, making dinner feel like a family project.
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: 470 calories, 18 g total fat, 37 g carbohydrates, 38 g protein
Save This meal is simple enough for busy nights and special enough to serve guests. Enjoy your flavorful pork chops and rice, ready in under an hour!
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I ensure the pork chops stay juicy?
Pat the pork chops dry before coating and avoid overcooking by baking until they reach 145°F (63°C). Resting them briefly post-bake retains moisture.
- → Can I substitute the Parmesan cheese?
Yes, for a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast can be used to maintain a similar savory, cheesy flavor.
- → What type of rice works best for this dish?
Long-grain white rice is preferred as it cooks to a fluffy texture and absorbs seasoning well.
- → Is it necessary to use fresh herbs in the crust?
Fresh parsley and thyme provide bright, aromatic notes, but dried herbs can be used if fresh are unavailable; adjust quantities accordingly.
- → How can I add extra flavor to the rice?
Mixing in chopped chives or a teaspoon of lemon zest after cooking enhances the rice with mild freshness and complexity.