15 Irresistible Pork Chop Recipes with Yellow Rice
When it comes to comfort food, few dishes hit the spot quite like a perfectly cooked pork chop served alongside fragrant yellow rice. The combination of tender pork chops with the slightly spiced, fluffy rice creates a meal that’s both hearty and satisfying. Whether you’re preparing a family dinner or hosting a special occasion, this pairing never disappoints!
But there’s more to pork chops than just the standard salt and pepper. With so many different flavors to explore, you can easily transform this simple meal into something extraordinary. In this post, I’m sharing 15 unique and mouthwatering pork chop recipes that pair beautifully with yellow rice. Get ready to take your cooking to the next level!
Why Pork Chops and Yellow Rice Are a Winning Combo
Pork chops and yellow rice are a match made in culinary heaven. The savory, juicy pork chops offer a perfect balance to the aromatic, subtly spiced yellow rice. But what makes this combination even better is the variety of flavors you can experiment with!
Yellow rice itself has an earthy flavor, often enhanced with spices like turmeric, cumin, or saffron, giving it that warm golden hue. Pork chops, on the other hand, are incredibly versatile and can be seasoned in countless ways—from smoky and spicy to tangy and sweet. Pairing them together creates a dish that’s bursting with flavor while still feeling comforting and familiar.
Whether you’re craving something fresh with citrus and herbs or leaning into rich and smoky flavors, these pork chop and yellow rice combos will bring new excitement to your dinner table.
Amazing Pork Chop Recipes to Try
Get ready for an explosion of flavors! Here, I’ve curated 15 pork chop recipes that pair perfectly with yellow rice. Each one brings something unique to the table, from zesty citrus to sweet and savory glazes. The best part? They’re all easy to make, and the flavors are guaranteed to wow your taste buds.
1. Smoky Sweet Honey Paprika Pork Chops
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in pork chops
- 2 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For Yellow Rice:
- 1 cup yellow rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, mix paprika, garlic powder, honey, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
- Rub the mixture evenly over the pork chops.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork chops on both sides until golden, about 3 minutes per side.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast for 25 minutes or until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
- Meanwhile, cook yellow rice by bringing chicken broth and turmeric to a boil, then adding rice. Cover, reduce heat to low, and cook for 18-20 minutes until tender.
- Serve the pork chops over the yellow rice, drizzling any remaining pan sauce over the top.
2. Cumin-Spiced Lemon Rosemary Pork Chops
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless pork chops
- 2 tsp cumin
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Yellow Rice:
- 1 cup yellow rice
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp cumin
Instructions:
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Mix cumin, rosemary, lemon zest, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Rub evenly on both sides of the pork chops.
- Drizzle olive oil over the pork chops, and grill them for 4-5 minutes per side until cooked through.
- For the rice, bring vegetable broth to a boil, then add yellow rice and cumin. Cover and reduce heat. Cook for 18 minutes.
- Serve the grilled pork chops alongside the cumin-flavored yellow rice, garnished with fresh rosemary.
3. Garlicky Soy Sauce Brown Sugar Glazed Pork Chops
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in pork chops
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Yellow Rice:
- 1 cup yellow rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix soy sauce, garlic powder, brown sugar, ground ginger, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Rub the mixture over the pork chops and let sit for 15 minutes.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear pork chops for 2-3 minutes per side.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.
- In a saucepan, bring chicken broth and turmeric to a boil, then add yellow rice. Cover and cook for 18 minutes.
- Serve the glazed pork chops over the yellow rice.
4. Coriander Cinnamon Herb-Crusted Pork Chops
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless pork chops
- 1 tsp coriander
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Yellow Rice:
- 1 cup yellow rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 tsp coriander
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Combine coriander, cinnamon, garlic powder, parsley, salt, and pepper. Rub the mixture over the pork chops.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the pork chops for 3 minutes per side.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20 minutes.
- For the rice, combine chicken broth and coriander in a saucepan. Add yellow rice, cover, and reduce heat. Cook for 18 minutes.
