If you’re on the hunt for a tasty, crowd-pleasing main dish, you’ve got to try my Garlic Rosemary Grilled Lamb Chops Recipe. This one’s become a total favorite in my family because it’s incredibly flavorful, easy to prepare, and perfect for those times when you want to impress without fuss. I remember the first time I grilled these chops— the aroma of garlic and rosemary drifting through the air was just irresistible! Stick around, and I’ll walk you through every step to make sure your lamb chops turn out perfect every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples like garlic, rosemary, and olive oil to create outstanding flavor.
- Quick Prep and Cook Time: You’ll have dinner ready in under 30 minutes without breaking a sweat.
- Perfect for All Skill Levels: Whether you’re a grill rookie or a seasoned chef, you’ll nail this dish.
- Impresses Every Time: From family dinners to holiday feasts, this recipe always gets rave reviews.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Garlic Rosemary Grilled Lamb Chops Recipe lies in its simple yet fragrant ingredient combination. Each component complements the lamb’s rich flavor beautifully, while easy-to-find items mean you can whip this up anytime without a special shopping trip.

- Rack of lamb: Choose a fresh rack with nice marbling for tender, juicy chops.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: Provides a flavorful base for the marinade while helping the herbs stick.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh, minced garlic adds a punch of aroma that’s unbeatable.
- Fresh rosemary: I love using fresh rosemary because its oils release during grilling, infusing the meat.
- Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out natural flavors.
- Ground black pepper: Just a touch to balance the herbs and garlic with mild heat.
Variations
I love how versatile this Garlic Rosemary Grilled Lamb Chops Recipe is — don’t hesitate to tweak it to suit your tastes or what you have on hand. That’s part of the fun!
- Herb Mix Variation: Swap or add fresh thyme or oregano for a different herbal touch—my family particularly loved thyme with lemon zest one time.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade if you want a bit of heat; it’s surprisingly delightful.
- Marinade Time: If you have more time, marinate the lamb chops overnight; I noticed the flavor deepens and the meat becomes even juicier.
- Cooking Method: If the weather’s bad, an indoor grill pan works just as well—just watch your heat settings closely to avoid overcooking.
How to Make Garlic Rosemary Grilled Lamb Chops Recipe
Step 1: Slice Your Rack into Chops
Start by cutting your rack of lamb into individual chops if they aren’t pre-cut already. I like to slice between the bones using a sharp meat knife. This allows even cooking and plenty of surface for that flavorful marinade to settle in.
Step 2: Whip Up That Delicious Marinade
In a small bowl, mix extra-virgin olive oil, minced garlic, freshly chopped rosemary, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. You’ll appreciate how fragrant and fresh everything smells at this stage — it really sets the tone for the dish.
Step 3: Marinate the Lamb Chops
Place the chops in a baking dish and pour the marinade on top. Turn each chop to coat both sides—this is key for even flavor. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. I once tried grilling immediately without marinating, but the flavor just wasn’t the same. Trust me, the short wait is worth it.
Step 4: Fire Up the Grill
Heat your grill or indoor grill pan to medium-high. When hot, arrange the lamb chops and cook about 3 minutes per side. To hit medium-rare, look for an internal temperature around 135°F (57°C) using an instant-read thermometer. If you like yours more well done, add a minute or two per side, but don’t overdo it—the lamb can dry out fast. After cooking, let the chops rest for a few minutes to seal in those juicy flavors.
Pro Tips for Making Garlic Rosemary Grilled Lamb Chops Recipe
- Use a Sharp Knife: I learned this the hard way—clean cuts between the bones make prepping so much easier and cleaner.
- Don’t Skip Resting: Letting the chops rest after grilling keeps them juicy and lets the juices redistribute.
- Keep the Grill Hot: Preheating the grill ensures those beautiful grill marks and locks flavor in fast.
- Avoid Overmarinating: More than 30-60 minutes can start to break down the lamb too much, leading to mushy texture.
