01 -
First things first, pat those lamb chops super dry with paper towels. This is crucial for a good sear, trust me. Season them generously with salt and pepper. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, carefully place the chops in the pan. Don't overcrowd it; you want a nice crust, not steamed meat. Sear for about 3-4 minutes per side until they're golden brown and beautiful. This step locks in flavor, and you'll smell that amazing savory goodness starting to develop!
02 -
Remove the seared lamb chops and set them aside. They don't need to be cooked through yet. In the same skillet, add the chopped turkey bacon and ham. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the turkey bacon is crispy and the ham is slightly browned. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. You'll see all those delicious bits sticking to the bottom of the pan – that's flavor, my friend! Drain off any excess fat, but keep those yummy pan drippings.
03 -
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the diced yellow onion to the skillet and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Oh, that smell! It always makes my kitchen feel so welcoming. Be careful not to burn the garlic, because nobody wants bitter garlic in their creamy sauce. If the pan looks a little dry, add just a tiny splash more olive oil.
04 -
Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up all those lovely browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This is called deglazing, and it adds so much depth to the sauce. Stir in the Dijon mustard and smoked paprika. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the liquid to reduce slightly. This is where the foundation for your rich Creamy Turkey Ham Lamb Chops sauce comes together, and it's already smelling incredible!
05 -
Nestle the seared lamb chops back into the skillet, making sure they're partially submerged in the sauce. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the lamb chops are cooked to your desired doneness. I usually aim for medium, so they're still tender. Stir in the fresh thyme leaves. This is where the whole dish really starts to sing, honestly.
06 -
Finally, stir in the heavy cream. Let the sauce warm through for just a minute or two, but don't bring it to a rolling boil after adding the cream, or it might separate. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. The sauce should be luscious and thick, coating the back of a spoon. Serve your Creamy Turkey Ham Lamb Chops immediately, spooning that amazing sauce generously over each chop. It's a comforting, hearty meal that feels like a big hug!