If you’re craving something that’s bursting with flavor yet wonderfully simple to pull off, you’ve come to the right place. I absolutely love this Garlic Rosemary Grilled Lamb Chops Recipe because it transforms a humble rack of lamb into a juicy, herbaceous masterpiece that your whole family will adore. Trust me, once you try grilling these chops with a punchy garlic and rosemary marinade, you’ll see why it’s a go-to for festive dinners or weekend cookouts.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Just a handful of kitchen staples come together to make a stunning meal.
- Perfectly Juicy: This method locks in the lamb’s natural juices while adding incredible aroma.
- Quick to Make: The whole process, from marinating to resting, fits easily into your busy day.
- Festival Favorite: Ideal for celebrations or impressing friends with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient here plays an important part: the olive oil softens and carries the garlic and rosemary’s flavors deep into the meat, while the salt and pepper season beautifully without overpowering. When shopping, fresh rosemary and good-quality olive oil will make a noticeable difference.

- Rack of lamb: Look for a rack with nicely trimmed fat for more even grilling and less flare-ups.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps infuse the marinade with garlic and herb flavor.
- Garlic cloves: Freshly minced garlic gives a sharp, aromatic punch that dried just can’t match.
- Fresh rosemary: Finely chop to release those fragrant oils and intensify the flavor impact.
- Kosher salt: Use kosher salt to tenderize and season the lamb gently.
- Ground black pepper: A little pepper adds subtle heat and earthiness, balancing flavors perfectly.
Variations
I love how versatile this Garlic Rosemary Grilled Lamb Chops Recipe can be—you can easily tweak the herbs or spices to suit your taste or occasion. Feel free to make it your own! Here are some variations I’ve tried over time:
- Adding lemon zest and juice: It brightens the flavor and adds a fresh citrus note that pairs beautifully with the rosemary.
- Using thyme instead of rosemary: A lovely alternative if you want a slightly mellower herb profile.
- Spicy kick: Toss in some crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle heat that wakes up the palate.
- Herb crusted: Press chopped parsley and mint onto the chops before grilling for a fresh twist that my family goes crazy for during summer BBQs.
How to Make Garlic Rosemary Grilled Lamb Chops Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Cut Your Lamb Chops
Start by slicing the rack of lamb into individual chops. I usually ask my butcher to do this if I’m short on time—they’re happy to help and it frees you from sawing through the bones yourself! Ensure the chops are evenly cut for consistent grilling. If you want thinner chops, ask for a butterflying cut to help the marinade soak in more deeply.
Step 2: Whip Up the Flavorful Marinade
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, kosher salt, and black pepper. I love stirring this until it smells irresistibly garlicky and herbal—that’s when you know your lamb is about to be amazing. Pro tip: let the mixture sit for a few minutes before marinating so the flavors get well acquainted.
Step 3: Marinate Like a Pro
Place the lamb chops in a shallow baking dish or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the chops, making sure each piece is evenly coated. Pop it into the fridge for at least 30 minutes—this also works well overnight if you want an even stronger flavor kick. Just make sure to bring the lamb back to room temperature before grilling for even cooking.
Step 4: Grill to Juicy Perfection
Heat your grill or indoor grill pan to medium-high heat. I love that sizzle when the lamb hits the grill! Cook the chops about 3 minutes per side for medium-rare, or until an instant-read thermometer hits 135°F (57°C). Remember, it’s best to let the lamb rest for a few minutes after grilling so juices redistribute—this is the little secret to juicy chops every single time.
Pro Tips for Making Garlic Rosemary Grilled Lamb Chops Recipe
- Marinate Long Enough: I once rushed skipping this step and the flavor was muted—30 minutes minimum is key.
- Room Temperature Meat: Bringing the lamb to room temp before grilling helps it cook more evenly and prevents toughness.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: This tool saved me from overcooking repeatedly—medium-rare is perfect for tender chops.
- Rest Before Serving: Resting for 5 minutes means all the juices stay right where you want them—in the meat.