How to Serve Garlic Rosemary Grilled Lamb Chops Recipe

Garnishes
I usually finish with a sprinkle of fresh rosemary leaves and a light drizzle of good-quality olive oil right before serving. Sometimes a wedge of lemon is great too—it adds a fresh, tangy kick that balances the richness of the lamb perfectly.
Side Dishes
This lamb pairs amazingly with garlic mashed potatoes and a simple green salad. Roasted root veggies or grilled asparagus also complement the robust flavors beautifully. When I want to keep it cozy, creamy polenta is my go-to side to soak up every bit of the juices.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to arrange the lamb chops fan-style on a large platter sprinkled with rosemary sprigs, adding some pomegranate seeds for a pop of festive color and touch of brightness. It always makes guests smile and feel special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover grilled lamb chops in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When I do this, I keep them whole rather than slicing to prevent drying out. It’s a simple way to enjoy the delicious flavors again without losing quality.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover lamb chops if needed—wrap each chop tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. They keep well for up to 2 months. When thawed properly in the fridge overnight, they reheat nicely without losing too much juiciness.
Reheating
To reheat, I recommend warming the lamb chops gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or water, covered, to keep them moist. Avoid microwaving if possible—it often dries out the meat. This method helps retain tenderness and flavor.
FAQs
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Can I use dried rosemary instead of fresh in this Garlic Rosemary Grilled Lamb Chops Recipe?
Yes, you can substitute dried rosemary, but since it’s more concentrated, use about one-third the amount of fresh rosemary. The flavor won’t be as vibrant, but it will still add a lovely herbaceous note.
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How do I know when the lamb chops are perfectly cooked?
The best way is to use an instant-read thermometer. For medium-rare, aim for 135°F (57°C) internal temperature. If you don’t have a thermometer, cook about 3 minutes per side for standard thickness, but be cautious as overcooking can dry out the lamb.
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Can I prepare the marinade and chops ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can mix the marinade and marinate the chops up to 24 hours ahead. Just cover and refrigerate. This actually deepens the flavor and makes your dinner prep effortless when guests arrive.
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What if I don’t have a grill—can I still make this recipe?
Yes! An indoor grill pan or even a cast-iron skillet works great. Just preheat it well and cook over medium-high heat, turning the chops carefully to get nice sear marks and cook evenly.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Garlic Rosemary Grilled Lamb Chops Recipe brings bold, fresh flavors with minimal fuss. Every time I make it, my family goes crazy for that garlicky aroma and tender, juicy meat. It’s one of those recipes that makes you feel like a pro chef without the extra work, and honestly, that’s a win in my book. Give it a try—you’ll be so glad you did, and I bet it’ll become a staple in your kitchen too!
Print
Garlic Rosemary Grilled Lamb Chops Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 lamb chops
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description
These Christmas Garlic Rosemary Grilled Lamb Chops are a perfect festive dish featuring tender lamb chops marinated in a fragrant blend of garlic, fresh rosemary, olive oil, and seasoning. Grilled to juicy medium-rare perfection, they offer a deliciously herbaceous and savory flavor ideal for holiday gatherings or special occasions.
Ingredients
Lamb Chops
- 1 rack of lamb (8 lamb chops)
Marinade
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Cut the lamb chops: Slice the rack of lamb into individual chops, ensuring each is evenly cut for consistent cooking.
- Make the marinade: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Stir well to blend all the flavors.
- Marinate the lamb chops: Place the lamb chops into a baking dish. Pour the marinade over the chops, turning them to ensure both sides are evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse the meat.
- Grill the lamb chops: Preheat an outdoor grill or an indoor grill pan to medium-high heat. Place the marinated lamb chops on the grill, cooking for about 3 minutes on each side, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare doneness. Remove from the grill and let rest a few minutes before serving to retain juices and flavor.
Notes
- For a more well-done chop, grill a minute or two longer per side.
- Letting the meat rest after grilling helps lock in juices for a tender bite.
- Fresh rosemary can be substituted with dried, using about one-third of the amount to avoid overpowering the dish.
- Marinate longer for a more intense flavor, up to 2 hours in the fridge.
- Use an instant-read meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness and food safety.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 lamb chop (approx. 3 oz)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 0.2 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0.1 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg


