Roasted Lamb Chops

Roasted lamb chops have regularly made appearances in our family meals over the years.

To be honest, I think it has often just been an excuse for Shirley to eat things with mint sauce. She does love her mint sauce, especially with gravy and vegetables.

Dennis is a particular fan of slow roasted lamb chops because, in his words, “the fat goes lovely and crispy”. And to be fair, he is absolutely right.

So, being as I like putting rubs and marinades on things, and also adding garlic wherever I can, this felt like the perfect time to put together a simple herb rub for roasted lamb chops.

This recipe uses lamb loin chops, olive oil, garlic, thyme, rosemary, black pepper and salt. Simple, classic flavours, cooked slowly until the lamb is tender and the fat is crisp.

What Are Roasted Lamb Chops?

Roasted lamb chops are lamb chops cooked in the oven until tender, golden and full of flavour.

You can roast lamb chops quickly at a higher temperature, but this recipe uses a slower oven method. The longer cooking time gives the fat chance to crisp and the lamb time to take on the flavour from the herb rub.

It is simple, comforting and brilliant with mash, vegetables, gravy and, obviously, mint sauce.

What Lamb Chops Should You Use?

This recipe uses lamb loin chops.

Lamb loin chops are tender, meaty and well suited to roasting. They have enough fat to stay juicy during cooking, and the fat crisps nicely when roasted slowly.

You can also use other lamb chops, but cooking times may vary depending on thickness and cut.

Roasted Lamb Chops Ingredients

1. 8 lamb loin chops, around 2 per person
2. 2 tbsp olive oil
3. 1 tsp garlic powder
4. 1 tsp dried thyme
5. 1 tsp black pepper
6. 1 tbsp dried rosemary
7. 1/2 tsp salt

How to Make Roasted Lamb Chops

1. Add the lamb chops to a large baking dish.
2. Drizzle with olive oil, making sure both sides of the chops are lightly coated.
3. Mix the garlic powder, thyme, black pepper, rosemary and salt in a small dish.
4. Sprinkle the herb rub over the lamb chops, coating all sides of the meat.
5. Preheat the oven to Gas Mark 2, 150°C, or 130°C fan.
6. Roast the lamb chops for around 3 hours, turning them halfway through cooking.
7. Remove from the oven when the fat is crispy and the chops have a good colour all over.
8. Rest for 5 minutes before serving.

How Long Do Roasted Lamb Chops Take?

These slow roasted lamb chops take around 3 hours in the oven.

That might sound like a long time for lamb chops, but the slower cook helps the fat crisp and gives the chops a richer, more roasted flavour.

If you want a quick-cooked lamb chop, you would usually pan-fry or grill them instead. This recipe is more of a slow roast, comfort-food version.

What Temperature Should You Roast Lamb Chops At?

For this slow roasted lamb chops recipe, cook at:

• Gas Mark 2
• 150°C conventional oven
• 130°C fan oven

The low temperature gives the chops time to cook gently while the fat slowly renders and crisps.

Can You Marinate Lamb Chops Before Roasting?

Yes, you can season the lamb chops ahead of time.

Once the chops are coated in olive oil and the herb rub, cover them and leave them in the fridge for 2 to 4 hours, or even overnight.

This gives the garlic, rosemary, thyme and seasoning more time to work into the lamb.

If you do marinate them in the fridge, take them out for a short time before cooking so they are not fridge-cold when they go into the oven.

What Herbs Go with Lamb Chops?

Lamb works brilliantly with classic herbs and seasonings.

Good flavours for lamb chops include:

• rosemary
• thyme
• garlic
• black pepper
• mint
• oregano
• lemon
• parsley

This recipe keeps it simple with rosemary, thyme, garlic, salt and pepper.

Can You Cook Roasted Lamb Chops Faster?

Yes, lamb chops can be cooked faster, but you will get a different result.

For quick lamb chops, pan-frying, grilling or BBQ cooking are better options. They give you a faster cook and a more traditional pink lamb chop finish.

This roasted lamb chops recipe is about slow cooking the chops until the fat crisps and the meat becomes rich and deeply flavoured.

For a quicker method, read our guide on how to cook lamb chops.

How Do You Know Lamb Chops Are Cooked?

For this slow roasted method, the lamb chops are ready when they have good colour, the fat is crisp, and the meat is cooked through and tender.

If you are using a meat thermometer, check the thickest part of the chop and avoid touching the bone, as this can give a false reading.

The most important thing with this recipe is not to rush the fat. You want it rendered and crispy, not pale and chewy.

What to Serve with Roasted Lamb Chops

Roasted lamb chops are brilliant with proper comfort-food sides.

Serve them with creamy mash, roast potatoes, roasted vegetables, peas, carrots, cabbage, green beans, cauliflower cheese, gravy and mint sauce.

They also work well with couscous, salad, flatbreads, rice, or roasted Mediterranean vegetables if you want something a little lighter.

Browse our full lamb range or try our minted lamb chops guide for more lamb ideas.

Tips for Better Roasted Lamb Chops

• Use lamb loin chops for a tender, meaty result.
• Coat the chops evenly with oil before adding the rub.
• Season all sides of the chops, not just the top.
• Marinate for a few hours if you have time.
• Turn the chops halfway through cooking.
• Cook until the fat is crispy and golden.
• Rest the lamb for 5 minutes before serving.
• Serve with mint sauce if Shirley is anywhere nearby.

Final Thoughts

Roasted lamb chops are simple, classic and full of flavour.

This slow roasted version uses a simple herb rub with garlic, thyme, rosemary, black pepper and salt, then cooks the chops gently until the fat is crisp and the lamb is tender.

Serve with mash, vegetables, gravy and mint sauce for a proper lamb dinner.

FAQs

How do you make roasted lamb chops?

Coat lamb chops in olive oil, season with a herb rub, then roast at 150°C, or 130°C fan, for around 3 hours, turning halfway through.

What temperature should you roast lamb chops at?

For slow roasted lamb chops, use Gas Mark 2, 150°C, or 130°C fan.

How long do roasted lamb chops take?

This slow roasted lamb chops recipe takes around 3 hours in the oven.

Can you marinate lamb chops before roasting?

Yes, you can coat the lamb chops in the herb rub and leave them covered in the fridge for 2 to 4 hours, or overnight.

What herbs go well with lamb chops?

Rosemary, thyme, garlic, mint, oregano, parsley, lemon, salt and black pepper all work well with lamb chops.

Can you cook lamb chops quickly instead?

Yes, lamb chops can be pan-fried, grilled or BBQ’d if you want a quicker method. This recipe is a slower roasted version.

What do you serve with roasted lamb chops?

Serve roasted lamb chops with mash, roast potatoes, vegetables, gravy, peas, carrots, cabbage and mint sauce.