20-Minute Garlic Butter Lamb Chops Recipe

The Juiciest 20-Minute Garlic Butter Lamb Chops Recipe

Succulent garlic butter lamb chops refine ordinary dinners into memorable culinary adventures.

Tender meat infused with rich, aromatic flavors promises an irresistible dining experience.

Bold culinary techniques elevate these delectable protein bites beyond standard meal preparations.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike appreciate the simplicity behind this mouthwatering dish.

Quick cooking methods ensure maximum flavor retention without compromising texture or nutritional quality.

Elegant yet approachable, these lamb chops represent gourmet cooking made accessible to anyone passionate about delicious meals.

Mediterranean-inspired seasonings meld harmoniously with high-quality ingredients, creating a restaurant-worthy plate you can easily replicate.

Why 20-Minute Garlic Butter Lamb Chops Are a Quick Gourmet Win

  • Speedy Gourmet Delight: Whip up restaurant-quality lamb chops in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans.
  • Flavor-Packed Simplicity: The combination of garlic-infused butter, fresh herbs, and perfectly seared lamb creates an incredibly rich and aromatic dish that tastes complex but requires minimal ingredients.
  • Foolproof Cooking Technique: The simple searing method ensures juicy, evenly cooked lamb chops with a beautiful golden-brown exterior, making it friendly for home cooks of all skill levels.
  • One-Skillet Wonder: Minimal cleanup and straightforward cooking process mean you can enjoy a luxurious meal without spending hours in the kitchen or creating a mountain of dishes.

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Lamb Chops in Under 30 Minutes

Main Proteins:
  • Lamb Loin Chops or Rib Chops: Tender, premium cut with rich flavor perfect for quick cooking and maximum juiciness.
Seasonings and Herbs:
  • Kosher Salt: Enhances natural meat flavor with clean, pure saltiness.
  • Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and aromatic depth to the lamb.
  • Garlic Cloves: Provides intense, pungent flavor that complements lamb's richness.
  • Fresh Herb Leaves (Parsley, Mint, or Oregano): Bright, fresh notes that add aromatic complexity and classic Mediterranean touch.
Fat and Cooking Medium:
  • Unsalted Butter: Creates rich, golden sauce and helps develop beautiful caramelization on lamb chops with its milk solids.

Cooking Garlic Butter Lamb Chops in Just 20 Minutes

Step 1: Warm Up Lamb Chops

Take lamb chops out from refrigerator. Sprinkle kosher salt over each chop. Let them rest at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Create Buttery Base

Place large skillet on stove. Melt unsalted butter over medium-high heat until it starts bubbling and becomes slightly foamy.

Step 3: Sizzle and Brown Chops

Carefully place lamb chops into hot buttery skillet. Cook each side until golden brown and crispy edges appear. Use meat thermometer to check internal temperature reaches 145°F for medium doneness. Total cooking time around 8-12 minutes.

Step 4: Infuse With Aromatic Garlic

Reduce heat to medium. Add ingredients to skillet:
  • Minced fresh garlic
  • Freshly cracked black pepper

Stir and cook for additional 1-2 minutes until garlic becomes fragrant and lightly golden.

Step 5: Finish With Fresh Herbs

Remove skillet from heat. Sprinkle finely chopped herbs like parsley or thyme over lamb chops. Serve immediately while hot and butter is still sizzling.

Tips to Nail the Sear on Garlic Butter Lamb Chops

  • Master Temperature Control: Let lamb chops rest at room temperature before cooking to ensure even, tender meat with perfect doneness.
  • Butter Sizzle Technique: Watch butter carefully to prevent burning, aiming for a golden sizzle that adds rich flavor without scorching.
  • Perfect Sear Strategy: Use high heat and avoid overcrowding the skillet to achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust on lamb chops.
  • Garlic Timing Trick: Add minced garlic towards the end of cooking to prevent burning and maximize its aromatic, sweet flavor profile.
  • Herb Freshness Hack: Sprinkle fresh herbs just before serving to maintain their vibrant color and maximize their bright, zesty taste.

How to Reheat Garlic Butter Lamb Chops with Juiciness Intact

  • Refrigeration: Store leftover lamb chops in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Freezing: Wrap individual lamb chops tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag, preserving their quality for up to 2-3 months.
  • Reheating: Warm lamb chops gently in a skillet over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes per side, adding a splash of butter to prevent drying and maintain their juicy texture.

