Save Juicy pork chops coated in a fragrant Parmesan and herb crust, served over fluffy seasoned rice for a comforting and flavorful meal.
This dish became a regular request in my house after I first tried it for a weekend dinner. The cheesy crust and fresh herbs bring out amazing flavors that my family always looks forward to.
Ingredients
- Bone-in or boneless pork chops: About 1-inch thick. 4 pieces.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup.
- Gluten-free or regular breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup.
- Fresh parsley: 2 tablespoons, finely chopped.
- Fresh thyme leaves (or dried): 1 tablespoon fresh or 1 teaspoon dried.
- Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon.
- Onion powder: 1/2 teaspoon.
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon, plus 1/2 teaspoon for rice.
- Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon, plus 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
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare and lightly grease a baking dish or sheet pan.
- Mix Coating:
- Combine Parmesan, breadcrumbs, parsley, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl.
- Prepare Pork Chops:
- Pat pork chops dry. Brush both sides lightly with olive oil.
- Coat Chops:
- Press pork chops into mixture, coating both sides evenly.
- Bake Pork Chops:
- Arrange pork chops in baking dish. Drizzle with any leftover olive oil. Bake 20 to 25 minutes until pork reaches 145°F (63°C) and crust is golden.
- Cook Rice:
- Bring chicken broth, butter, salt, and pepper to a boil in a saucepan. Add rice. Stir, cover, and simmer on low 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 desired.
- Serve:
- Plate pork chops over a bed of rice. Garnish with additional parsley if wished.
Save My kids love helping coat the pork chops, making dinner prep a fun family activity. It always brings us together around the table for a hearty, comforting meal.
Required Tools
Baking dish or sheet pan, mixing bowls, saucepan with lid, measuring cups and spoons, meat thermometer (recommended).
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 470, Total Fat: 18 g, Carbohydrates: 37 g, Protein: 38 g.
Recipe Notes
Substitute boneless chicken breasts for pork if preferred and adjust baking time as needed. Add chopped chives to rice for extra flavor or make dairy-free by using nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
Save Enjoy these Parmesan herb pork chops and rice for a cozy and satisfying meal tonight. The simple ingredients deliver big, comforting flavors for the whole family.
Recipe Guide
- → What is the best way to achieve a crispy crust on pork chops?
Press the pork chops firmly into the Parmesan and herb mixture, ensuring even coverage. Brushing with olive oil before baking helps the crust crisp up nicely in the oven.
- → Can I use boneless pork chops instead of bone-in?
Yes, boneless pork chops work well but may require a shorter baking time to avoid drying out. Monitor internal temperature to ensure juiciness.
- → How do I make the rice flavorful without added seasonings?
Simmering the rice in low-sodium chicken broth and stirring in butter, fresh parsley, and lemon zest adds layers of flavor without overwhelming the dish.
- → Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Use certified gluten-free breadcrumbs in the crust mixture to keep the dish gluten-free without sacrificing texture or flavor.
- → What sides pair well with Parmesan herb pork chops and rice?
Light, crisp sides like steamed vegetables or a green salad complement the rich, savory flavors of the pork chops and rice beautifully.