Tender Apple Butter Lamb Chops: Sweet-Savory Perfection (Print Version)

Tender Apple Butter Lamb Chops bring sweet-savory comfort. Learn my simple recipe for juicy chops with a rich, tangy glaze. Perfect for any night!

# 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 broth)

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 4 lamb loin chops (about 1-inch thick)
02 - 1/2 cup apple butter
03 - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
04 - 1/4 cup chicken broth (low sodium)

→ Flavor Boosters

05 - 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

→ Seasonings & Finishing Touches

08 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
09 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, pat those lamb chops super dry with paper towels. This is critical for getting a good sear, honestly. Then, season them generously with salt and black pepper on both sides. Don't be shy here; the seasoning really helps build that initial flavor foundation for your Tender Apple Butter Lamb Chops. I used to forget this step and wonder why my chops tasted bland, oops!
02 - Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet, like cast iron, over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of olive oil. Once shimmering, add the chops to the pan without crowding it. You might need to do this in batches. Sear for about 2-3 minutes per side until they're beautifully browned and crusty. This step makes all the difference for those Tender Apple Butter Lamb Chops. I always love the smell of the searing meat filling the kitchen!
03 - Remove the seared lamb chops from the pan and set them aside on a plate. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the minced garlic and fresh rosemary to the pan, stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant—don't let it burn, or it'll taste bitter, a mistake I've made too many times! The aroma at this stage, hinting at the delicious Tender Apple Butter Lamb Chops, is just heavenly, a real kitchen moment.
04 - Pour in the apple butter, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and chicken broth. Whisk it all together, scraping up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and looks glossy. This is where the magic happens for these Tender Apple Butter Lamb Chops.
05 - Return the seared lamb chops to the skillet, nestling them into that gorgeous apple butter glaze. Spoon the sauce over the chops, making sure they're well coated. Cover the pan and let them cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until they reach your desired doneness. I usually aim for medium-rare, around 130-135°F (54-57°C) internal temperature. You can always peek and check on your Tender Apple Butter Lamb Chops!
06 - Once cooked, remove the chops from the pan and let them rest on a cutting board for at least 5 minutes. This is crucial for juicy lamb, honestly! While they rest, the sauce will continue to thicken slightly. Spoon extra apple butter glaze over the rested Tender Apple Butter Lamb Chops before serving. The smell of the finished dish is just incredible, a real accomplishment!

# Notes:

01 - Don't overcook the lamb; use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness.
02 - Reheating in the microwave can make the lamb rubbery; gently reheat in a skillet or enjoy cold in a salad.
03 - If you don't have apple butter, unsweetened applesauce with a pinch of brown sugar can work as a substitute.
04 - Serve with creamy mashed potatoes or roasted root vegetables to soak up all that delicious apple butter glaze.

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Large skillet (cast iron recommended)
02 - Whisk
03 - Tongs
04 - Meat thermometer

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

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

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