Pork Chop and Rice Recipe Trisha Yearwood: Southern-Style One-Pot Meal

Pork Chop and Rice Recipe Trisha Yearwood: Southern-Style One-Pot Meal

There’s something deeply satisfying about a one-pot meal that brings comfort and flavor together effortlessly. This dish combines tender pork chops and fluffy rice, cooked in the same pan for maximum convenience and taste.

I developed this method after testing various approaches in my small kitchen, ensuring it works perfectly every time. The pork chops sear to golden perfection while the rice absorbs rich, savory flavors from the same pot.

The result is a hearty, Southern-inspired meal with juicy chops and rice that’s never mushy. It’s a foolproof way to deliver a complete dinner with minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction.

Ready in under an hour, this dish proves that simplicity and flavor go hand in hand.

👨‍🍳
Difficulty
Medium
🥩
Diet
Meat
⏱️
Total Time
30 min
🔥
Calories
Med Cal

Ingredients for Pork Chop and Rice Recipe Trisha Yearwood

Pantry raid time. One pot, one meal, all flavor with tender chops and fluffy rice.

Ingredient Amount Notes
Bone-In Pork Chops 🥩 4 whole 1-inch thick, bone-in preferred
Long-Grain White Rice 🍚 1 ½ cups Uncooked, not instant
Chicken Broth 💧 2 ½ cups Low-sodium preferred
Yellow Onion 🧅 1 whole Medium, finely diced
Garlic Cloves 🧄 3 cloves Minced for depth
Olive Oil 🫒 2 tbsp Divided for searing and cooking
Butter 🧈 2 tbsp Unsalted for control
All-Purpose Flour 🌾 ¼ cup For dredging chops
Worcestershire Sauce 🍶 1 tbsp Adds umami depth
Dried Thyme 🌿 1 tsp Crushed between fingers
Dried Rosemary 🍃 1 tsp Crushed for aroma
Salt 🧂 1 tsp Kosher or sea salt
Black Pepper 🌶️ ½ tsp Freshly ground preferred
Bay Leaf 🍁 1 whole Removed before serving

The pork chops are the star here. Bone-in, 1-inch thick keeps them juicy—thinner cuts dry out fast. I grab mine from Whole Foods or the local butcher when they’re on sale. The rice? Basic long-grain white works perfectly (no instant, it turns to mush). Look for good marbling in the chops—that fat equals flavor. Most grocery stores have what you need, no specialty shopping required.

No Worcestershire? Soy sauce plus a pinch of sugar gets you close. Fresh herbs? Use one-third the amount if swapping dried for fresh. Out of chicken broth? Vegetable broth in a pinch—just add a splash of extra Worcestershire. The flour for dredging can be swapped for cornstarch if you’re gluten-free. And if you’ve only got boneless chops, reduce cooking time by a few minutes.

Leftover chops and rice keep 3-4 days in the fridge, reheat gently to avoid drying out. This freezes beautifully for up to 2 months—portion into containers for easy meals later. The flavors deepen overnight, making it taste even better the next day.

❤️

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • One Pan Meal: I love that everything—pork chops, rice, onions, garlic—cooks together in one skillet. No extra pots, no extra mess.
  • Garlic-Infused Comfort: The garlic and onion simmering in the broth give the rice such a deep, savory flavor. It’s simple but feels like a hug on a plate.
  • Weeknight Hero: Between us, this is my go-to when I need dinner on the table fast. The pork chops sear while the rice cooks right alongside.
  • Budget Stretcher: Bone-in pork chops are affordable, and the rice soaks up all the juicy flavor. I’ll be real: it tastes way fancier than the cost.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Pork Chop and Rice

This one-pot method keeps everything simple while delivering big Southern flavor.

Step 1: Season and Dredge the Pork Chops

Pat the 4 whole Bone-In Pork Chops dry with paper towels, then season both sides with the 1 tsp Salt and 0.5 tsp Black Pepper. I like to press the seasoning in gently so it really sticks to the meat.

Dredge each chop in the 0.25 cup All-Purpose Flour, making sure to coat completely and shake off any excess. This creates a beautiful golden crust when seared and thickens the sauce later. Set the dredged chops aside on a plate while you prep the rest.

