Lemon Thyme Lamb Chops have a bright flavor that pairs well with almost anything. These chops are quick and easy to make and are sure to impress your guests.

lemon thyme lamb chops in a cast iron skillet

What is a lamb chop?

A lamb is a sheep under a year old. The meat is very tender and does not have any of the gamey flavor that the meat of an older sheep would have.

A chop is any piece of meat that is cut perpendicular to the spine of the animal. The best chops are from the loin, rib, and sirloin because they are tender, with evenly distributed fat. As a result, they are easy to cook. Shoulder or leg lamb chops should be marinated to make them tender.

You should definitely try my Garlic Butter Lamb Chops Recipe, Grilled Lamb Chops with Chimichurri Sauce, and Lamb Chops with Creamy Mustard Sauce if you need some more ideas of how to season it.

Lamb chops should only be cooked to medium doneness. More done than that, and the meat becomes very stringy and dry, so stop cooking when the internal temperature reaches 145°F.

lamb chops recipe cooking in cast iron skillet

How do you choose lamb?

Some people are intimidated by the thought of making lamb. As a result, the average American eats a total of more than 200 pounds of meat, with less than one pound of it lamb.

When selecting lamb chops, choose chops that are about an inch thick, with a fine grain and smooth fat. Also, keep in mind that grass-fed lamb has a gamier taste than grain-fed lamb.

Should you marinate lamb?

Marinades are great on lamb. Even if you are short on time, you will want to let your chops marinate for at least 20 minutes.

Although lamb can hold up to longer marinating. You can prepare this lemon thyme lamb chops recipe up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the meat to marinate until you are ready to cook it.

How do you cook lemon thyme lamb chops?

This lamb chops recipe is easier to make than you might think! It just takes a few simple steps.

Allow the meat to marinate for at least 20 minutes and up to 24 hours.
Cook the meat over high heat, cooking three to four minutes per side.
After that, let the meat rest for a few minutes to finish cooking.
Garnish with fresh sprigs of thyme and serve!

lamb chops cooking in pan with fresh lemon wedges and sprigs of thyme

What goes well with lemon thyme lamb chops?

Lemon thyme lamb chops pair well with just about any vegetable. Here are a few of my favorite side dishes to serve with this delicious meal.

More lamb chops recipes to try:

3.58 from 21 votes

Lemon Thyme Lamb Chops

Lemon Thyme Lamb Chops have a bright flavor that pairs well with almost anything. These chops are quick and easy to make and are sure to impress your guests.

Prep: 5

Cook: 7

resting time: 15

Total: 27

Servings: people

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Ingredients

Instructions

In a glass bowl place lamb chops, lemon juice, thyme leaves, olive oil, salt and black pepper. Let it marinate for about 15-20 minutes. Don’t forget to pour marinade over the lamb chops few times to allow all surfaces to marinate.
Heat a large skillet on high heat for about 3 minutes.
Place the chops on the skillet, reduce the heat to medium-heat and cook for 3-4 minutes each side.
Before serving, garnish with fresh thyme leaves.

Tips

When you pick your lamp chops, choose chops that are about an inch thick, with a fine grain and smooth fat.
Fresh lemon juice is preferable to bottled lemon juice as the flavour is much better.
Fresh thyme will give you the best flavor but you can swap for dried thyme if you do not have any.
To store: Store leftover lamb chops in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat: You can reheat leftovers on the stove or in the microwave.
To freeze: Freeze the cooked lamb chops in an airtight bag for up to 3 months.