Name: Easy Baked Lamb Chops Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 8 Lamb Chops, medium size; 1 teaspoon Black pepper; 2 teaspoons Salt; 1 tablespoon Oregano, dried; ½ teaspoon Onion powder; 2 teaspoons Thyme, dried; ½ tablespoon Smoked Paprika; 3-4 Garlic cloves; ½ Red bell pepper; Fresh Parsley, for garnish; ¼ cup Olive oil (plus about 2 tablespoons for searing); Juice from ½ Lemon

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 75 reviews

If you’re craving a dish that combines bold flavors with effortless preparation, then this Easy Baked Lamb Chops Recipe is exactly what you need in your kitchen. Tender, juicy lamb chops are marinated in a vibrant mix of herbs, garlic, and red bell pepper, then perfectly seared and baked to mouthwatering perfection. This recipe strikes the ideal balance between rustic and refined, making it perfect for everything from a casual family dinner to an impressive meal for guests. Once you try this lively, fragrant dish, it’s sure to become a favorite in your rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white plate holds seven grilled lamb chops arranged in a slightly scattered, overlapping pattern. Each chop has a long, light brown bone with a darker, charred tip, and the meat is richly browned with a textured, slightly crispy surface showing grill marks and spices. The lamb is glistening with a red-orange oily sauce that pools lightly on the plate. There are two small lemon wedges placed near the chops, as well as a few fresh green cilantro leaves adding contrast on top of the meat. The plate rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe relies on simple, fresh ingredients that each bring something important to the table—from floral herbs that awaken your palate to spices that add depth and a touch of smokiness. These essentials create a deliciously balanced marinade and seasoning for your lamb chops.

Lamb Chops (8 medium size): Choose chops with a bit of marbling for maximum tenderness and flavor.
Black Pepper (1 teaspoon): Freshly ground for a subtle heat and aromatic kick.
Salt (2 teaspoons): Enhances all the flavors and helps in tenderizing.
Dried Oregano (1 tablespoon): Adds a woodsy, slightly bitter herbaceous note.
Onion Powder (½ teaspoon): Provides a hint of sweetness and depth without overpowering.
Dried Thyme (2 teaspoons): Offers fragrant, sharp undertones that complement lamb perfectly.
Smoked Paprika (½ tablespoon): Brings a subtle smoky, earthy warmth and gorgeous color.
Garlic Cloves (3-4): Fresh and pungent, giving the marinade a punch of savory goodness.
Red Bell Pepper (½): Adds sweetness and a splash of vibrant color when blended.
Olive Oil (¼ cup): Keeps the lamb moist and helps the seasonings cling beautifully.
Lemon Juice (from ½ lemon): Introduces a bright, tangy contrast that lifts the whole dish.
Fresh Parsley: Used in both marinade and as a fresh garnish to provide a clean, herby finish.

How to Make Easy Baked Lamb Chops Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

Start by roughly processing the red bell pepper, fresh parsley, and garlic together. This combination creates a fresh, aromatic base that will infuse every lamb chop with flavor. The peppers bring sweetness, parsley adds brightness, and the garlic gives it that signature robust aroma. This fresh paste will coat the lamb, ensuring each bite is bursting with layered taste.

Step 2: Prepare the Lamb Chops

Using a sharp knife and a sturdy chopping board, carefully separate your lamb rack into 8 individual medium-sized chops. Making sure they’re evenly cut helps them cook uniformly. Once portioned, place the chops in a large bowl ready to soak up all those delicious flavors.

Step 3: Marinate the Lamb

Add the chopped pepper mixture, dried oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, black pepper, olive oil, and lemon juice to the lamb. Use your hands to mix everything thoroughly until each chop is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a cloth and refrigerate for at least one hour. For the best taste, bring the marinated lamb to room temperature before cooking — this ensures an even cook and delicious tenderness.

Step 4: Sear the Lamb Chops

Preheat your oven to 400°F. In a cast iron skillet, heat about 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat until very hot. Sear each lamb chop for 1 to 2 minutes per side — this step locks in juices and generates a beautifully caramelized crust. If your skillet can’t fit all 8 chops at once, sear them in batches, wiping the pan clean between each to avoid burning.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

After searing, arrange the chops in the skillet without overlapping — proper spacing ensures even cooking. Place the skillet into the preheated oven. For medium-rare to medium, bake for 2 to 5 minutes; for medium-well to well-done, bake 5 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye on the lamb so you get just the degree of doneness you prefer.

Step 6: Rest Before Serving

Remove the lamb chops from the oven and transfer them to a plate. Resist the temptation to eat immediately. Let the chops rest for 3 to 5 minutes to redistribute the juices — resting is a critical step that keeps them tender and juicy long after they hit your plate.

How to Serve Easy Baked Lamb Chops Recipe

Easy Baked Lamb Chops Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Fresh parsley sprinkled over the hot lamb chops adds a burst of color and herby brightness, perfectly offsetting the richness of the meat. You can also add a few lemon wedges for an optional tangy squeeze right before eating.

Side Dishes

This Easy Baked Lamb Chops Recipe pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts, creamy mashed potatoes, or a fresh Greek salad for a Mediterranean-inspired meal. For something extra special, consider garlic butter couscous or a simple quinoa pilaf to soak up all those wonderful juices.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the lamb chops on a wooden cutting board for a rustic touch, or plate them elegantly with a drizzle of the remaining pan juices and a sprinkle of microgreens. For dinner parties, individual ramekins with mint yogurt sauce make an elegant addition that guests will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftover lamb chops, wrap them tightly in foil or airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Proper storage helps preserve their flavor and moisture, so wrap them well to prevent drying out.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked lamb chops easily by placing them in freezer-safe bags or containers with as much air removed as possible. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze the chops individually to avoid clumping together.

Reheating

To keep your lamb chops juicy when reheating, warm them gently in a low oven (about 275°F) for 10 to 15 minutes, covered with foil. Alternatively, use a microwave set on low power, heating in short intervals to prevent overcooking. Avoid reheating directly on a stovetop to prevent toughness.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of lamb for this recipe?

Absolutely! While lamb chops are ideal for this recipe’s quick cooking method, you can also try lamb steaks or even lamb shoulder slices. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure tenderness.

How can I tell when the lamb chops are cooked just right?

Use a meat thermometer for accuracy—medium-rare is around 135°F and medium is about 145°F. The meat should feel springy but not mushy when pressed gently, and the juices will run slightly pink for medium doneness.

Is marinating the lamb necessary?

Marinating is key to infusing the meat with flavor and tenderizing it. While you could cook lamb chops without marinating, spending at least an hour in the marinade elevates the dish by leaps and bounds.

Can I prepare the marinade ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the marinade up to a day in advance and keep it refrigerated. This makes the cooking process quicker and lets the flavors develop even more before combining with the lamb.

What if I don’t have a cast iron skillet?

A heavy-bottomed oven-safe skillet or a roasting pan will work just as well. The key is to achieve a good sear and transfer the meat safely into the oven for finishing.

Final Thoughts

If you want to impress yourself or your loved ones with a dish that’s both sophisticated and simple, the Easy Baked Lamb Chops Recipe is your answer. Its vibrant marinade, quick sear, and perfect oven finish produce juicy, flavorful chops every single time. Don’t hesitate—grab those lamb chops and start cooking. Your taste buds will thank you!