If you’re craving a dish that feels both fancy and effortlessly delicious, I’ve got just the thing for you. This Garlic Rosemary Grilled Lamb Chops Recipe is my go-to when I want to impress guests or just treat myself to something special without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of garlic and fresh rosemary with perfectly grilled lamb chops creates a mouthwatering flavor that’s hard to beat. Trust me, once you try this, your family will be asking for it on repeat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: You probably already have garlic, rosemary, and olive oil — no fancy shopping needed.
- Quick Marinade: Just 30 minutes and your lamb soaks up all the flavor before hitting the grill.
- Perfectly Grilled: Achieving that juicy, medium-rare chop with a beautiful char is so satisfying every time.
- Versatile Serving: Goes beautifully with various sides and garnishes to keep things fresh and fun.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Garlic Rosemary Grilled Lamb Chops Recipe really shines through with just a handful of ingredients that complement each other perfectly. I always recommend using fresh rosemary and fresh garlic if you can—they make a big difference in flavor.
- Rack of lamb: Fresh and preferably frenched for easy chopping; look for good marbling for flavor and tenderness.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: I use a fruity, high-quality brand to enhance the marinade’s richness.
- Garlic cloves: Freshly minced garlic is key here—pre-minced just doesn’t pack the same punch.
- Fresh rosemary: Finely chopped to release all those piney, earthy notes that pair so beautifully with lamb.
- Kosher salt: Always use kosher salt for better seasoning without any bitterness.
- Ground black pepper: Freshly cracked for that extra layer of warmth and spice.
Variations
I love that this Garlic Rosemary Grilled Lamb Chops Recipe is a blank canvas for all kinds of flavor twists — so don’t be afraid to make it your own! Whether you want to dial up the spice or switch up the herbs, there’s room for creativity here.
- Herb Variations: I sometimes swap rosemary for thyme or add a bit of fresh oregano for a Mediterranean vibe.
- Spicy Kick: If you like a little heat, mix in some crushed red pepper flakes with the marinade.
- Glazing Option: A quick honey mustard glaze brushed on in the last minute of grilling adds a lovely sweet contrast.
- Dietary Tweaks: For a low-sodium version, reduce the salt and boost flavor with lemon zest or smoked paprika instead.
How to Make Garlic Rosemary Grilled Lamb Chops Recipe
Step 1: Slice the rack of lamb into individual chops
Start by carefully slicing the rack into 8 individual chops if your butcher hasn’t done this already. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts—this makes grilling so much easier and ensures even cooking. I usually ask my butcher to french the bones, which looks beautiful and is easier to handle on the grill.
Step 2: Prepare the marinade with garlic, rosemary, and olive oil
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, finely chopped rosemary, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. This marinade is super simple but packs intense flavor. You’ll notice the aroma already making your mouth water.
Step 3: Marinate the lamb chops
Place the chops in a shallow baking dish and pour the marinade over them. Flip each chop so both sides get generously coated. Then cover and pop it into the fridge for 30 minutes. This step lets the flavors soak in nicely without overpowering the natural lamb taste.
Step 4: Grill the lamb chops to juicy perfection
Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high. Place the chops down and listen for that satisfying sizzle—this is where the magic happens. Grill for about 3 minutes a side for medium-rare, or a little longer if you prefer more done. I always use an instant-read thermometer to hit exactly 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare. Rest the chops a few minutes before serving so the juices redistribute.
Pro Tips for Making Garlic Rosemary Grilled Lamb Chops Recipe
- Room Temperature Lamb: Take your lamb chops out of the fridge about 20 minutes before grilling for more even cooking.
- Don’t Skip the Rest: I learned this the hard way—resting the chops after grilling keeps them juicy and tender.
- Use a Grill Pan Indoors: If outdoor grilling isn’t an option, a cast-iron grill pan gives beautiful grill marks and flavor.
- Check Early for Doneness: Lamb cooks quickly, so start checking a bit sooner to avoid overcooking.
How to Serve Garlic Rosemary Grilled Lamb Chops Recipe

Garnishes
I love garnishing these lamb chops with a sprinkle of fresh chopped rosemary or a few lemon wedges on the side to brighten up those rich flavors. Sometimes I add a drizzle of good olive oil and a pinch of flaky sea salt just before serving—it’s those small touches that really elevate the dish.
Side Dishes
My favorite sides with this Garlic Rosemary Grilled Lamb Chops Recipe include roasted garlic mashed potatoes, crisp grilled asparagus, or a fresh Greek salad. On special nights, I whip up a mint apple sauce as a refreshing alternative to mint jelly—it really complements the lamb beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For holidays or dinner parties, I like to arrange the chops elegantly on a large platter with sprigs of rosemary and scattered pomegranate seeds for a pop of color. Adding grilled lemon halves and a little bowl of dipping sauce on the side makes the presentation feel really inviting and festive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftover lamb chops in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure they’re cooled to room temperature before sealing to keep them from getting soggy. When you’re ready to eat, you’ll find they still taste delicious with just a little reheating.
Freezing
While fresh is best, you can freeze grilled lamb chops wrapped tightly in foil and placed in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. I recommend freezing them without sauce or garnish to maintain texture and flavor. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To keep the lamb juicy when reheating, I gently warm the chops in a low oven (around 275°F) for 10-15 minutes, tented with foil. This slow heat helps avoid drying out. A quick sear in a hot pan after reheating can help refresh those beautiful grill marks and flavors.
FAQs
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Can I use dried rosemary instead of fresh?
You can, but fresh rosemary really makes a big flavor difference in this recipe. If using dried, reduce the amount by half since it’s more concentrated, and consider grinding it finely so it mixes well in the marinade.
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How do I know when the lamb chops are done?
I highly recommend using an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness. For medium-rare, look for an internal temperature of 135°F (57°C). The chops will continue to cook slightly while resting.
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Can I marinate the lamb chops longer than 30 minutes?
Absolutely! Marinating for up to 4 hours in the fridge will deepen the flavors. Just avoid going too long (like overnight) as the acid in the marinade could start to change the texture of the meat.
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What if I don’t have a grill—can I use the oven?
Yes, you can broil the lamb chops on high for about 4 minutes per side in the oven. Watch closely to avoid burning and turn once halfway through. This won’t give you the exact grilled char but still yields great flavor.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Garlic Rosemary Grilled Lamb Chops Recipe turns out every time—and I think you will too. It’s one of those dishes that feels special yet doesn’t require a ton of effort, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend entertaining. Once you get the hang of the grilling and marinade timing, you’ll be making this on repeat, trust me. So go ahead, fire up the grill, and treat yourself and your loved ones to these tender, flavorful chops—they’re a true crowd-pleaser!
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
Experience the perfect balance of bold flavors and tender meat with these Garlic Rosemary Grilled Lamb Chops. Marinated in a fragrant blend of minced garlic, fresh rosemary, and extra virgin olive oil, then grilled to juicy medium-rare perfection, these lamb chops are ideal for holiday feasts or summer cookouts. The simple yet aromatic marinade enhances the natural richness of lamb, while quick grilling ensures a deliciously charred exterior and tender interior.
Ingredients
For the Lamb Chops
- 1 rack of lamb (8 lamb chops)
For the 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 8 individual chops to prepare them for marinating and grilling.
- Make the Marinade: In a small bowl, combine the extra-virgin olive oil, minced garlic, finely chopped rosemary, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Stir thoroughly to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
- Marinate the Lamb Chops: Place the lamb chops in a baking dish and pour the marinade over them. Turn the chops to coat both sides evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to let the flavors infuse the meat.
- Grill the Lamb Chops: Preheat an outdoor grill or an indoor grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the lamb chops for approximately 3 minutes per side. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare doneness.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the lamb chops from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes to redistribute the juices. Serve warm, optionally accompanied by mint apple sauce as a fresh alternative to traditional mint jelly.
Notes
- Grill marks add a perfect charred flavor to these lamb chops, making them ideal for holidays and grilling season.
- Marinating the meat enhances tenderness and infuses it with robust garlic and rosemary flavors.
- For an easy twist, serve with homemade mint apple sauce instead of classic mint jelly.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to avoid overcooking and achieve perfect medium-rare lamb every time.
- Watch the accompanying video tutorial to see step-by-step preparation and grilling techniques.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 lamb chop
- Calories: 293
- Sugar: 0.01 g
- Sodium: 326 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0.1 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 47 mg

