This Tex-Mex Pork Chops and Rice Skillet brings a burst of bold flavors, with the heat from chili powder and cumin perfectly balancing the richness of tender pork chops and cheesy rice. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal, ready in just under 40 minutes.
Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or just craving something delicious and quick, this one-pan wonder is the ideal choice. The rice absorbs all the savory juices from the pork chops, making each bite flavorful and comforting. For an added twist, feel free to sprinkle more cheese on top or add some fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness.
Full Recipe:
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4 bone-in pork chops
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 cup long-grain white rice
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1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
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1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
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1/2 cup onion, chopped
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1 cup chicken broth
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1/2 teaspoon chili powder
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1/2 teaspoon cumin
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1/2 teaspoon paprika
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Directions:
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season both sides of pork chops with salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, paprika, and garlic powder.
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Add pork chops to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, until browned. Remove the pork chops and set them aside.
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In the same skillet, add chopped onion and sauté for 2 minutes until softened.
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Stir in the rice, tomatoes with green chilies, green chilies, and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, then return the pork chops to the skillet, placing them on top of the rice.
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Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for 20-25 minutes, until the rice is tender and the pork chops are cooked through.
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Optional: Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese and cover for an additional 2-3 minutes until melted.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 550 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Tex-Mex Pork Chops and Rice Skillet: A Perfect Weeknight Dinner
Tex-Mex Pork Chops and Rice Skillet is the ultimate combination of bold flavors and ease of preparation, making it a go-to dinner for busy weeknights. This one-pan dish brings together tender, juicy pork chops, seasoned with Tex-Mex spices, and a flavorful, savory rice that absorbs all the delicious juices from the meat. The result is a mouthwatering meal that is sure to become a family favorite.
A Flavorful Fusion: The Tex-Mex Influence
Tex-Mex cuisine is a vibrant fusion of Mexican and American culinary traditions, and it’s known for its bold flavors, spices, and hearty ingredients. Tex-Mex dishes often incorporate staples like chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic, and onions, combined with ingredients like beans, rice, and cheese. This Tex-Mex Pork Chops and Rice Skillet perfectly exemplifies the bold, yet comforting nature of Tex-Mex cooking.
The concept of combining meat and rice in one dish is not new, as many cultures have their own versions of one-pot meals. In Tex-Mex cuisine, this combination is elevated with spices and zesty ingredients that bring out the best in both the meat and the rice. The use of bone-in pork chops adds richness and flavor, while the rice soaks up all the seasoning, creating a well-rounded dish that is hearty and satisfying.
The Health Benefits of Pork and Rice
Pork is a great source of high-quality protein, essential for building and repairing tissues in the body. It’s also packed with B-vitamins like thiamine, niacin, and vitamin B6, which play a crucial role in metabolism and maintaining a healthy nervous system. The pork chops in this dish are a lean cut of meat, making them a healthier option compared to fattier pork cuts. Pairing the pork with rice, a source of complex carbohydrates, provides energy and helps to keep you feeling full for longer.
Rice is a pantry staple that’s not only affordable but also highly versatile. It’s a gluten-free grain that can be enjoyed by people with dietary restrictions. Long-grain white rice, commonly used in Tex-Mex cooking, is light and fluffy, providing the perfect texture to absorb all the flavors from the pork and spices. For a healthier variation, you can swap the white rice for brown rice, which offers more fiber and nutrients, making it a more filling and nutritious option.
Creative Variations of Tex-Mex Pork Chops and Rice Skillet
One of the best aspects of the Tex-Mex Pork Chops and Rice Skillet is its versatility. While the recipe as written is delicious on its own, there are many ways to customize it to suit your taste or dietary preferences.
For a spicier kick, try adding jalapeños, either fresh or pickled, to the rice mixture. You can also incorporate other vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or black beans to add color, texture, and nutritional value to the dish. For an even heartier meal, consider adding a few slices of avocado on top before serving, or even a dollop of sour cream or guacamole for extra creaminess.
If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of chili powder and cumin, or swap them out for other spices such as paprika and oregano. For a dairy-free version, simply omit the cheese, or replace it with a dairy-free cheese alternative.
For those looking to cut down on cooking time, you can use boneless pork chops instead of bone-in pork chops, which will cook more quickly. Additionally, you can use pre-cooked rice, saving time while still enjoying a flavorful, one-pan meal.
Tips for Success: Getting It Just Right
While the recipe for Tex-Mex Pork Chops and Rice Skillet is simple, there are a few tips that can help ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time.
First, make sure to season the pork chops generously with salt, pepper, and Tex-Mex spices. This helps create a flavorful crust on the pork chops when they are seared in the skillet, which enhances the overall taste of the dish. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the seasoning, adjusting it to your personal preference.
When cooking the rice, it’s important to use the right amount of liquid. The rice should be cooked in a combination of chicken broth and tomatoes, which will give it a rich, savory flavor. Be sure to check the rice towards the end of the cooking time to ensure it is fully cooked and has absorbed all the liquid. If the rice is still too firm, you can add a little more chicken broth and continue cooking until it reaches the desired texture.
If you’re opting to use cheese, add it near the end of the cooking time to ensure it melts beautifully on top of the pork chops and rice. Cover the skillet for a couple of minutes to allow the cheese to melt, then serve while it’s still warm and gooey.
Serving Suggestions
Tex-Mex Pork Chops and Rice Skillet is a complete meal in itself, but you can easily elevate it with a few side dishes. For a light and refreshing contrast to the richness of the pork and rice, consider serving a simple salad with fresh greens, lime dressing, and a sprinkle of cilantro. A side of roasted or grilled vegetables, such as zucchini, sweet potatoes, or corn on the cob, would also complement the dish nicely.
For an extra Tex-Mex flair, serve the pork chops and rice with a side of warm flour tortillas, perfect for scooping up the rice and enjoying with every bite. If you’re in the mood for something sweet, a fruit salad or grilled pineapple would add a refreshing, tropical touch.
The Perfect Family Meal
One of the greatest advantages of Tex-Mex Pork Chops and Rice Skillet is that it’s both easy to make and extremely satisfying, making it the perfect meal for busy families. It’s a dish that comes together in one pan, reducing cleanup time, and it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or serving it at a small gathering, this recipe is sure to impress.
The bold Tex-Mex spices and the juicy pork chops make for a flavor-packed dish that’s not only delicious but also comforting. It’s a meal that can be enjoyed by everyone, no matter their age or taste preferences, and it’s versatile enough to be modified to suit any dietary need.
Conclusion
Tex-Mex Pork Chops and Rice Skillet is a one-pan wonder that’s quick, easy, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re craving a hearty, satisfying dinner or looking for a dish that’s simple to prepare for the whole family, this recipe checks all the boxes. The combination of tender pork chops, seasoned rice, and bold Tex-Mex spices makes for a delicious, comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
With its versatility, you can customize this dish to suit your taste, dietary preferences, and available ingredients, making it a staple in your weekly meal rotation. No matter how you make it, this Tex-Mex Pork Chops and Rice Skillet is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.