- Serve the herb-crusted pork chops with the flavorful yellow rice.
5. Mustard-Honey Rosemary Glazed Pork Chops
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in pork chops
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Yellow Rice:
- 1 cup yellow rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tbsp mustard seeds
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the pork chops with the mustard-honey mixture and let them marinate for 15 minutes.
- Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear pork chops for 3 minutes on each side.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.
- For the yellow rice, bring chicken broth and mustard seeds to a boil, then add the yellow rice. Cover and cook for 18 minutes.
- Serve the glazed pork chops with the rice.
6. Lime-Cilantro Soy Glazed Pork Chops
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless pork chops
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp cilantro, chopped
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Yellow Rice:
- 1 cup yellow rice
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 tsp lime zest
Instructions:
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, lime juice, cilantro, honey, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate pork chops in the soy-lime mixture for 20 minutes.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear pork chops for 3-4 minutes per side.
- For the rice, bring vegetable broth and lime zest to a boil, then add the yellow rice. Cover and cook for 18 minutes.
- Serve the pork chops with the rice, garnishing with extra cilantro.
7. Apple Cider Vinegar Sweet-Spiced Pork Chops
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in pork chops
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ginger powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Yellow Rice:
- 1 cup yellow rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, salt, and pepper. Rub the mixture onto the pork chops.
- Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear pork chops on both sides for 3 minutes.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 25 minutes.
- For the rice, add chicken broth and cinnamon to a pot. Bring to a boil, then add yellow rice. Cover and reduce heat. Cook for 18 minutes.
- Serve the sweet-spiced pork chops over the yellow rice.
8. Lemon Garlic Herb Pork Chops
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless pork chops
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Yellow Rice:
- 1 cup yellow rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions:
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Combine garlic powder, lemon zest, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Rub the spice mix onto the pork chops.
- Grill pork chops for 5-6 minutes per side until fully cooked.
- Cook yellow rice by bringing chicken broth and lemon juice to a boil, then adding rice. Reduce heat and cook for 18 minutes.
- Serve the grilled pork chops with the zesty yellow rice.
9. Turmeric Ginger Honey Glazed Pork Chops
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in pork chops
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp ginger powder
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Yellow Rice:
- 1 cup yellow rice
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp turmeric
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix honey, turmeric, ginger, salt, and pepper.
- Rub the glaze over the pork chops and let sit for 10 minutes.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear pork chops for 3 minutes on each side.
- Transfer to the oven and bake for 20 minutes.
- For the rice, cook yellow rice with vegetable broth and turmeric for 18 minutes.
- Serve the glazed pork chops on top of the turmeric yellow rice.
10. Chili-Lime Paprika Pork Chops
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless pork chops
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Yellow Rice:
- 1 cup yellow rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
Instructions:
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Mix paprika, chili powder, lime juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Rub the mixture onto the pork chops.
- Grill pork chops for 4-5 minutes per side.
- For the rice, add chicken broth and chili powder to a pot. Bring to a boil, then cook yellow rice for 18 minutes.
- Serve the grilled pork chops with the spicy yellow rice.
11. Cumin-Cinnamon Roasted Pork Chops
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in pork chops
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Yellow Rice:
- 1 cup yellow rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp cumin
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, mix cumin, cinnamon, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Rub the spice mixture over the pork chops.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork chops for 3 minutes per side.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast for 20-25 minutes.
- For the rice, bring chicken broth and cumin to a boil. Add the yellow rice, cover, and reduce heat. Cook for 18 minutes.
- Serve the roasted pork chops on a bed of cumin-flavored yellow rice.
12. Coriander-Lime Grilled Pork Chops
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless pork chops
- 2 tsp coriander
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Yellow Rice:
- 1 cup yellow rice
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 tsp lime zest
Instructions:
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- In a small bowl, combine coriander, lime juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Rub the spice mixture evenly over the pork chops and let them marinate for 15 minutes.
