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Easy One-Pan Saucy Pork Chops

A classic dinner plate with a thick, saucy pork chop served over a bed of brown rice with a side of green beans.

A quick and easy one-skillet meal featuring saucy, boneless pork chops served with instant brown rice. The pork chops are first browned in a large nonstick skillet and then set aside. A savory pan sauce is then created in the same skillet by sautéing onions with diced tomatoes, beef broth, and dried herbs. The pork is returned to the pan to simmer until cooked through. The sauce is finished by thickening it with a simple flour and water slurry.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups uncooked instant brown rice
  • 2 teaspoons canola oil
  • 6 boneless pork loin chops (6 ounces each)
  • 1 small onion, sliced
  • 1 cup canned diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup reduced-sodium beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/8 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/8 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup water

Instructions

  1. Cook the instant brown rice according to the package directions.
  2. While the rice cooks, heat the canola oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the pork chops on both sides. Remove the pork from the pan and set aside.
  3. Add the sliced onion to the drippings in the skillet. Cook and stir until the onion is tender.
  4. Stir in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, parsley, salt, pepper, basil, and oregano. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  5. Return the pork chops to the pan. Reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for 6-8 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the pork reads 145°F.
  6. Remove the pork to a serving plate and keep it warm.
  7. In a small bowl, mix the flour and 1/2 cup of water until smooth to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the sauce in the skillet.
  8. Bring the sauce to a boil, stirring constantly. Cook and stir for 2 minutes, until it has thickened.
  9. Spoon the sauce over the pork chops and serve with the cooked rice.

Notes

  • This is a quick weeknight meal, using shortcuts like instant brown rice and canned tomatoes.
  • Building the pan sauce in the same skillet used to sear the pork is a key technique that incorporates all the flavorful browned bits (fond).
  • Using a meat thermometer is the most reliable way to ensure the pork is cooked to a juicy and safe temperature without being overcooked.