Get ready to drool over these mouthwatering Garlic Herb Lamb Shoulder Chops! With this easy recipe, you’ll pan-sear the lamb chops first in a skillet, then cook them to perfection in the oven! This meal is just what you’re looking for if you want an impressive dish that is incredibly flavorful and simple to make! (This recipe is dairy-free and naturally gluten-free).

Pair these lamb shoulder chops with my Four Cheese Mac and Cheese, Instant Pot Parsnip Mash, Creamy Dairy-Free Mashed Potatoes, or Maple Roasted Brussel Sprouts for a full-on meal!

Good Food Baddie Lamb Shoulder Chops Recipe

Garlic Herb Lamb Shoulder Chops are great for any occasion! I personally like to make these lamb chops when I am hosting a dinner. It is a super impressive meal, but takes very minimal effort and leaves everyone beyond satisfied! The key to nailing this recipe is all in the marinade and properly cooking the lamb.

lamb shoulder chops served with brussels sprouts and parsnip mash

What Are Lamb Shoulder Chops?

Lamb Shoulder Chops are cut from the top part of the leg of the lamb. This cut is super flavorful and tender when cooked properly. This recipe works perfectly for lamb shoulder chops or lamb loin chops.

What do lamb shoulder chops taste like?

The shoulder of the lamb is an overworked area of the lamb. Therefore, it takes time to tenderize it with a proper marinade and it needs to be cooked properly to yield the best flavor. Done right, lamb shoulder has a rich, gamey flavor that pairs perfectly with fresh herbs like fresh mint, rosemary, or oregano.

Lamb Shoulder Chops marinade ingredients

What You Need To Make This Garlic Herb Lamb Chops Recipe

  • Lamb Shoulder Chops: You’ll need 4 lamb chops, about 8 oz and 1 inch thick each. I use bone-in lamb shoulder chops
  • Fresh Herbs: Parsley, Rosemary, and Thyme are the winning combination for this savory marinade.
  • Fresh Garlic: Don’t skimp on the garlic! I recommend 6 cloves minimum for the best flavor!
  • Shallot: Use one shallot or a fourth of an onion.
  • Olive Oil: You can use olive oil or avocado oil for this marinade.
  • Red Wine Vinegar: The red wine vinegar works in conjunction with the other ingredients to provide flavor and tenderize the meat.
  • Salt & Pepper: Add salt and pepper to the marinade to enhance all of the flavors.

How To Make Lamb Shoulder Chops

How to cook lamb chops
  1. Season the lamb generously with salt and pepper. Set aside
  2. Add all the marinade ingredients to the blender and blend until the ingredients are fully combined.
  3. Marinate the lamb shoulder chops for at least 2 hours or up to 12 hours in the refrigerator. This helps to tenderize the chops and provides deep flavor.
  4. When ready to make the chops, heat 1 tbsp cooking oil or butter in a large oven-safe skillet or cast iron. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
  5. Add the chops to the cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and pan-sear for 2-3 minutes on each side to get a nice, browned exterior.
  6. Transfer the skillet into the oven and cook for at least 10 minutes for rare (15 minutes for medium), flipping halfway through. An instant thermometer should read 125-130°F for rare, 135°F medium-rare, 140°F medium, and 145°F medium-well.
  7. Remove from the oven, and let the lamb shoulder chops rest in the skillet for 5 minutes. Serve with your favorite side dishes and enjoy!
Easy Lamb Shoulder Chops

Tips To Nailing The Recipe

  • Pat the lamb chops with a clean cloth or paper towel to remove any access liquid. Season the lamb generously with salt and pepper before marinating. Do this first, then prepare the marinade. THEN, add the lamb to the marinade.
  • Add a variety of fresh herbs. Try adding fresh mint and fresh oregano to the mix for even more flavor. Add a tablespoon or two of each.
  • Let the lamb marinade as long as possible, overnight is best. The marinade helps tenderize this generally tough cut of meat. The longer the lamb marinades the better the results will be.
  • Make sure the lamb shoulder chops come to room temperature before cooking to ensure they cook evenly. Do this by placing them on the counter for at least 30 minutes before cooking them.

