Tender Apple Butter Lamb Chops Dinner (Print Version)
Savor tender lamb chops glazed with sweet and savory apple butter. This easy recipe creates a flavorful main dish, perfect for a special meal or weeknight treat.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free
# Ingredients:
→ Seared Lamb Chops
01 -
4 lamb loin chops (about 1 1/2 lbs total)
02 -
1 tbsp olive oil
03 -
1/2 tsp kosher salt
04 -
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
→ Apple Butter Braising Liquid
05 -
1/2 cup unsweetened apple butter
06 -
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
07 -
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
08 -
1 tbsp light brown sugar, packed
09 -
1 tsp Dijon mustard
10 -
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
11 -
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
12 -
1/8 tsp ground cloves
→ Aromatic Foundation
13 -
1/2 medium yellow onion, finely diced
14 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Fresh Finish
15 -
1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, chopped, for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
Pat dry 4 lamb loin chops (about 1 1/2 lbs total). Season generously on both sides with 1/2 tsp kosher salt and 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper. This initial seasoning is key for flavorful Tender Apple Butter Lamb Chops.
02 -
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the seasoned lamb chops and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until deeply golden brown. Remove chops from the skillet and set aside.
03 -
Reduce heat to medium. Add 1/2 medium yellow onion, finely diced, to the same skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in 2 cloves minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
04 -
Pour in 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in 1/2 cup unsweetened apple butter, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp light brown sugar, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, and 1/8 tsp ground cloves. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
05 -
Return the seared lamb chops to the skillet, nestling them into the simmering apple butter sauce. Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the lamb reaches your desired doneness (135°F for medium-rare).
06 -
Remove the Tender Apple Butter Lamb Chops from the skillet and let them rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes. Spoon the warm apple butter sauce over the chops. Garnish with 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, chopped, before serving immediately.
# Notes:
01 -
For perfectly tender lamb, use a meat thermometer. Aim for 135°F for medium-rare or 140°F for medium. Adjust braising time as needed.
02 -
Serve these delicious lamb chops with creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy couscous to soak up every drop of the flavorful apple butter sauce.
03 -
No fresh thyme? You can substitute with 1/2 tsp dried thyme added to the sauce in Step 4, though fresh provides a brighter finish.
04 -
Leftover Tender Apple Butter Lamb Chops and sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large oven-safe skillet
02 -
Tongs
03 -
Whisk
04 -
Cutting board
05 -
Chef's knife
06 -
Measuring cups and spoons
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 540 kcal
Total Fat: 34 g
Total Carbohydrate: 12 g
Protein: 46 g