Easy Baked Lamb Chops with Mint Chimichurri Recipe
This Easy Baked Lamb Chop Recipe with Mint Chimichurri is a flavorful and simple way to enjoy tender lamb chops paired with a fresh, herbaceous mint chimichurri sauce. The lamb chops are first seared to lock in juices, then baked to perfection alongside your choice of vegetables, making this dish both delicious and easy to prepare for a satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus optional marinating time of 1-24 hours)
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes (excluding marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
Scale
Lamb Chops
- 2 lb lamb chops
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
Mint Chimichurri
- 1 cup fresh parsley
- 1 cup fresh mint
- ½ cup olive oil
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp salt
- 4 cloves garlic (omit for FODMAP diets)
- ½ tsp pepper
Optional Marinade for Lamb Chops
- 1 cup red wine
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- 4 cloves garlic
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme
Instructions
- Optional Marinating: If desired, prepare the marinade by blending the optional marinade ingredients (red wine, olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic, and thyme) until combined. Place the lamb chops in a large ziplock bag with the marinade and refrigerate for 1 hour to 24 hours for enhanced flavor.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) to prepare for baking the lamb chops and vegetables.
- Season and Sear the Lamb: Remove lamb chops from the marinade (if used) or directly if not marinating. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Heat a large pan over high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, sear the lamb chops on each side for 1 to 2 minutes until browned, which helps lock in the juices.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the seared lamb chops to a large baking dish or keep them in the oven-safe pan. Add your choice of vegetables such as asparagus, broccolini, or cauliflower around the lamb for a complete meal.
- Bake: Place the baking dish or pan in the preheated oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the lamb reaches your preferred level of doneness.
- Make the Mint Chimichurri: While the lamb bakes, combine the fresh parsley, fresh mint, olive oil, red pepper flakes, salt, garlic (if using), and pepper in a blender or food processor. Blend until finely chopped and emulsified to create a vibrant herb sauce.
- Serve: Remove lamb chops and vegetables from the oven. Serve the lamb chops hot, topped generously with the mint chimichurri sauce for a fresh, zesty finish.
Notes
- Marinating the lamb chops is optional but recommended for deeper flavor; marinate for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours in the refrigerator.
- Omitting garlic in the chimichurri is suitable for those following a FODMAP diet.
- Choose vegetables that bake well at 400°F such as asparagus, broccolini, or cauliflower to serve alongside the lamb.
- Use an oven-safe pan for seamless transfer from stovetop searing to oven baking, or transfer to a baking dish if your pan is not oven-safe.
Keywords: lamb chops, baked lamb, mint chimichurri, easy lamb recipe, Mediterranean lamb, herb sauce, seared lamb, roasted vegetables