How Long To Cook Lamb Shoulder Chops

The key to nailing this recipe is all in the marinade and how long you cook the lamb chops. The internal temperature for medium-well lamb should read 145°F, which is the safe temperature according to the USDA recommendations. When lamb is cooked past medium it takes on more of a gamey flavor and becomes tougher as it cooks. Try to cook your lamb between rare and medium for the most optimal texture and flavor: 125°F for rare, 135°F medium-rare, and 140°F medium.

lamb chops served with brussels sprouts and parsnip mash

What To Serve With Lamb Shoulder Chops

This lamb shoulder chops recipe pairs perfectly with any of your favorite sides! I love to serve it with my Creamy Parsnip Mash (pictured above) and a light salad. Here are a few more great options:

Garlic Herb Crusted Lamb Shoulder Chops

I hope you enjoy this Garlic Herb Lamb Chops Recipe!

If you make try the recipe, don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know what you think in the comments below! Take pictures, tag #goodfoodbaddie, and share them with me on Instagram! I love hearing from you! 

Want More Lamb Recipes To Try? Check Out These:

Garlic Herb Lamb Shoulder Chops Recipe

Get ready to drool over these mouthwatering Garlic Herb Lamb Shoulder Chops! With this easy recipe, you'll pan-sear the lamb chops first, then cook them to perfection in the oven! This meal is just what you're looking for if you want an impressive meal that is incredibly flavorful and simple to make! (This recipe is dairy-free and naturally gluten-free).
4.97 from 63 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 452kcal
Author: Capri Lilly

Ingredients

  • 4 lamb shoulder chops (about 8 oz each and ~1 inch thick)
  • 1 tsp Sea Salt
  • 1 tsp Black Pepper

Marinade Ingredients

  • 2 4 inch Sprigs of Rosemary
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Thyme
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley, packed
  • 6 Garlic Cloves
  • 1/2 cup Olive Oil (or Avocado Oil)
  • 2 tbsp Red Wine Vinegar
  • 1 Shallot
  • 1 tsp Sea Salt or to taste
  • 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
  • 1/2 tsp Red Crushed Pepper, optional

Instructions

  • Season the lamb generously with salt and pepper. Set aside
  • Add all the marinade ingredients to the blender and blend until the ingredients are fully combined.
  • Marinate the lamb shoulder chops for at least 2 hours or up to 12 hours. This helps to tenderize the chops and provides deep flavor.
  • When ready to make the chops, heat 1 tbsp of cooking oil or butter in a large oven-safe skillet or cast iron over medium-high heat. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
  • Add the chops to the skillet and pan-sear for 2-3 minutes on each side to get a nice, browned exterior.
  • Transfer the skillet into the oven and cook for at least 10 minutes for rare (15 minutes for medium). An instant thermometer should read 125-130°F for rare, 135°F medium-rare, 140°F medium, and 145°F medium-well.
  • Remove from the oven, and let the lamb shoulder chops rest in the skillet for 5 minutes. Serve with your favorite side dishes and enjoy!

Notes

Tips To Nailing The Recipe

  • Pat the lamb chops with a clean cloth or paper towel to remove any access liquid. 
  • Add a variety of fresh herbs. Try adding fresh mint and fresh oregano to the mix for even more flavor. Add a tablespoon or two of each.
  • Let the lamb marinade as long as possible, overnight is best. The marinade helps tenderize this generally tough cut of meat. The longer the lamb marinades the better the results will be.
  • Make sure the lamb shoulder chops come to room temperature before cooking to ensure they cook evenly. Do this by placing them on the counter for at least 30 minutes before cooking.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 452kcal | Carbohydrates: 4.1g | Protein: 29.3g | Fat: 7.7g | Saturated Fat: 7.7g | Cholesterol: 96mg | Sodium: 284mg | Potassium: 397mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.1g | Calcium: 66mg | Iron: 5mg

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48 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    I have a huge obsession with lamb! This was a wonderful way to cook it, and I loved the garlicky flavor. It was tender coming out of the oven, and I paired them with your delicious potatoes!

  2. 5 stars
    Our kiddos love lamb, so I grab what I can find, when I can find it. They loved you recipe. The meat was super tender and they were super easy to make. We’ll be adding them to the dinner rotation!

  3. 5 stars
    That is a killer marinade I have been using on everything. What an easy preparation! I used it on chicken and also some fresh cod. It was just as delicious as with these amazing lamb chops.

  4. 5 stars
    This lamb recipe was the perfect way for me to try out cooking with lamb – I loved it! Plus, paired with your Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes – it was a hit!