Perfect Pairings for Garlic Butter Lamb Chops

  • Elevate Wine Pairing: Choose a bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah to complement the rich, savory lamb chops. These wines match the meat's intense flavor and cut through the buttery richness with their robust tannins.
  • Create Herbal Side Dish: Serve roasted rosemary potatoes or a quinoa salad with fresh mint. These herb-infused accompaniments enhance the lamb's natural flavors and provide a light, refreshing contrast to the garlic butter.
  • Design Zesty Sauce Companion: Prepare a quick tzatziki or chimichurri sauce on the side. These tangy, herbal sauces add brightness and acidity that beautifully balance the lamb's richness and provide a Mediterranean-inspired twist.
  • Match Crisp Beverage Option: Pair with a crisp, cold pilsner or a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc. These drinks help cleanse the palate between bites and offer a light, refreshing counterpoint to the hearty lamb chops.

Flavor Boosts for Quick Lamb Chop Dinners

  • Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Replace fresh herbs with a blend of dried oregano, thyme, and rosemary, creating a robust Mediterranean flavor profile that complements the lamb's richness.
  • Spicy Moroccan Style: Add ground cumin, paprika, and a pinch of cayenne pepper to the salt rub, transforming the lamb chops into a bold, North African-inspired dish with warming spices.
  • Lemon Zest Version: Incorporate freshly grated lemon zest into the butter sauce and sprinkle over the lamb chops, introducing a bright, citrusy undertone that cuts through the meat's richness.
  • Red Wine Reduction: Deglaze the skillet with a splash of robust red wine after searing the lamb, creating a quick pan sauce that adds depth and complexity to the classic garlic butter preparation.
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20-Minute Garlic Butter Lamb Chops Recipe

20-Minute Garlic Butter Lamb Chops Recipe


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4.8 from 17 reviews

  • Total Time: 18 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent lamb chops glazed with rich garlic butter promise a luxurious Mediterranean-inspired dinner ready in mere moments. Quick, elegant cooking delivers restaurant-quality results that will impress dinner companions with minimal kitchen effort.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 8 lamb loin or rib chops (1 ¼-inch thick)
  • 8 tablespoons (113 grams) unsalted butter

Seasoning:

  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • ¼ cup (15 grams) fresh herb leaves (such as parsley, mint, or oregano), finely chopped

Cooking/Garnish:

(No additional ingredients)


Instructions

  1. Retrieve lamb chops from cold storage and liberally season with kosher salt, allowing them to reach ambient temperature for optimal cooking consistency.
  2. Position a spacious skillet over medium-high heat and carefully melt unsalted butter, watching carefully to prevent scorching while maintaining its luxurious texture.
  3. Gently introduce seasoned lamb chops into the shimmering butter, creating a golden-brown exterior through careful searing, rotating midway to ensure uniform caramelization and achieving a perfect medium doneness around 145°F.
  4. When lamb chops approach desired temperature, scatter finely minced garlic and freshly cracked black pepper into the butter, allowing aromatics to bloom and infuse the meat with intense, fragrant notes.
  5. Immediately remove skillet from heat source and delicately scatter vibrant fresh herbs across the lamb chops, providing a verdant garnish that elevates the dish’s visual and flavor profile.

Notes

  • Quick-marinating lamb chops at room temperature ensures even cooking and tender meat.
  • Sizzling butter creates a rich, creamy base that enhances the lamb’s natural flavors without burning.
  • Garlic and fresh herbs transform simple lamb chops into a restaurant-quality meal in just 20 minutes.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 13 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 410
  • Sugar: 0 g
  • Sodium: 250 mg
  • Fat: 37 g
  • Saturated Fat: 22 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 1 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 24 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Alex Reed

Alex Reed

Founder & Lead Content Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Culinary Education​, Food Writing and Blogging​, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Global Cuisine Exploration

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and contemporary cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development. Emphasized hands-on experience in diverse culinary traditions.​

Le Cordon Bleu Paris

  • Program: Diplôme de Cuisine
  • Focus: Advanced instruction in French culinary techniques, including sauce preparation, pâtisserie, and haute cuisine.​

Alex Reed is an inventive chef and food creator with a passion for dishes that balance taste, health, and sustainability. 

Trained at Portland Community College and holding an Advanced Pastry Arts certificate from Oregon Culinary Institute, Alex brings more than 10 years of practical culinary experience to every recipe he develops. 

His background uniquely blends traditional cooking skills with modern, mindful eating principles. As the founder of Beard and Bonnet, Alex creates recipes that encourage readers to cook confidently.

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