Succulent Lamb Chops Recipe

Sizzling Garlic Butter Lamb Chops: A Speedy Dinner Recipe

Sizzling and succulent garlic butter lamb chops burst with mouthwatering flavors that will instantly tantalize your taste buds.

These tender medallions promise a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen.

Bold herbs and rich garlic butter create an irresistible combination that elevates simple ingredients into a gourmet experience.

Each chop arrives perfectly seasoned with a golden, crispy exterior that gives way to juicy, perfectly cooked meat.

The quick cooking time makes this dish ideal for busy weeknights when you want something extraordinary without spending hours in the kitchen.

A sprinkle of fresh herbs adds a final touch of elegance that turns an ordinary dinner into a memorable culinary moment.

Get ready to impress with this incredibly delicious lamb chop recipe that comes together faster than you can order takeout.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 13 minutes

Total Time: 18 minutes

Calories: 405 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for 20-Minute Garlic Butter Lamb Chops

For Meat Base:
  • Lamb Loin or Rib Chops: Premium cut that delivers rich, tender flavor with excellent marbling for juicy results. Choose fresh, bright pink chops with minimal discoloration and consistent thickness for even cooking.
  • Kosher Salt: Enhances meat's natural taste and helps create perfect golden-brown crust. Use coarse-grain salt for better control and distribution.
For Aromatic Enhancers:
  • Garlic, Fresh Herbs (Parsley, Mint, or Oregano): Provides vibrant, zesty layers of flavor that complement lamb's robust profile. Select firm, bright green herbs without wilting or browning edges. Fresh garlic cloves offer more intense taste compared to pre-minced options.
  • Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity to the dish. Freshly ground pepper releases more robust, nuanced flavors than pre-ground varieties.
For Richness and Finishing:
  • Unsalted Butter: Creates luxurious sauce and helps develop beautiful caramelization on lamb's surface. Select high-quality butter with clean, creamy taste and ensure it's at room temperature for smooth melting.

Tool Checklist for 20-Minute Garlic Butter Lamb Chops

  • 12-inch skillet: Perfect for evenly searing and cooking lamb chops with rich butter.
  • Instant-read thermometer: Ensures precise doneness for perfectly cooked lamb.
  • Cutting board: Essential for seasoning lamb and chopping garlic and herbs.
  • Sharp knife: Needed for finely chopping garlic and fresh herbs.
  • Tongs: Helpful for flipping lamb chops and handling meat safely during cooking.

How to Make 20-Minute Garlic Butter Lamb Chops

  • Room Temperature Transformation

Gently remove lamb chops from the fridge, allowing them to relax and warm up naturally for a few moments before cooking.

  • Butter Canvas

Slide butter into a spacious skillet, watching it melt and create a golden, shimmering surface that will cradle the lamb chops.

  • Sizzling Sear

Carefully place lamb chops into the bubbling butter, letting each side develop a rich, caramel-like crust that seals in the juicy goodness.

  • Aromatic Awakening

Sprinkle minced garlic into the skillet, releasing its fragrant whispers and infusing the meat with deep, savory notes.

  • Herbal Finale

Shower the lamb chops with a confetti of fresh herbs, transforming the dish into a vibrant celebration of flavor and color.

Flavor Boosters for 20-Minute Garlic Butter Lamb Chops

  • Meat Selection Magic: Choose high-quality lamb rib chops with a nice marbling of fat for maximum tenderness and rich flavor. The fat helps keep the meat juicy during cooking.
  • Seasoning Secrets: Let salt sit on lamb chops for 5-10 minutes before cooking to help develop a beautiful crust and enhance natural meat flavors. Pat chops dry with paper towels to ensure perfect searing.
  • Temperature Tricks: Use a meat thermometer for precise doneness – 135°F for medium-rare, 145°F for medium. Let chops rest 3-5 minutes after cooking to help juices redistribute, keeping meat incredibly tender.
  • Herb and Garlic Variations: Experiment with different fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano to complement the lamb's rich flavor. Try adding a splash of white wine or lemon juice to the butter for an extra flavor dimension.
  • Pan-Searing Pro Tips: Use a heavy-bottomed skillet for even heat distribution. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure each lamb chop develops a beautiful golden-brown crust without steaming.