- Grill the pork chops for 4-5 minutes on each side until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F.
- For the rice, bring vegetable broth and lime zest to a boil. Add the yellow rice, cover, and reduce heat. Cook for 18 minutes.
- Serve the grilled pork chops with the bright, zesty yellow rice.
13. Rosemary-Mustard Roasted Pork Chops
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in pork chops
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Yellow Rice:
- 1 cup yellow rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tbsp mustard seeds
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix Dijon mustard, rosemary, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the pork chops with the mustard mixture and let them marinate for 10 minutes.
- Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork chops for 3 minutes per side.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast for 20 minutes.
- For the rice, bring chicken broth and mustard seeds to a boil. Add the yellow rice, cover, and reduce heat. Cook for 18 minutes.
- Serve the roasted pork chops with the flavorful yellow rice.
14. Sweet and Savory Apple Cider Pork Chops
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless pork chops
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Yellow Rice:
- 1 cup yellow rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, cinnamon, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the pork chops with the mixture and marinate for 10-15 minutes.
- Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork chops for 3 minutes on each side.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.
- For the rice, bring chicken broth and cinnamon to a boil. Add yellow rice, cover, and reduce heat. Cook for 18 minutes.
- Serve the apple cider glazed pork chops over the fragrant yellow rice.
15. Lime Cilantro Honey-Lime Pork Chops
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in pork chops
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Yellow Rice:
- 1 cup yellow rice
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp lime juice
Instructions:
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- In a bowl, mix honey, lime juice, cilantro, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the pork chops with the honey-lime mixture and let them marinate for 15 minutes.
- Grill the pork chops for 4-5 minutes on each side until cooked through.
- For the rice, bring vegetable broth and lime juice to a boil. Add yellow rice, cover, and reduce heat. Cook for 18 minutes.
- Serve the honey-lime glazed pork chops with the refreshing lime-infused yellow rice.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Pork Chops and Yellow Rice
Cooking Perfect Pork Chops: Pork chops are a fantastic cut of meat, but they can easily dry out if not cooked properly. Here are a few tips for getting them just right:
- Don’t overcook: Pork chops are best when cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F. Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking them and keep them juicy.
- Searing is key: Start by searing your pork chops in a hot pan to develop a rich, flavorful crust. This helps lock in the juices and creates a nice texture.
- Rest the meat: After cooking, let your pork chops rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the chops even more tender.
Perfect Yellow Rice Every Time: Yellow rice is incredibly easy to make, but a few simple tricks can help you achieve the perfect texture every time:
- Rinse the rice: Rinse your rice under cold water before cooking to remove excess starch and prevent it from becoming too sticky.
- Use the right broth: Chicken broth or vegetable broth adds extra flavor to your rice. The broth imparts a rich taste that complements the pork chops perfectly.
- Let it steam: Once the rice is cooked, let it sit covered for a few minutes before serving. This ensures that it’s fluffy and fully cooked.
Variations and Add-Ons
If you’re looking to shake things up, here are a few variations to customize your pork chop and yellow rice dishes:
- Swap the pork chops for another protein: If you’re not in the mood for pork, these recipes can be made with chicken, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Add veggies to your rice: Make your yellow rice even more colorful and nutritious by adding vegetables like peas, carrots, bell peppers, or even corn.
- Make it spicy: Add a kick to your pork chops or rice by incorporating chili flakes, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños. This will add some extra heat to balance out the sweetness in certain recipes.
- Create a crispy rice crust: For a fun twist, toast your cooked yellow rice in a pan with a little butter to create a crispy crust that adds texture and flavor.
Conclusion
I hope these 15 delicious pork chop recipes inspire your next meal! Whether you’re craving smoky, sweet, or savory flavors, there’s a recipe here for every palate. And of course, the addition of fragrant yellow rice makes each dish even more special.
Which recipe are you most excited to try? I’d love to see your creations! And don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter for more mouthwatering recipes, tips, and tricks to make your cooking even more delicious.