  5. 5 stars
    I’m a garlic lover and I love the unapologetic amount of garlic in this recipe. These came out perfectly cooked and the flavor was ON POINT!

  6. 5 stars
    These lamb shoulder chops were outstanding! I took your advice and cooked them just to medium and they were perfectly tender and juicy!

  7. 5 stars
    The most juicy lambchops i have EVER made! The flavors were also extra flavorfand complimented the lamb to perfection! Illbe making this over and over!

  8. 5 stars
    I am thrilled that I found this recipe! The hubby requested lamb for his birthday, and I had no idea how to cook it! Your instructions were clear, and this dinner was a HUGE success!

  9. 5 stars
    These lamb shoulders were so tender and delicious. I served them with your creamy garlic mashed potatoes and it was the perfect pairing!

  10. 5 stars
    I love lamb, and this recipe skyrocketed to the top of my list! Wow! The flavors are amazing and lamb combined with fresh herbs is always a win-win. So good!

  11. This was my first time making lamb and I’m so glad that I used this recipe because not only was it delicious, it was so much easier to make than I expected! Thanks so much Capri!

  12. 5 stars
    This was perfect for our last Friday night dinner–we cook something at home and try to get fancy with it!

  13. 5 stars
    This was my first time making lamb shoulder chops and it turned out perfect thanks to your recipe!!! Thanks for detailed instructions!!

  14. 5 stars
    These lamb shoulder chops are so tender and have such a delicious flavour. The marinade with garlic, rosemary and thyme compliments the lamb perfectly. Such a comforting meal for the whole family. Thank you.

  15. 5 stars
    I had never made lamb chops before, but I had to try them when I saw your recipe. I’m so glad I did! They were so tasty, and my whole family loved them!

  16. 5 stars
    What a great midweek dinner 🙂
    We love lamb, adding the garlic and herbs was awesome the flavours were amazing, thank you so much for sharing!!

  17. 5 stars
    So yummy! Great tips on marine and cooking time, they were juicy and delicious. That marinade is crazy good, we’re trying it on chicken next! Thanks

  18. 5 stars
    Wow, that skillet of lamb chops looks amazing. This is one thing I have never made, but this recipe has changed my mind. Thanks for providing the great cooking tips.

  19. 5 stars
    I had never cooked with lamb before, but this recipe looked amazing, and your directions were so easy to follow that I went to the store and bought some. I made it for my husband for date night, and he was so impressed! Thank you for the great recipe!

    1. Hi! When you first pan-sear the lamb, do not add any marinade to the skillet. If you would like to add some of the marinade to the lamb or baste it before putting it in the oven you can.

  20. 5 stars
    I followed your recipe exactly and it came out perfect!! I made it last night for my girlfriend and she was really impressed!

  21. 5 stars
    Not only was this my first time cooking lamb it was my first time eating lamb. I’ve been wanting to try lamb for a while and after I got it I had no idea how to prepare it. This recipe sounded good and is so easy to make. The flavors are out of this world! It is amazing. My honey, who had no idea what kind of meat we were eating, declared it one of the best meals he ever had. I think this marinade would also work well with chicken or pork. I will definitely be making this again.

    1. That makes me so happy! I love to hear it! And I certainly agree, this marinade would be delicious with pork or chicken. Thanks for leaving a review! I am glad your first time with lamb went so well. 🙂

  22. 5 stars
    I’m a big fan of lamb but my go-to in the past for chops has been EVOO, minced garlic and rosemary. I LOVE this marinade, and cannot wait to try it on salmon, too. Thanks for the great recipe!

  23. 5 stars
    Preface: I’m a Lamb Chop Snob. It’s true. Traditional chops are expensive here in the Caribbean, and with all the other food prices escalating as well, I chose some shoulder (blade) chops to give a try. I wasn’t hopeful, as in the past they had always turned out unbearably tough.

    I followed your recipe to the letter and preparation instructions to the letter, and OH MY GOOOODNESS. Honestly, some of the best chops I’ve ever eaten in life. Herb marinade is spot on. Preparation instructions created a tender, flavor-packed chop.

    I’m writing this review just as I finished my chops, and finishing my glass of wine. Your recipe is perfection.
    (I don’t give glowing reviews like this, but I just did, didn’t I?….I’m a true snob when it comes to my food.)

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