Tender Crock Pot Apple Lamb Chops: A Weeknight Delight (Print Version)

Crock Pot Apple Lamb Chops simmer to tender perfection. Sweet apples, savory herbs, and juicy lamb make this a comforting, easy weeknight meal.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 6 Hours minutes
Total Time: 26 minutes
Servings: 4-6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American Comfort
Dietary: Gluten-Free (check broth)

# Ingredients:

→ Lamb & Aromatics

01 - 1.5-2 lbs lamb loin chops (boneless or bone-in)
02 - 1 tbsp olive oil
03 - 1 large yellow or white onion, chopped
04 - 4 cloves garlic, minced

→ Sweet & Savory Liquids

05 - 2 medium apples (Honeycrisp or Fuji), cored and sliced
06 - 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
07 - 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
08 - 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
09 - 1 tbsp light brown sugar, lightly packed

→ Flavor Boosters

10 - 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
11 - 3 sprigs fresh thyme
12 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Finishing Touches

13 - 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
14 - 2 tbsp cold water (for cornstarch slurry)

# Instructions:

01 - Alright, first things first! Pat those lamb chops <i>super</i> dry with paper towels – this is where I always forget to really get them dry, and then they don't sear properly. Heat a tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once it's shimmering, sear the chops for about 2-3 minutes per side until they're beautifully browned. This step adds so much depth of flavor to your Crock Pot Apple Lamb Chops, trust me! Transfer them to your slow cooker.
02 - In the same skillet (don't clean it, those browned bits are flavor!), add a tiny bit more oil if needed. Toss in your chopped onions and sauté for about 5 minutes until they start to soften and turn translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for just another minute until it smells absolutely divine – don't let it burn, that's a sad smell! This step builds the foundation for your rich sauce.
03 - Pour in the chicken broth and apple cider vinegar into the skillet, scraping up all those delicious browned bits from the bottom. This is called deglazing, and it's where the magic happens for your Crock Pot Apple Lamb Chops sauce! Stir in the Dijon mustard and brown sugar until everything is combined. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes, just to marry the flavors.
04 - Carefully pour the sauce mixture over the seared lamb chops in the slow cooker. Scatter the apple slices, fresh rosemary, and thyme sprigs around the lamb. Give everything a gentle stir to ensure the lamb is mostly submerged in the liquid. Cover your slow cooker and set it to low for 6-8 hours, or high for 3-4 hours. Honestly, the longer on low, the more tender the Crock Pot Apple Lamb Chops get!
05 - Once the lamb is fall-apart tender, remove the chops and herbs from the slow cooker and set them aside. If you want a thicker sauce (and I usually do!), whisk together a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl. Pour this slurry into the hot liquid in the slow cooker, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens to your liking. This is where I sometimes get impatient and add too much, resulting in gravy!
06 - Return the lamb chops to the thickened sauce, or just ladle the sauce over them on your plates. Season with salt and pepper to taste – always taste before serving! The aroma by now will be incredible. These Crock Pot Apple Lamb Chops are ready to be devoured. I love seeing the smiles when this comes to the table, it's truly a labor of love, but the crock pot does most of the heavy lifting!

# Notes:

01 - Don't overcrowd your slow cooker; giving the lamb some space helps it cook evenly and stay tender, instead of steaming.
02 - I always make a double batch of the sauce and freeze half for a quick weeknight dinner later – it holds up beautifully!
03 - If you're out of fresh rosemary, dried works in a pinch, but crush it between your fingers first to release the oils.
04 - Honestly, serving these with a dollop of creamy mashed potatoes is non-negotiable for me, it just soaks up all that amazing sauce!

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Slow cooker
02 - large skillet
03 - knife
04 - cutting board
05 - whisk

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 450-550
Total Fat: 25-35g
Total Carbohydrate: 20-30g
Protein: 35-45g

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