How to Serve Garlic Rosemary Grilled Lamb Chops Recipe

Garnishes
I usually finish these lamb chops with a sprinkle of fresh rosemary leaves and a little lemon zest. Sometimes I add a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil right before serving for a glossy, mouthwatering look. It’s simple, fresh, and brings out the herbs’ aroma beautifully.
Side Dishes
My go-to sides are creamy mashed potatoes or a light couscous salad with cherry tomatoes and mint. Roasted vegetables work wonders too, especially when tossed with a bit of garlic and rosemary to echo the main dish’s flavors. Trust me, these combos make the lamb chops shine even brighter.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like placing the grilled lamb chops on a rustic wooden board with sprigs of fresh rosemary and small bowls of dipping sauces like mint yogurt or a tangy balsamic glaze. It turns a simple meal into a true showstopper without any extra stress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover lamb chops keep really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. I usually wrap them tightly in foil and store them flat so they don’t get squished or dried out.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freezing works too. Make sure to wrap each chop individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag—that way, they don’t stick together and you can thaw just what you need. I’ve had great success freezing up to a month with minimal quality loss.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) wrapped loosely in foil to keep the chops moist. Alternatively, a quick warm-up in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth works well. Avoid the microwave if you want to maintain tenderness.
FAQs
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Can I use dried rosemary instead of fresh in this recipe?
While fresh rosemary is ideal for its vibrant flavor and aroma, you can substitute dried rosemary if needed. Use about one-third the amount of fresh rosemary called for, and crush it lightly to release its oils. Just keep in mind the flavor won’t be quite as bright.
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How do I know when my lamb chops are done?
The best way is to use an instant-read thermometer and cook until the internal temperature reaches 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare. The meat will be juicy and tender at this point. If you prefer more well-done meat, aim for 145°F (63°C), but be careful not to overcook.
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Can I grill lamb chops indoors if I don’t have an outdoor grill?
Absolutely! A good quality grill pan works great inside. Just preheat it well and make sure to get a nice sear on both sides for that classic grilled flavor and appealing grill marks.
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Is it necessary to marinate the lamb?
Marinating isn’t strictly necessary, but it really enhances the flavor and tenderness of the lamb chops. If you’re short on time, even 15-20 minutes of marinating will add a nice boost.
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What should I serve with garlic rosemary grilled lamb chops?
Classic sides like roasted potatoes, sautéed green beans, or a fresh salad complement the strong flavors of these lamb chops beautifully. I also love pairing them with couscous or quinoa salads for a lighter option.
Final Thoughts
Whenever I make this Garlic Rosemary Grilled Lamb Chops Recipe, it feels like a special occasion, even on a busy weeknight. The flavors are bold yet balanced, and I love how easy it is to get restaurant-quality results right at home. I really think you’ll enjoy preparing and sharing this meal as much as I do—it’s a recipe that brings people together around the table. Give it a try and watch everyone’s faces light up after the first bite!
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: Western
Description
Deliciously seasoned Christmas Garlic Rosemary Grilled Lamb Chops featuring a fragrant marinade and perfectly grilled to medium-rare for a tender and flavorful holiday main course.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 rack of lamb (8 lamb chops)
- 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 even thickness for consistent cooking.
- Make the marinade: In a small bowl, combine the extra-virgin olive oil, minced garlic, finely chopped rosemary, kosher salt, and ground black pepper, stirring well to blend all flavors.
- Marinate the lamb chops: Arrange the lamb chops in a baking dish and pour the prepared marinade over them, making sure each chop is thoroughly coated on both sides. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to infuse the flavors.
- 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 and cook for about 3 minutes per side. Use an instant-read thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare doneness. Remove from heat and let the chops rest for a few minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
Notes
- For a more well-done lamb chop, cook longer until desired internal temperature is reached.
- Letting the lamb rest after grilling helps retain juiciness.
- Fresh rosemary can be substituted with dried rosemary if needed, but use less as dried herbs are more concentrated.
- Use a thermometer for best accuracy in doneness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 lamb chop
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 0.2 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg


