Honey Garlic Lamb Chops

 Honey Garlic Lamb Chops: The Ultimate 20-Minute Dinner

If you're looking for an impressive, restaurant-quality meal that takes less than 20 minutes from start to finish, you've found it! These Honey Garlic Lamb Chops are an absolute weeknight game-changer.


We’re taking beautiful, tender lamb chops and searing them to perfection, then coating them in a thick, sticky, and utterly addictive sweet and savory honey garlic glaze. The best part? The sauce comes together right in the pan using the flavorful browned bits from the lamb, guaranteeing maximum flavor with minimal effort.


This dish is fast, incredibly flavorful, and pairs perfectly with simple sides like mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, or a fresh side salad. Say goodbye to complicated recipes and hello to your new go-to dinner for entertaining or a quick, luxurious meal!


close-up of seared lamb chops in a cast iron skillet

The Secret to Perfect Pan-Seared Chops

The key to tender, flavorful lamb chops is a hot pan and fast cooking. Bone-in lamb loin chops or rib chops are ideal for searing. By getting a beautiful crust and then finishing with the quick glaze, you lock in the juices and create an unforgettable texture.


Cut

Preparation

Cooking Time (Medium-Rare)

Ideal Use

Loin Chops

Smaller, steak-like, bone in the center

3-4 minutes per side

Quick weeknight meal

Rib Chops

"Lollipops," bone on the side

2-3 minutes per side

Entertaining, elegant serving

Shoulder Chops

Larger, tougher, best braised

N/A

Slow cooking only


For this recipe, we recommend using Loin Chops for a hearty, steak-like serving.

Recipe: Honey Garlic Lamb Chops

This recipe serves 2 people and is easily scalable for a larger dinner party.

Ingredients

For the Lamb Chops

  • 4 lamb loin chops, about 1 inch thick

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Honey Garlic Glaze

  • 2 tablespoons butter

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1/4 cup honey

  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

  • 1 tablespoon water or chicken stock

  • Fresh rosemary or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prep and Season the Lamb

  1. Pat the lamb chops completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving a good sear.

  2. In a small bowl, rub the lamb chops with olive oil, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper. Set aside while the pan heats up.

2. Sear the Lamb Chops

  1. Heat a large skillet (cast iron works best) over medium-high heat until it is smoking hot.

  2. Carefully place the lamb chops in the hot pan. Do not overcrowd the pan; work in batches if necessary.

  3. Sear for 3 to 4 minutes per side for medium-rare (internal temperature of 135°F/57°C). Adjust cooking time based on your preferred doneness.

  4. Once cooked, transfer the lamb chops to a plate and cover loosely with foil. Allow them to rest for 5 minutes.


a chef's hands preparing the honey garlic glaze in a skillet after searing the meat

3. Make the Glaze

  1. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the butter to the same pan (do not wipe it clean). Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan—this adds tons of flavor!

  2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant (do not let it burn).

  3. Pour in the honey, soy sauce, and water/stock. Whisk until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, which should take about 1 minute.

4. Glaze and Serve

  1. Return the rested lamb chops to the pan.

  2. Spoon the honey garlic glaze over the lamb chops, turning them gently to fully coat both sides. Cook for 1 minute to heat through and allow the sauce to fully adhere.

  3. Serve immediately, drizzling any remaining sauce from the pan over the chops.

  4. Garnish with fresh chopped rosemary or parsley.

Pro Tips for Success

Pro Tip

Description

Hot Pan is Key

For a deep brown crust (the Maillard reaction), the pan must be smoking hot before the lamb hits the surface.

Don't Overcook

Lamb loin chops cook very quickly. Use a meat thermometer to ensure a perfect medium-rare (135°F/57°C) or medium (145°F/63°C).

Rest Your Meat

Allowing the chops to rest for 5 minutes under foil is critical for the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and moist final result.

Meal Pairing

Serve with creamy mashed potatoes to soak up all that delicious honey garlic sauce!


Enjoy this spectacular dish! Let us know if you try this recipe by sharing your photos!


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