Succulent Garlic Butter Lamb Chops Recipe

Sizzling Herb-Infused Garlic Butter Lamb Chops Recipe

Sizzling and tender garlic butter lamb chops dance with rich, mouthwatering flavors that promise a gourmet dining experience right in your kitchen.

These succulent cuts melt with an irresistible blend of herbs and butter that elevates every single bite.

Perfectly seasoned lamb delivers a restaurant-quality meal without complex techniques or hours of preparation.

Each chop promises a golden exterior with a juicy, perfectly cooked center that locks in incredible taste.

Mediterranean culinary traditions shine through this simple yet elegant recipe that brings sophistication to your dinner table.

The combination of garlic, fresh herbs, and high-quality lamb creates a dish that feels both luxurious and comforting.

Grab your skillet and get ready to impress with these delectable lamb chops that turn an ordinary evening into a memorable culinary adventure.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 495 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Lamb Chops

For The Star Protein:
  • Lamb Chops: Premium cut that promises tender, succulent meat with rich flavor; choose thick-cut, bone-in chops from grass-fed lambs for optimal taste and texture.
For Flavor Enhancers:
  • Olive Oil: Helps create perfect golden-brown sear and adds subtle Mediterranean essence.
  • Unsalted Butter: Provides luxurious richness and helps develop deep caramelized notes.
  • Garlic: Adds bold, aromatic punch that complements lamb's robust profile; select fresh, firm cloves with tight skin.
  • Fresh Thyme: Introduces earthy, herbaceous undertones; choose vibrant green sprigs with strong fragrance.
For Seasoning Essentials:
  • Coarse Salt: Helps develop exterior crust and intensifies meat's natural flavors.
  • Fresh Cracked Black Pepper: Delivers sharp, warming spice that cuts through lamb's richness; grind immediately before use for maximum potency.

Cooking Equipment for Flavor-Packed Garlic Butter Lamb Chops

  • Cast Iron Skillet: Heavy-duty pan perfect for searing and creating a crispy, golden crust on lamb chops.
  • Spoon: Essential for basting lamb chops with delicious garlic butter mixture.
  • Tongs: Helps flip and handle lamb chops safely during cooking.
  • Meat Thermometer: Crucial for checking precise internal temperature and achieving desired doneness.
  • Paper Towels: Used to pat lamb chops dry before seasoning.
  • Serving Dish: Needed for resting and presenting cooked lamb chops.
  • Aluminum Foil: Helps cover lamb chops while resting to keep them warm.

Garlic Butter Lamb Chops: Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

  • Room Temperature Preparation

Take lamb chops out of the refrigerator, allowing them to warm naturally for a smooth cooking experience.

  • Seasoning Strategy

Dry the meat with a clean towel and sprinkle generously with salt and pepper, creating a flavor foundation.

  • Skillet Sizzle

Warm a cast iron pan until it radiates intense heat, ensuring a perfect golden exterior for the meat.

  • Flavor Infusion

Drop butter into the hot pan, adding minced garlic and fresh thyme for an aromatic explosion of taste.

  • Cooking Technique

Sear each side of the lamb chops, creating a rich caramelized crust while maintaining tender interior.

  • Moisture Lock

Continuously spoon the melted herb-infused butter over the meat, enhancing flavor and preventing dryness.

  • Temperature Check

Use a meat thermometer to gauge doneness, aiming for a perfect pink center that promises juicy tenderness.

  • Resting Period

Let the lamb chops relax under a light foil cover, allowing internal juices to redistribute and intensify the overall flavor profile.

  • Serving Finale

Drizzle remaining buttery pan juices over the chops, transforming a simple dish into a culinary masterpiece.

Expert Hints & Bold Variations for Lamb Chops

  • Choose thick, well-marbled lamb chops from the rib or loin for maximum tenderness and rich flavor. Opt for bone-in chops to enhance the meat's natural taste and juiciness.
  • Experiment with different herb and spice combinations like rosemary-mint, Mediterranean za'atar, or smoky paprika rub to transform the classic garlic butter profile. Mix dried herbs with salt and pepper for a personalized seasoning blend.
  • Use a reliable meat thermometer to achieve precise doneness. Allow a 5-degree buffer since the internal temperature continues rising during the resting period. Let chops rest on a warm plate to maintain optimal serving temperature.
  • After removing lamb chops, deglaze the skillet with white wine or beef stock to create a quick pan sauce. Scrape browned bits from the bottom for extra depth and richness. Add a splash of fresh lemon juice to brighten the overall flavor profile.
  • Try grilling lamb chops for a smoky char or oven-roasting for more even cooking. Consider marinating in yogurt or wine-based mixtures for additional tenderness and complex flavor layers.

