Easy Brown Sugar Lamb Chops Baked in the Oven (Print Version)
Whip up Easy Brown Sugar Lamb Chops Baked in the Oven. Tender, sweet, and savory, this recipe is a weeknight win. So simple, even I can't mess it up!
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free
# Ingredients:
→ Main Players
01 -
4-6 lamb chops (rib or loin, about 1-inch thick)
→ Sweet & Savory Rub
02 -
3 tablespoons light brown sugar
03 -
1 teaspoon garlic powder
04 -
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
05 -
1/2 teaspoon salt
06 -
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
→ Aromatics & Finishing
07 -
1 tablespoon olive oil
→ Optional Enhancements
08 -
2-3 sprigs fresh rosemary or thyme
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, let's get those lamb chops ready for their big moment. Pat them really dry with paper towels; this is super important for getting that lovely crust on your Easy Brown Sugar Lamb Chops. I used to skip this, thinking it didn't matter, but trust me, it does! Any moisture means steaming, not searing. Place them on a plate, and just let them hang out for a bit while you gather the rub ingredients. You want them as dry as a desert!
02 -
Now for the flavor bomb! Grab a small bowl and mix your brown sugar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir it all together until it's a beautiful, uniform blend. I like to use my fingers for this step, just to really feel the texture and make sure there are no lumpy bits of brown sugar. This mixture is what gives your lamb chops their incredible taste, so make sure it's well combined.
03 -
Time to get hands-on! Drizzle a little olive oil over each lamb chop, then really get in there and rub that sweet and savory mixture all over them. Don't be afraid to massage it in, covering every nook and cranny. I always make sure to coat both sides generously. You should see a beautiful, dark brown coating forming. This is the foundation for those delicious Easy Brown Sugar Lamb Chops. My kitchen always smells amazing at this point!
04 -
Before you do anything else, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it's heating, grab a baking dish or sheet pan and line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup – seriously, you'll thank me later. Arrange your coated lamb chops in a single layer, making sure they're not overcrowding the pan. Giving them space means they'll roast evenly, which is key for perfectly cooked Easy Brown Sugar Lamb Chops.
05 -
Pop that baking dish into your preheated oven. Now, here's where the magic happens! Bake your lamb chops for about 15-20 minutes, depending on their thickness and your desired doneness. For medium-rare, I usually pull them out around 130-135°F with a meat thermometer. Keep an eye on them; ovens can be quirky, and you don't want to overcook these beauties. The aroma filling your kitchen will be incredible!
06 -
The hardest part: waiting! Once your Easy Brown Sugar Lamb Chops are out of the oven, tent them loosely with foil and let them rest for 5-10 minutes. This step is crucial, honestly. It allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is tender and juicy. I've definitely cut into them too soon out of excitement, and learned my lesson. Garnish with a fresh sprig of rosemary if you're feeling fancy, then serve them up!
# Notes:
01 -
Don't skip the resting time after baking; it truly makes all the difference in tenderness!
02 -
Overcrowding the pan is a mistake I've made, resulting in steamed, not roasted, chops. Give them space!
03 -
Using a meat thermometer is a game-changer for perfect doneness; no more guessing games!
04 -
For an extra pop of freshness, a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or mint at the end is lovely.
# Equipment Needed:
01 -
Baking dish or sheet pan
02 -
small bowl
03 -
paper towels
04 -
meat thermometer (optional)
# Nutrition (Per Serving):
Calories: 350-450
Total Fat: 20-30g
Total Carbohydrate: 15-20g
Protein: 30-40g