How to Present 20-Minute Garlic Butter Lamb Chops

  • Elegant Wine Pairing: Complement the rich, savory lamb chops with a bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah, which beautifully match the meat's robust flavor and cut through its richness.
  • Herbal Herb Garden Companion: Serve alongside a crisp mixed herb salad featuring parsley, mint, and chives to echo the fresh herbs used in the recipe and provide a light, refreshing contrast to the buttery lamb.
  • Mediterranean Plate Styling: Create a stunning presentation by arranging the lamb chops on a rustic wooden board with roasted garlic cloves, lemon wedges, and a sprinkle of sea salt, delivering a restaurant-quality visual experience.
  • Hearty Side Dish Suggestion: Pair with creamy garlic mashed potatoes or roasted Mediterranean vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers to complete the meal with complementary textures and flavors.

Storage Tips for 20-Minute Garlic Butter Lamb Chops

  • Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover lamb chops in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them in the refrigerator's coldest section. These delicious chops will maintain their quality for 3-4 days when sealed properly.
  • Quick Reheating Technique: Revive refrigerated lamb chops by warming them gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of butter to prevent drying, cooking until the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
  • Freezer-Friendly Approach: Wrap individual lamb chops tightly in plastic wrap, then place inside a freezer-safe bag. Frozen lamb chops remain delectable for up to 3 months when protected from air exposure and freezer burn.
  • Meal Prep Magic: Prepare lamb chops in advance by seasoning and storing them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. This technique allows flavors to develop and saves precious time during busy weeknights.
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Succulent Lamb Chops Recipe

Succulent Lamb Chops


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4.9 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 18 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Succulent garlic butter lamb chops deliver Mediterranean flavors in mere minutes. Juicy, herb-infused meat paired with quick pan-searing promises restaurant-quality dining right at home.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 lamb loin or rib chops (1 ¼ inch thick)
  • 8 tbsps (113 g) unsalted butter
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • ¼ cup (15 g) fresh herb leaves (such as parsley, mint, or oregano), finely chopped

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Allow lamb chops to rest at room temperature and generously season with kosher salt, ensuring even flavor distribution and optimal cooking texture.
  2. Searing: Heat a large skillet over medium-high flame, melt unsalted butter until it becomes golden and fragrant, creating a rich cooking foundation for the lamb chops.
  3. Cooking: Carefully place seasoned lamb chops into the shimmering butter, searing each side to develop a deep caramelized crust, rotating midway to achieve uniform golden-brown coloration and reaching an internal temperature of 145°F for perfect medium doneness.
  4. Aromatics: During final moments of cooking, sprinkle finely minced garlic and freshly cracked black pepper into the butter, allowing the herbs to release their intense flavors and infuse the meat with aromatic complexity.
  5. Finishing: Remove skillet from heat, garnish lamb chops with vibrant fresh herbs, creating a visually stunning and flavor-enhanced presentation that elevates the entire culinary experience.

Notes

  • Temper Meat Properly: Allow lamb chops to rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even heat distribution and tender, juicy results.
  • Butter Technique: Watch butter carefully while melting to prevent burning, aiming for a golden, nutty stage that enhances the lamb’s rich flavor.
  • Perfect Sear Method: Achieve a golden-brown crust by not overcrowding the pan and cooking each side for 3-4 minutes, creating a delicious caramelized exterior.
  • Herb and Garlic Finale: Add fresh herbs and minced garlic in the last moments of cooking to maximize aromatic intensity and prevent burning delicate ingredients.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 13 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 405
  • Sugar: 0.2 g
  • Sodium: 210 mg
  • Fat: 36 g
  • Saturated Fat: 22 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 1 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 27 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Emily Roberts

Emily Roberts

Content Creator & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

Dietary Planning​, Public Health Nutrition, Nutritional Education​, Content Development​

Education

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

  • Degree: Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences
  • Focus: Research on dietary patterns and their impact on chronic diseases.​

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

  • Credential: Expertise in translating nutrition science into practical advice. ​

Emily Roberts is our content specialist and registered dietitian at HealthyChoices.org. With her Master’s degree in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Illinois and her Registered Dietitian Nutritionist certification, Emily uses her deep nutrition knowledge to write helpful, easy-to-understand guides about healthy eating. 

Her warm, practical advice empowers readers to confidently make healthier choices, turning everyday meals into simple moments of wellness and joy.

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