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

Juicy Apple Butter Lamb Chops offer tender meat with a sweet, tangy glaze. This recipe brings warmth and flavor to your table, perfect for a cozy meal.

# 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 (check apple butter label)

# Ingredients:

→ Main Players

01 - 4-6 lamb chops (rib or loin, about 1-inch thick)
02 - 1 tbsp olive oil

→ Flavor Foundation

03 - 1/2 cup unsweetened apple butter
04 - 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
05 - 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

→ Aromatic Accents

06 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 1 sprig fresh rosemary, chopped
08 - 1 sprig fresh thyme, chopped
09 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Finishing Touches

10 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, pat those lamb chops dry with paper towels. This is crucial for a good sear, trust me on this one. Then, season them generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides. I always get a little heavy-handed with the salt here, but it works! You want to see that seasoning clinging to the meat. This is where the foundation of flavor for your juicy apple butter lamb chops begins, so don't be shy!
02 - Heat a large, heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron is my favorite for this!) over medium-high heat with a good drizzle of olive oil. Once it’s shimmering, add the lamb chops to the pan in a single layer. Don't crowd them, seriously, or they'll steam instead of sear. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they have a beautiful golden-brown crust. This step locks in the juices and develops so much flavor – you can practically smell the deliciousness building!
03 - Remove the seared lamb chops from the pan and set them aside on a plate. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic, fresh rosemary, and fresh thyme to the pan, stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Oh, that smell! It’s incredible. Then, whisk in the apple butter, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Stir it all together, letting it bubble gently for a minute or two. You want it to thicken slightly, creating that luscious sauce for your juicy apple butter lamb chops.
04 - Carefully place the seared lamb chops back into the skillet, nestled into that amazing apple butter glaze. Spoon some of the glaze over each chop. Cover the pan and let them simmer gently for another 5-7 minutes, or until they reach your desired doneness. For medium-rare, I usually go for about 5 minutes. This is where the lamb absorbs all those sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors, becoming truly tender.
05 - Once cooked, remove the lamb chops from the pan and transfer them to a cutting board. Loosely tent them with foil and let them rest for at least 5 minutes. Honestly, this step is non-negotiable! It allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is incredibly tender and, well, juicy. While they rest, the flavors of your juicy apple butter lamb chops meld even further.
06 - Before serving, give that remaining apple butter glaze in the pan a quick stir. If it's too thick, add a tiny splash of water or apple cider. Plate your gorgeous juicy apple butter lamb chops, spooning extra glaze over them. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. The aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water, and the taste? Pure heaven, every single time!

# Notes:

01 - Don't crowd the pan, seriously. I learned that the hard way with uneven searing!
02 - Leftovers? They're actually delicious cold, sliced thin for a quick lunch salad, no joke.
03 - No apple butter? Pear butter works in a pinch, just adjust sweetness a bit.
04 - Serve these with something creamy, like mashed sweet potatoes, for a real treat.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron recommended)
02 - tongs
03 - whisk
04 - cutting board
05 - instant-read thermometer (optional)

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 350
Total Fat: 20g
Total Carbohydrate: 18g
Protein: 25g

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