Seared Apple Butter Lamb Chops: Sweet & Savory Delight (Print Version)

Juicy Apple Butter Lamb Chops are pan-seared and glazed with sweet, tangy apple butter. Make this comforting, tender chop recipe tonight!

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Gluten-Free (check apple butter ingredients)

# Ingredients:

→ Main Players

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

→ Glaze Goodness

03 - 1/2 cup apple butter
04 - 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
05 - 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Flavor Builders

07 - 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
08 - 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
09 - 2-3 sprigs fresh rosemary

→ Optional Extras

10 - A pinch of red pepper flakes (for a little kick)
11 - 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

# Instructions:

01 - Okay, first things first, take those beautiful lamb chops out of the fridge about 20-30 minutes before you plan to cook them. This lets them come to room temp, which helps them cook more evenly. Pat them super dry with paper towels – this is crucial for a good sear, trust me! Sprinkle generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides. I always make sure to get the edges too; every surface deserves some seasoning. This is where you can start to feel the anticipation build, honestly.
02 - While your chops are chilling, let's get that amazing apple butter glaze ready. In a small bowl, whisk together the apple butter, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and minced garlic. Give it a good stir until it's all combined and looks lovely and smooth. This is where the magic happens, the sweet and savory heart of our Juicy Apple Butter Lamb Chops. I once forgot the Dijon and the glaze was just... missing something. Don't make my mistake, that little bit of tang is essential!
03 - Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron is my favorite for this!) over medium-high heat. Add a good drizzle of olive oil – you want enough to just coat the bottom. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the lamb chops in the hot pan. Don't overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if you need to. Sear for about 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer if you prefer them more done. You're looking for a beautiful, golden-brown crust. The smell in your kitchen right now? Incredible!
04 - Once the chops are seared to your liking, reduce the heat to medium-low. Spoon a generous amount of your apple butter glaze over each chop, making sure to coat them well. Let them cook for another 1-2 minutes, flipping once, allowing that glaze to warm up and become slightly sticky and caramelized. This step is where the Juicy Apple Butter Lamb Chops really come to life. Be careful not to burn the glaze; it can happen fast!
05 - Just before taking them off the heat, toss a few fresh rosemary sprigs into the pan around the chops. Let them warm through for about 30 seconds to release their fragrant oils. You can even press them gently into the glaze. This really elevates the aroma and taste. I sometimes forget this step in my haste, but when I remember, it makes such a difference. The whole kitchen smells like a fancy restaurant!
06 - Transfer the glazed Juicy Apple Butter Lamb Chops to a cutting board and let them rest for 5-10 minutes. This is crucial! Resting allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring those chops are incredibly tender and juicy. While they rest, you can spoon any extra glaze from the pan over them. Then, serve them up with your favorite sides. The final result should be beautifully caramelized, fragrant, and oh-so-inviting. Enjoy your masterpiece!

# Notes:

01 - Patting the lamb chops really dry is my #1 tip for a perfect sear.
02 - Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet to keep the glaze from separating.
03 - If you're out of fresh rosemary, fresh thyme is a lovely, fragrant substitute.
04 - Serving these with creamy mashed potatoes is a comfort food dream, seriously!

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron recommended)
02 - tongs
03 - small mixing bowl
04 - whisk
05 - cutting board

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 450
Total Fat: 28g
Total Carbohydrate: 25g
Protein: 30g

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