Tender Apple Butter Lamb Chops: Sweet & Savory Dinner (Print Version)

Tender Apple Butter Lamb Chops, pan-seared and glazed with sweet apple butter. A quick, flavorful meal perfect for weeknights or special occasions.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Meat-Eater

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - Lamb Loin Chops (4-6, about 1-inch thick)
02 - Olive Oil (2 tbsp)

→ Apple Butter Glaze

03 - Apple Butter (1/2 cup)
04 - Dijon Mustard (1 tbsp)
05 - Apple Cider Vinegar (1 tbsp)
06 - Fresh Rosemary (1 tbsp, finely chopped)
07 - Garlic (2 cloves, minced)

→ Seasonings

08 - Salt (to taste)
09 - Freshly Ground Black Pepper (to taste)
10 - Onion Powder (1/2 tsp)
11 - Smoked Paprika (1/2 tsp)

→ Finishing Touches

12 - Fresh Parsley (for garnish)

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, take those beautiful lamb chops out of the fridge about 20-30 minutes before you plan to cook. This little step, which I often forget in my cooking frenzy, helps them cook more evenly. Pat them super dry with paper towels – this is critical for a good sear, trust me. Then, season both sides generously with salt, pepper, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Don't be shy here; those flavors need to sink in!
02 - Heat your trusty heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron is my favorite for this, honestly) over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and let it shimmer. Once it’s hot, carefully place the lamb chops in the pan. Don't overcrowd the pan, or they'll steam instead of sear – I've made that mistake too many times! Sear for 3-4 minutes per side until you get a gorgeous, golden-brown crust. Oh, the smell at this stage is just incredible.
03 - While the chops are searing, in a small bowl, whisk together the apple butter, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, and chopped fresh rosemary. This is where the magic really starts to happen for your Apple Butter Lamb Chops. Make sure it's all smooth and well combined. I sometimes add a tiny splash of water if my apple butter is super thick, just to make it more spreadable.
04 - Once the chops are beautifully seared on both sides, reduce the heat to medium-low. Pour the apple butter glaze over the lamb chops, making sure to coat them evenly. Let the glaze simmer gently for another 2-3 minutes, turning the chops once or twice, until the glaze thickens slightly and clings to the meat. This part smells like autumn in a pan, and it's truly delightful.
05 - This step is non-negotiable, folks! Once the Apple Butter Lamb Chops are glazed and cooked to your desired doneness (I like mine medium-rare, around 135-140°F), transfer them to a cutting board. Tent them loosely with foil and let them rest for at least 5-7 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is incredibly tender and juicy. Don't skip it, even if you're starving!
06 - After resting, plate your magnificent Apple Butter Lamb Chops. Drizzle any remaining glaze from the pan over the chops – don't let that liquid gold go to waste! Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. The vibrant green against the rich glaze just looks so inviting. I often add a few thin apple slices on the side for an extra visual pop and a fresh bite. Enjoy this sweet and savory delight!

# Notes:

01 - Always pat your lamb chops super dry before searing; it’s the secret to that perfect crust I learned the hard way.
02 - Letting the chops rest after cooking is non-negotiable – it keeps them juicy, a mistake I used to make all the time.
03 - For a slightly different flavor, you can swap fresh thyme for rosemary in the glaze, it works surprisingly well.
04 - A side of creamy mashed potatoes or roasted root vegetables makes these Apple Butter Lamb Chops extra special.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron recommended)
02 - small mixing bowl
03 - whisk
04 - tongs
05 - cutting board
06 - meat thermometer (optional but recommended)
07 - paper towels.

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 450 kcal
Total Fat: 28g
Total Carbohydrate: 18g
Protein: 30g

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