Perfectly Broiled Lamb Chops: Quick, Tender, and Crispy in Under 15 Minutes
Experience the ultimate quick and elegant meal with these sensational broiled lamb chops. Achieving a beautifully seared, golden-brown crust while remaining incredibly tender and juicy on the inside, this recipe is your secret weapon for a gourmet dinner that comes together in under 15 minutes of active cooking time. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a busy home cook, these lamb chops promise a delicious and impressive result every time.
Why This Broiled Lamb Chops Recipe Is a Game-Changer
This broiled lamb chops recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it an absolute win for any occasion. Its versatility is truly remarkable; you can easily adapt it to your preferred taste profile. Whether you love experimenting with unique seasoning blends or opt for a tried-and-true lamb chop marinade, this method accommodates all. We’ll show you how to achieve perfect results, regardless of whether you choose delicate rib chops or more substantial loin chops.
While we cherish the smoky goodness of grilled lamb chops and the comforting aroma of baked lamb chops, there are times when speed is of the essence. Broiling offers an unparalleled advantage: intense, direct heat that cooks meat rapidly and creates an irresistible crust. Simply setting your oven to broil transforms humble lamb chops into a culinary masterpiece in mere minutes. This quick cooking method ensures a succulent interior and a perfectly seared exterior, locking in all the delicious juices. If you do decide to use a marinade, remember to factor in at least one hour for the lamb to absorb those incredible flavors, transforming them from good to truly extraordinary.
Essential Ingredients for Delicious Broiled Lamb Chops
Crafting these delectable broiled lamb chops requires just a few key components. For precise measurements, detailed instructions, and a convenient printable version of this recipe, please refer to the complete recipe card located at the end of this post.
Ingredient Information and Expert Substitution Suggestions
Understanding your ingredients is key to perfecting any recipe. Here’s a deeper look into what you’ll need for your broiled lamb chops, along with helpful tips and substitution ideas:
LAMB CHOPS – The timing specified in our recipe card is optimized for rib chops, which are typically smaller and cook more quickly due to their thinner cut and delicate bone structure. These are often referred to as “lollipop chops” when trimmed. If you opt for the thicker, meatier loin chops, which resemble miniature T-bone steaks, you will need to adjust the cooking time. For loin chops, we recommend increasing the initial broil time on the lower rack by approximately 3 minutes to ensure they cook through evenly without over-browning the exterior. Always use a meat thermometer to check for desired doneness.
SEASONING & ADDITIONS – Customization is at the heart of this recipe. For an elevated flavor experience, we highly recommend trying our dedicated lamb chop marinade recipe. This blend infuses the meat with a rich depth of flavor and helps tenderize it, resulting in exceptionally juicy chops. The ingredients for this marinade are beautifully showcased in the photo above. Alternatively, you can use your go-to favorite seasoning blend – think a mix of dried rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, and a touch of paprika for warmth. For a minimalist approach that still yields fantastic results, a simple yet effective combination of good quality salt and freshly ground black pepper is all you need. Remember, patting the lamb chops dry before applying any seasoning or marinade will help create a superior crust under the broiler.
How to Make Perfect Broiled Lamb Chops
These step-by-step photos and detailed instructions are designed to help you visualize each stage of making this recipe. For a convenient printable version, complete with precise measurements and full instructions, simply Jump to Recipe at the bottom of this post.
- Prepare Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to the broil setting. This intense, direct heat is crucial for quickly searing the lamb chops and developing that beautiful, crispy crust. Ensure your oven is fully preheated before placing the lamb inside to get the best results.
- Set Up Your Broiling Rack: Place a wire rack directly on top of a large baking sheet. This setup is essential for broiling as it allows air to circulate around the lamb chops, promoting even cooking and preventing them from steaming in their own juices. The baking sheet below will catch any drips, making for easier cleanup.
- Arrange Lamb Chops: Carefully place your seasoned lamb chops onto the wire rack. Ensure there is adequate space between each chop to allow for proper air circulation and direct exposure to the broiler’s heat. Overcrowding the pan can lead to steaming instead of searing. Before placing, ensure the chops are patted dry for maximum crispiness.
- Initial Broiling (Lower Rack): Position the baking sheet on the lower rack of your oven. Broil for 6 minutes. The lower rack position allows the chops to cook through more gently without the exterior burning, benefiting from the intense radiant heat while maintaining a slightly greater distance from the heating element.
- Final Searing (Top Rack): Carefully move the baking sheet to the top rack of the oven. Continue to broil for an additional 2-3 minutes. This closer proximity to the broiler element delivers intense heat, perfect for achieving that coveted golden-brown, crispy crust and char on the outside, while the interior remains wonderfully tender. Watch closely to prevent burning, as broilers can be very powerful.
