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

Juicy Apple Butter Lamb Chops are pan-seared to perfection with a sweet, tangy glaze. A simple yet elegant weeknight meal for fall flavors.

# 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 ingredients)

# Ingredients:

→ Main Players

01 - 4 lamb loin or rib chops (about 1-inch thick, ~1.5 lbs total)
02 - 2 tbsp olive oil

→ Flavor Boosters

03 - 1 tsp garlic powder
04 - 1 tsp onion powder
05 - 1 tsp dried thyme
06 - 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
07 - 1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste)

→ Apple Butter Glaze

08 - 1/2 cup apple butter
09 - 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
10 - 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

→ Finishing Touches

11 - Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, get those lamb chops out of the fridge about 20-30 minutes before you plan to cook. Pat them <em>really</em> dry with paper towels; this is crucial for a good sear, trust me. Then, season them generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme. I always feel like I'm doing a little happy dance seasoning them, getting all those flavors ready, knowing it’s going to make such a difference in the final taste.
02 - Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet, like cast iron, over medium-high heat with a swirl of olive oil. We're looking for shimmer, not smoke. Once it’s hot, carefully place the seasoned lamb chops in the pan. Don't overcrowd! Sear for 3-4 minutes per side until they're beautifully browned and crusty. This is where the magic starts to happen; the smell is incredible, meaty and herby, promising a delicious meal.
03 - While the chops are searing, whisk together the apple butter, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl. This is where our signature apple butter glaze comes to life! It should be smooth and a little tangy. I once forgot the vinegar, and the glaze was just too sweet, a total rookie mistake that made me appreciate the balance even more. It's truly simple, but so impactful.
04 - Once the chops are seared, reduce the heat to medium-low. Pour the apple butter glaze over the chops, making sure to coat them well. Let it simmer gently for another 2-3 minutes, turning the chops occasionally, until the glaze thickens slightly and clings to the meat. This part smells like autumn in a pan, honestly, and it's so satisfying to watch the glaze coat those beautiful chops.
05 - This is probably the most important step for juicy lamb chops. Remove the Juicy Apple Butter Lamb Chops from the pan and transfer them to a cutting board. Tent them loosely with foil and let them rest for at least 5-7 minutes. All those delicious juices redistribute, making every bite tender. I used to skip this, and the chops were just not as good, a real bummer. Patience really pays off here, trust me on this one.
06 - After resting, arrange your beautiful lamb chops on plates. Spoon any extra glaze from the pan over them. They should look glistening and inviting, smelling sweet and savory. I like to sprinkle a little fresh parsley for color, because we eat with our eyes first, right? Enjoy this delightful creation, knowing you've made something truly special with a little love and kitchen adventure!

# Notes:

01 - Always pat the lamb dry before searing for that perfect crust – it's a game-changer!
02 - Leftover glaze can be stored in the fridge and used on pork or chicken.
03 - Try a tiny pinch of smoked paprika in the seasoning for a deeper flavor.
04 - Serving with creamy mashed potatoes really lets the glaze shine.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron preferred)
02 - whisk
03 - small bowl
04 - cutting board
05 - meat thermometer (optional)

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 450
Total Fat: 28g
Total Carbohydrate: 25g
Protein: 28g

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