Juicy Baked Lamb Chops: My Easy Weeknight Delight (Print Version)

Juicy Baked Lamb Chops are simpler than you think! Tender, flavorful lamb chops, baked to perfection. A comforting meal for any night, even with kitchen chaos.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired
Dietary: Gluten-Free, High-Protein

# Ingredients:

→ Main Players

01 - 4-6 lamb chops (rib or loin, about 1-inch thick)
02 - 2 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin)

→ Flavor Powerhouses

03 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
05 - 1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
06 - 1 tsp lemon zest

→ Kitchen Staples

07 - 1 tsp kosher or sea salt
08 - 1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, let's get those beautiful lamb chops ready for their close-up. Pat them dry *really* well with paper towels. Honestly, this step is so important for getting a nice sear later, even if we're baking. I used to skip this, thinking it didn't matter, and my chops would just steam instead of getting that lovely golden crust. Trim any excess fat if you like, but I usually leave a little; it adds flavor and keeps them juicy.
02 - Now for the good stuff! In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, chopped fresh rosemary, thyme, lemon zest, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Give it a good stir. This is where all the magic happens for these lamb chops. I always smell it at this point – that earthy, garlicky, citrusy aroma? That's the smell of a delicious meal coming together!
03 - Rub that glorious mixture all over your lamb chops. Get in there with your hands! Make sure every nook and cranny is coated. Place them in a shallow dish, cover it, and pop them in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. An hour is even better if you have the time. I've even left them for a few hours when life got in the way, and they were still fantastic. Just don't forget them in there, like I almost did one time, oops!
04 - When you're ready to cook, pull the chops out of the fridge about 15-20 minutes before baking to let them come to room temperature. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If you want that extra layer of flavor and a beautiful crust on your lamb chops, heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat with a tiny bit more olive oil. Sear the chops for 2-3 minutes per side until they're nicely browned. This step is a game-changer, honestly. The kitchen gets a little smoky, but it's worth it!
05 - Transfer the seared chops (or unseared, if you skipped that step) to a baking dish or keep them in the oven-safe skillet. Pop them into the preheated oven. Bake for 10-15 minutes for medium-rare (internal temp 130-135°F / 54-57°C) or 15-20 minutes for medium (135-140°F / 57-60°C). Keep an eye on them; nobody wants dry lamb! I usually check them around the 12-minute mark because my oven runs a little hot sometimes for these Juicy Baked Lamb Chops.
06 - This is the hardest part: waiting! Once your lamb chops are cooked to your liking, take them out of the oven and transfer them to a cutting board. Tent them loosely with foil and let them rest for 5-10 minutes. This resting period is SO important; it allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring your Juicy Baked Lamb Chops are tender and moist. Slice them up or serve them whole. The smell at this stage is just heavenly, a true reward for your patience!

# Notes:

01 - Don't overcrowd the pan if you're searing; it drops the temperature and you won't get that beautiful crust. I learned that the hard way, with a sad, steamed mess once!
02 - Always, always rest the meat! It's a non-negotiable step to keep those chops wonderfully juicy. Skipping it leads to dry lamb, and nobody wants that.
03 - The quality of your lamb really shines through here. Splurge a little if you can; it makes a huge difference in flavor and tenderness.
04 - For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika to the herb rub. It gives a lovely, subtle depth I really enjoy.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Baking dish or oven-safe skillet
02 - small mixing bowl
03 - meat thermometer

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 350-400 kcal
Total Fat: 25-30g
Total Carbohydrate: 2-5g
Protein: 30-35g

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