- Rest Before Serving: Once cooked to your desired doneness, remove the lamb chops from the oven. Transfer them to a clean plate or cutting board and allow them to rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. This crucial resting period allows the juices within the meat to redistribute, ensuring every bite is succulent and flavorful.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Broiled Lamb Chops
No, marinating is not strictly necessary for this broiled lamb chop recipe, especially when time is tight. Broiling provides such rapid, intense heat that it can quickly sear the exterior and lock in juices, resulting in tender chops even without a marinade. A simple yet effective combination of your favorite seasonings, such as garlic powder, dried rosemary, thyme, or just a generous shake of salt and pepper, will yield delicious results. However, marinating for at least an hour can significantly enhance the flavor and tenderness, making for an even more exquisite dish. It’s entirely up to your preference and available time!
To maintain their freshness and flavor, store any leftover broiled lamb chops in an airtight container. Place the container in the refrigerator, where they will keep well for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan or oven to prevent them from drying out.
For perfectly cooked lamb chops, use an instant-read meat thermometer. The USDA recommends a minimum internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare, followed by a 3-minute rest. Here’s a guide for various levels of doneness:
- Rare: 125-130°F (52-54°C)
- Medium-Rare: 130-135°F (54-57°C) – often considered ideal for lamb.
- Medium: 135-140°F (57-60°C)
- Medium-Well: 140-145°F (60-63°C)
- Well-Done: 145°F+ (63°C+)
Remember, the temperature will rise a few degrees during the resting period, so remove them from the oven when they are 5 degrees below your target temperature.
Achieving that desirable crispy crust is all about managing moisture and heat. First, always pat your lamb chops thoroughly dry with paper towels before applying any seasoning or marinade. Excess surface moisture will steam rather than sear. Second, ensure your broiler is fully preheated and use the wire rack and baking sheet method to allow for optimal air circulation. Finally, don’t overcrowd the pan; give each chop enough space for direct heat exposure, which is crucial for browning.
It is highly recommended to fully thaw your lamb chops before broiling. Cooking frozen or partially frozen meat under the broiler can lead to uneven cooking, where the outside might burn before the inside is cooked through. For best results, transfer frozen lamb chops to the refrigerator 12-24 hours before you plan to cook them. If you’re in a hurry, you can thaw them in a cold water bath, changing the water every 30 minutes, until fully defrosted.
Smoking under the broiler is often caused by accumulated grease or food particles in the oven, or fat dripping directly onto the heating element. To minimize smoke, make sure your oven and broiler pan are clean. The wire rack on a baking sheet method helps catch drips, but a small amount of water in the bottom of the baking sheet can further help reduce smoke from fat drippings. Also, ensure your kitchen is well-ventilated, perhaps by opening a window or turning on your range hood. If using a marinade, wipe off any excess before broiling to prevent it from burning.
Serving Suggestions for Broiled Lamb Chops
Broiled lamb chops are a versatile main course that pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes, elevating your meal into a truly memorable experience. For a well-rounded and nutritious plate, consider serving them alongside roasted vegetables such as tender carrots, vibrant asparagus, crisp green beans, or florets of broccoli. The slight caramelization from roasting complements the rich flavor of the lamb perfectly. For your starch, classic creamy mashed potatoes are always a comforting choice, or you could opt for something more aromatic like garlic and rosemary roasted potatoes. Alternatively, our cheesy bacon chive twice-baked potatoes offer a decadent and satisfying accompaniment. Don’t forget a fresh, crisp dinner salad for a refreshing contrast. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the finished chops or a dollop of cooling mint sauce can also add a delightful brightness to the dish.
More Delicious Lamb Recipes to Explore
If you love lamb as much as we do, you’re in for a treat! Here are more fantastic lamb recipes to add to your culinary repertoire:
- Elegant Rack of Lamb
- Savory Lamb Meatballs
- Hearty Lamb Loin Chops
- Quick Air Fryer Lamb Chops
- Fun Lollipop Lamb Chops
I love to bake and cook and share my kitchen experience with all of you! Remembering to come back each day can be tough, that’s why I offer a convenient newsletter every time a new recipe posts. Simply subscribe and start receiving your free daily recipes!
Broiled Lamb Chops
Beautifully crusted lamb chops come together under the broiler quickly, leaving you with an elegant meal you hardly had to put work into!
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
Print It
Pin It
Ingredients
- 2 pounds lamb chops
- Lamb Chop Marinade or your favorite seasoning
Things You’ll Need
-
Wire cooling rack
-
Baking sheet
Before You Begin
- * The times above are for rib chops, which are smaller than loin chops. If you are broiling loin chops, increase the broil time by 3 minutes on the lower rack.
- We used Chef Antoine’s lamb chop marinade for this recipe. Please allow for 1 hour of marinating time if you decide to use it. You may also simply season the chops with your favorite seasoning or a quick salt and pepper mixture.
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to broil.
-
Place a wire rack into a large baking sheet.
-
Place lamb chops onto wire rack.
-
Place baking sheet on lower rack and broil for 6 minutes.
-
Move to top rack and broil 2-3 minutes more.
-
Remove from oven and allow to rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!
Follow on Pinterest @AmandasCookin or tag #AmandasCookin!
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.