Garlic Butter Lamb Chops Recipe

There’s something magical about the combination of garlic, butter, and lamb. Whenever I make garlic butter lamb chops, the smell alone is enough to bring everyone to the kitchen. It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but is surprisingly simple to whip up. I first discovered this recipe during a cozy dinner party years ago, and it’s been a staple in my house ever since. The richness of the butter, the punch of garlic, and the earthy herbs come together to create a flavor that’s unforgettable. Trust me, once you try these garlic butter lamb chops, they’ll become your go-to for special occasions—or even just a Tuesday night treat.

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Why You’ll Love These Garlic Butter Lamb Chops

These garlic butter lamb chops are the kind of dish that makes you look like a kitchen pro with minimal effort. Here’s why they’re a winner every time:

• Quick and easy—ready in under 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute guests
• Insanely flavorful—the garlic butter melts into every bite, and the fresh herbs add that extra “wow” factor
• Juicy and tender—seared just right, with a gorgeous crust on the outside and perfect pink inside (if that’s your thing)
• Fancy but approachable—impressive enough for date night, simple enough for a casual family dinner

Seriously, once you taste that buttery, garlicky goodness, you’ll wonder why you ever made lamb any other way.

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Lamb Chops

Here’s what you’ll need to make these mouthwatering garlic butter lamb chops:

• 4 lamb chops (about 1 inch thick)—thicker chops stay juicier and sear beautifully
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened—soft butter mixes easily with the garlic and herbs
• 4 garlic cloves, minced—fresh is best for that bold garlic punch
• 1 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped—adds an earthy, aromatic flavor
• 1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped—pairs perfectly with the rosemary for a classic herb combo
• 1/2 tsp salt—enhances all the flavors
• 1/4 tsp black pepper—just enough to give it a little kick
• 1 tbsp olive oil—for searing the chops to perfection

That’s it! Simple, high-quality ingredients that come together to make something truly special.

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How to Make Garlic Butter Lamb Chops

Now comes the fun part—turning those simple ingredients into restaurant-worthy lamb chops! Don’t let the fancy look fool you; it’s all about timing and trusting the process. I’ve made this recipe dozens of times, and here’s exactly how I get those perfect, juicy chops every single time.

Preparing the Garlic Butter Mixture

First things first—that magical garlic butter! Grab a small bowl and mix together your softened butter, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. I like to use a fork to mash it all together until it’s completely blended. The key here is making sure every flavor gets evenly distributed, so take an extra minute to really work it in. Once it’s smooth and fragrant, rub this heavenly mixture all over both sides of your lamb chops. Don’t be shy—get it into every nook and cranny!

Searing the Lamb Chops

Heat your skillet over medium-high heat and add that tablespoon of olive oil. You’ll know it’s ready when the oil shimmers—about 2 minutes. Now, carefully place your lamb chops in the pan (listen for that satisfying sizzle!). Here’s my pro tip: don’t move them for the first 3 minutes—this gives you that gorgeous golden crust. Flip them over and cook for another 3-4 minutes for medium-rare (145°F on a meat thermometer). If you like them more done, add another minute per side, but be careful—lamb chops dry out fast if overcooked!

Resting and Serving

Here’s where patience pays off! Transfer those beautiful chops to a plate and let them rest for 5 minutes—no cheating! This lets the juices redistribute so they stay mouthwateringly tender. While you wait, sprinkle some extra fresh herbs on top for a pop of color. Then serve immediately and watch everyone’s eyes light up when they cut into those juicy, garlic-buttery lamb chops!

If you enjoy rich, savory flavors, you’ll also love these Steak Bites in Garlic Butter — a quick, juicy recipe perfect for weeknight indulgence.

Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Lamb Chops

After making these garlic butter lamb chops more times than I can count, I’ve picked up a few tricks that make all the difference:

• Room temp chops are happy chops! Take them out of the fridge 20 minutes before cooking—this ensures even cooking from edge to center.
• Don’t peek! Resist the urge to flip early. That uninterrupted sear creates the most delicious crust.
• Invest in a meat thermometer. For perfect medium-rare every time, pull them at 145°F—they’ll carry over to 150°F while resting.
• Butter burns fast! If your garlic starts browning too much during searing, just lower the heat slightly.

Trust me, these little tweaks turn good lamb chops into absolute showstoppers!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Don’t stress if you’re missing an ingredient—this recipe is flexible! Swap fresh herbs for dried (use 1/3 the amount since they’re more potent). No unsalted butter? Regular works, just reduce added salt slightly. Ghee makes a great sub if you want that nutty richness. And if you’re out of olive oil, any high-heat oil like avocado or grapeseed will do. The key is keeping the garlic and good-quality lamb as the stars!

Serving Suggestions for Garlic Butter Lamb Chops

These garlic butter lamb chops deserve sides that let them shine! My go-to is simple roasted potatoes—the crispy edges soak up that delicious garlic butter like a dream. A bright arugula salad with lemon dressing cuts through the richness perfectly. Or keep it classic with creamy mashed potatoes and some quick sautéed green beans. For special occasions, I’ll even whip up some rosemary focaccia to mop up every last bit of that flavorful butter. Honestly, anything goes as long as it doesn’t outshine our star of the show!

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover garlic butter lamb chops? Lucky you! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, go low and slow—I warm mine in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes to prevent drying out. The microwave works in a pinch, but just do 20-second bursts to keep them tender. Pro tip: drizzle a little extra melted garlic butter over the top when reheating to bring back that fresh-cooked flavor!

Nutritional Information

Just so you know, these numbers are estimates—your exact nutrition may vary depending on your ingredients. But for one juicy garlic butter lamb chop, you’re looking at about 320 calories, 25g fat (12g saturated), and a solid 22g protein. There’s minimal carbs (just 2g) since all the flavor comes from that glorious garlic butter and herbs. Not too shabby for something that tastes this indulgent!

For more inspiration, explore our boards on Pinterest where you’ll find endless dinner ideas, from elegant mains to easy comfort food favorites.

Frequently Asked Questions

Over the years, I’ve gotten so many questions about these garlic butter lamb chops—here are the answers to the ones that pop up most often!