Few dishes feel as special and luxurious as perfectly cooked lamb chops. With their tender texture, rich flavor, and elegant presentation, they’re ideal for a date night, holiday dinner, or any occasion where you want to impress. Pairing lamb with rosemary is a time-tested combination that elevates the dish with earthy, aromatic notes.

This recipe shows you how to make Lamb Chops with Rosemary right at home—seared to perfection with garlic, butter, and fresh herbs. It’s surprisingly simple to prepare yet tastes like something from a fine-dining menu.

Why You’ll Love This Lamb Chop Recipe

Elegant & Flavorful: Rosemary and garlic bring out lamb’s natural richness
Quick to Cook: Ready in 20–25 minutes
Restaurant-Quality at Home: Easy enough for weeknights, special enough for guests
Versatile Pairings: Goes well with potatoes, grains, or roasted veggies

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Lamb Chops:

8 lamb chops (about 1-inch thick)
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder

For the Rosemary Garlic Butter:

3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 garlic cloves, smashed
2–3 sprigs fresh rosemary
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Season the Lamb Chops

Pat lamb chops dry with paper towels. Rub both sides with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Let sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes.

2. Sear the Chops

Heat a large cast-iron skillet or heavy pan over medium-high heat. Add lamb chops in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Sear for 3–4 minutes per side, until browned and cooked to desired doneness (see below).

3. Baste with Rosemary Butter

Reduce heat to medium. Add butter, smashed garlic cloves, rosemary sprigs, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet. Tilt the pan and spoon the melted butter over the lamb chops for 1–2 minutes to infuse flavor.

4. Rest and Serve

Transfer chops to a plate and rest for 5 minutes before serving. Spoon pan juices over the top for extra flavor.

Cooking Temperatures for Lamb Chops

Rare: 120–125°F (49–52°C)
Medium-Rare: 130–135°F (54–57°C)
Medium: 140–145°F (60–63°C)
Medium-Well: 150–155°F (65–68°C)
Well-Done: 160°F (71°C) and above

Tips for Perfect Lamb Chops

Bring to Room Temperature: Ensures even cooking.
Use a Meat Thermometer: Guarantees perfect doneness.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Gives a better sear.
Rest Before Serving: Locks in juices for tenderness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve lamb chops with:

Garlic Mashed Potatoes or Roasted Fingerling Potatoes
Grilled Asparagus or Sautéed Green Beans
Herbed Couscous or Risotto
Red Wine: Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah pairs beautifully

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of broth or butter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I grill lamb chops instead of pan-searing?
Yes—grill over medium-high heat for 3–4 minutes per side.

Do I need to marinate the lamb?
Not necessary, but you can marinate with olive oil, garlic, rosemary, and lemon for 2–4 hours for extra flavor.

Is lamb gamey?
High-quality lamb is mild in flavor, and pairing it with rosemary and garlic balances it beautifully.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can season the lamb and prepare the rosemary butter in advance, but cook the chops just before serving.

Flavor Variations to Try

Garlic & Herb Crusted Lamb Chops

Coat with a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, and herbs before searing.

Honey-Glazed Lamb Chops

Add a drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze during the last minute of cooking for sweetness.

Mediterranean-Style Lamb Chops

Top with crumbled feta, olives, and a squeeze of lemon.

Final Thoughts: A Show-Stopping Main Dish

Lamb Chops with Rosemary are proof that elegant meals don’t have to be complicated. With minimal ingredients and quick cooking, you can enjoy a restaurant-worthy dish at home. The rosemary-garlic butter enhances the natural flavor of lamb, creating a dish that’s aromatic, juicy, and unforgettable.

Perfect for dinner parties, holidays, or a romantic dinner, this recipe is one you’ll return to whenever you want to impress with ease.

Juicy Lamb Chops with Rosemary Recipe: Elegant Yet Easy Dinner

Print Recipe

Lamb chops with rosemary are the epitome of elegance and flavor, making them a standout dish for special occasions, dinner parties, or even an indulgent weeknight treat. Perfectly seared lamb paired with the earthy aroma of fresh rosemary and garlic creates a rich and savory flavor profile that feels both rustic and refined.

Author: JACK STONE
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

8 lamb rib chops (about 1 inch thick)
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried rosemary)
1 teaspoon fresh thyme (optional)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

Prepare the lamb: Pat lamb chops dry with paper towels. Season generously on both sides with salt, pepper, rosemary, and thyme (if using). Rub minced garlic and 1 tablespoon olive oil into the chops. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
Heat the pan: Place a large skillet (cast iron works best) over medium-high heat. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil.
Sear the lamb: When the oil is hot, add lamb chops in a single layer (work in batches if necessary to avoid crowding). Cook for 3–4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer if you prefer more doneness.
Baste with butter: Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet and let it melt. Tilt the pan slightly and spoon the melted butter over the chops for extra richness and flavor. Cook for an additional 1–2 minutes, depending on desired doneness.
Rest the meat: Transfer lamb chops to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serve: Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs and serve with lemon wedges for a bright finishing touch.