Name: Garlic Butter Lamb Chops
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 4 lamb chops (rib or loin); 1 tbsp olive oil; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced or smashed; 1–2 sprigs fresh rosemary or thyme (optional); 1 tsp lemon juice (optional)

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Garlic Butter Lamb Chops are a quick and elegant dish that brings restaurant-quality flavor straight to my kitchen. With tender, juicy lamb seared to perfection and coated in rich garlic butter, this recipe always impresses with minimal effort. Whether I’m cooking for a special occasion or treating myself to a flavorful weeknight dinner, these lamb chops never disappoint.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s fast, flavorful, and feels luxurious without being complicated. Lamb chops cook quickly and stay incredibly tender, and when I finish them in a sizzling garlic butter sauce, the flavor is rich and aromatic. I can pair them with anything from mashed potatoes to roasted veggies or a crisp salad, making them perfect for any kind of meal. Garlic Butter Lamb Chops

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Lamb chops (rib or loin chops work great)
Olive oil
Salt and black pepper
Fresh rosemary or thyme (optional, for extra aroma)
Garlic (minced or smashed)
Butter (unsalted)
Lemon juice (optional, for brightness)

Directions

I take the lamb chops out of the fridge about 20 minutes before cooking to let them come to room temperature.
I season both sides of the lamb chops generously with salt and pepper.
I heat olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until it’s shimmering.
I add the lamb chops and sear for about 3–4 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until they develop a nice golden crust.
When the chops are almost done, I lower the heat slightly and add butter, minced garlic, and fresh rosemary or thyme to the pan.
I spoon the melted garlic butter over the chops repeatedly for about 1–2 minutes, letting them absorb all the flavor.
I remove the lamb from the pan and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Sometimes I squeeze a little lemon juice over the top to brighten the flavor.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 2 to 4 servings, depending on portion size. Prep takes about 10 minutes, and cooking takes 10–12 minutes. With resting time included, the whole dish is ready in around 25 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I add a splash of white wine or chicken broth to the pan with the butter for a quick pan sauce. I’ve also rubbed the lamb with garlic and herbs ahead of time for a deeper flavor. If I want a spicy twist, I add crushed red pepper flakes to the butter while it melts.

storage/reheating

I store leftover lamb chops in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm them gently in a skillet over low heat with a little extra butter or cover and microwave in short intervals to avoid drying them out. I try not to overheat them so they stay juicy. Garlic Butter Lamb Chops

FAQs

What’s the best cut of lamb for this recipe?

I usually use rib chops for their tenderness and quick cook time, but loin chops work just as well and are slightly meatier.

How do I know when the lamb chops are done?

I use a meat thermometer for accuracy. Medium-rare is around 130–135°F, and medium is about 140–145°F. I remove them a few degrees early since they continue to cook while resting.

Can I grill the lamb chops instead?

Yes, I grill them over medium-high heat for 3–4 minutes per side, then brush them with garlic butter after grilling for flavor.

What sides go well with garlic butter lamb chops?

I often pair them with mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, sautéed spinach, or a crisp green salad. Couscous or garlic rice also work beautifully.

Can I make the garlic butter ahead of time?

Yes, I sometimes prep the garlic butter in advance and keep it in the fridge. I just reheat it gently before using it in the pan with the lamb.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Lamb Chops are one of those recipes that feel special but are surprisingly simple to make. I love how quickly they cook and how the garlic butter takes the flavor to another level. Whether I’m hosting guests or just enjoying a quiet dinner, this dish always delivers richness, elegance, and satisfaction in every bite.