Serving Garlic Butter Lamb Chops with Style

  • Pair with Zesty Side Salad: Toss together a fresh Mediterranean-inspired salad with crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and tangy feta cheese to complement the rich lamb chops.
  • Create Wine-Pairing Experience: Select a bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah to enhance the robust flavors of the garlic butter lamb chops and cut through the meat's richness.
  • Elevate with Roasted Vegetables: Prepare a colorful medley of roasted root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes seasoned with rosemary to balance the savory lamb chops.
  • Serve with Creamy Accompaniment: Whip up a smooth garlic-infused mashed potato or cauliflower puree that provides a silky contrast to the crispy lamb chop exterior.

Store, Reheat & Prep Garlic Butter Lamb Chops

  • Maximize Freshness: Refrigerate leftover lamb chops in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, ensuring optimal taste and texture.
  • Quick Reheat Strategy: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of butter to prevent drying, maintaining the meat's succulence and preventing toughness.
  • Smart Freezing Technique: Wrap individual chops tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for maximum 2-3 months, preserving quality and flavor.
  • Meal Prep Magic: Prepare lamb chops ahead of time by seasoning and storing in the refrigerator up to 24 hours before cooking, allowing deeper flavor absorption and convenient cooking.
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Succulent Garlic Butter Lamb Chops Recipe

Succulent Garlic Butter Lamb Chops Recipe


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4.9 from 17 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Succulent garlic butter lamb chops deliver Mediterranean flavors with rich herbal complexity. Juicy meat paired with golden-brown edges promises a restaurant-quality meal you can easily master at home.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs (907 g) lamb chops, 1-1.25 inches thick
  • 3 tbsps unsalted butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 23 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme
  • Coarse salt
  • Fresh cracked black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Remove lamb chops from refrigerator 40 minutes before cooking to equalize temperature, ensuring even cooking and optimal texture.
  2. Surface Preparation: Pat lamb chops completely dry using paper towels, creating an ideal surface for achieving a perfect caramelized exterior with deep golden-brown searing.
  3. Seasoning: Coat lamb chops comprehensively with coarse sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, massaging seasonings into meat for maximum flavor penetration.
  4. Searing Technique: Heat cast iron skillet to medium-high temperature, adding olive oil to create an ideal cooking environment for developing rich, complex flavor profiles.
  5. Cooking Process: Place seasoned lamb chops into hot skillet, allowing 3-4 minutes per side to develop a luxurious caramelized crust, then introduce unsalted butter, minced garlic, and fresh thyme sprigs.
  6. Flavor Infusion: Tilt skillet periodically, continuously basting lamb chops with garlic-herb butter, ensuring complete flavor saturation and maintaining moisture throughout cooking.
  7. Temperature Monitoring: Use meat thermometer to track internal temperature – 125°F for rare, 130°F for medium-rare, 135-140°F for medium, 145°F for medium-well, selecting preferred doneness level.
  8. Resting and Serving: Transfer lamb chops to serving platter, loosely cover with aluminum foil, and allow 8-10 minutes resting time for juice redistribution, then drizzle accumulated pan juices and herbed butter over meat for final flavor enhancement.

Notes

  • Prep Like a Pro: Allow lamb chops to reach room temperature for 40 minutes, ensuring even cooking and tender results.
  • Dry for Perfect Sear: Blot lamb chops completely with paper towels to remove moisture, creating a beautiful golden-brown crust.
  • Temperature Matters: Use a meat thermometer to nail the perfect doneness, with 130-135°F being the sweet spot for juicy, medium-rare lamb.
  • Rest and Relax: Let cooked lamb chops rest for 8-10 minutes under foil, allowing juices to redistribute and guaranteeing maximum flavor and tenderness.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 495
  • Sugar: 0 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 38 g
  • Saturated Fat: 16 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 1 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 36 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg
Michael Rivera

Michael Rivera

Co-Founder & Culinary Instructor

Expertise

  • Classic French Cuisine
  • Artisanal Bread Baking
  • Plant-Based Culinary Innovation
  • Recipe & Menu Development
  • Interactive Online Instruction

Education

The French Culinary Institute (now part of the International Culinary Center)

  • Program: Classic Culinary Arts
  • Focus: An intensive curriculum rooted in classical French techniques, artisanal bread production, and contemporary culinary methods.

Michael Rivera is a seasoned chef and culinary instructor based in San Francisco, CA. Trained in Classic Culinary Arts at The French Culinary Institute, he refined his skills in Michelin-starred kitchens, mastering classic French techniques and artisanal bread baking. 

Passionate about making gourmet methods accessible, Michael co-founded thatsmyhome.com to share his expertise through interactive online lessons and innovative, plant-based recipes. He loves blending traditional techniques with modern ideas, encouraging home cooks to enjoy the art of cooking in a relaxed, fun environment.

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