Step 2: Sear the Chops and Build Flavor Base

Heat 1 tbsp Olive Oil and 1 tbsp Butter in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. When the butter stops foaming, add the pork chops and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.

Remove the chops to a plate and set aside. In the same pot, add the remaining 1 tbsp Olive Oil and 1 tbsp Butter. Sauté the finely diced 1 whole Yellow Onion for 3-4 minutes until softened, then add the minced 3 cloves Garlic Cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Deglaze and Add Rice

Pour in the 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce and scrape up all the browned bits from the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon. This step packs in incredible flavor. Stir in the 1.5 cups Long-Grain White Rice, 1 tsp Dried Thyme, and 1 tsp Dried Rosemary.

Toast the rice in the pot for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. You’ll start to smell the herbs bloom—that’s your signal that the rice is ready for liquid. This toasting step prevents the rice from turning mushy as it cooks.

Step 4: Add Liquids and Finish Cooking

Pour in the 2.5 cups Chicken Broth and add the 1 whole Bay Leaf. Stir well to combine, then nestle the seared pork chops on top of the rice mixture. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce heat to low.

Cover the pot and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid. Don’t stir during cooking—this helps the rice cook evenly and keeps the pork chops intact. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips For Making Pork Chop And Rice Recipe Trisha Yearwood

  • Sear the Chops Hot: Crank the heat to medium-high when searing the bone-in pork chops—this gets that golden crust without drying them out. I learned this the hard way after too many pale, steamed chops.
  • Toast the Rice First: Cook the long-grain rice in the pot for 2-3 minutes with the onion and garlic before adding liquid. Sounds weird, but it works—adds a nutty depth to the rice that plain broth can’t.
  • Use Warm Broth: Pour in chicken broth that’s already hot from the tap or microwave. Cold broth slows the cooking and can make the rice gummy—I skip this when I’m lazy, but the dish is noticeably better when I don’t.
  • Rest Before Serving: Let the pork chops rest 5 minutes under foil after cooking. This isn’t the prettiest method, but it keeps the juices from running all over the rice when you cut in.

Creative Variations of This Recipe

Creamy Mushroom Addition

For an earthy twist, add 8 oz sliced cremini mushrooms when sautéing the onions. The mushrooms soak up the pork juices beautifully. I also stir in ¼ cup heavy cream at the end for a luxurious finish. 💫

Spicy Cajun Kick

Swap the thyme and rosemary for 2 tsp Cajun seasoning—I use Tony Chachere’s from the Boston Market. Add ½ tsp cayenne for heat. The spice blend gives the chops a smoky depth that pairs perfectly with the savory rice.

Apple Cider Glaze

Replace the Worcestershire with ½ cup apple cider and 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar. This New England-inspired version adds sweetness that balances the pork’s richness. Reduce the broth by ¼ cup to compensate for the extra liquid.

Cheesy Rice Upgrade

Stir in 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar right after removing from heat. The cheese melts into the rice, creating a creamy texture. I learned this trick from my Irish-Italian family—always use Cabot for the best melt. ❤️

Herb Butter Finish

Mix 2 tbsp softened butter with 1 tbsp chopped parsley and 1 tsp lemon zest. Dollop this on the chops just before serving. It’s my go-to for adding brightness to the dish.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4
Amount Per Serving
Calories 580kcal
% Daily Value
Total Fat 24g31%
Saturated Fat 8g40%
Cholesterol 110mg37%
Sodium 680mg30%
Total Carbohydrate 52g19%
Dietary Fiber 2g7%
Sugars 1g
Protein 38g76%
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

1

Can I use boneless pork chops instead?

Yes, but reduce cooking time by 3-5 minutes. Boneless cooks faster and can dry out if overdone. Stick to 1-inch thick cuts for best results.

2

What if my rice turns out mushy?

Over-stirring or too much liquid causes this. Stick to 1.5 cups rice and 2.5 cups broth, and don’t stir during cooking. Keep heat at low after boiling.

3

How do I know when the pork is done?

Use a meat thermometer—145°F internally is safe. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving; it’ll rise to 150°F. Juices should run clear.

★★★★★4.8(9 reviews)
Allison Carter