Mouthwatering Slow-Cooked BBQ Goat Chops
Nutritional value per serving
Calories420kcal
Carbs4gram
Fat25gram
Protein38gram
Ingredients
- Goat chops (about 2.2 pounds or 1 kg)1 kg
- Olive oil (choose extra virgin for best flavor)2 tbsp
- BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)1 cup
- Garlic cloves (fresh, peeled)4 pieces
- Smoked paprika (adds smoky depth)1 tbsp
- Ground cumin (choose fresh and fragrant)1 tsp
- Salt (kosher or sea salt is preferred)1.5 tsp
- Black pepper (freshly ground)1 tsp
- Onion powder (optional for extra flavor)1 tsp
- Brown sugar (helps with caramelization)1 tbsp
This slow-cooked BBQ goat chops recipe brings out rich flavors and tender meat that almost melts in your mouth. Using simple ingredients you can find at any supermarket, we guide you through easy, safe steps to create a delicious meal even if you're a beginner. Total ingredient cost is approximately $18 USD / €16 / £14 / ₹1400. This recipe yields about 4 servings with each serving containing approximately 420 kcal. It's a medium difficulty dish and requires patience as it slowly cooks in the oven for several hours, but the result is well worth the wait.
Preparation instructions
Prep the goat chops
1Pat the goat chops dry with paper towels to help the marinade stick. This also ensures a better sear later.
Make the marinade
2In a bowl, mix olive oil, BBQ sauce, minced garlic, smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, pepper, onion powder, and brown sugar.
Marinate the goat chops
3Place goat chops in a large bowl or ziplock bag and coat evenly with the marinade. Seal and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to let flavors penetrate.
Preheat your oven
4Set your oven to 130°C (265°F) to prepare for slow cooking.
Sear the goat chops
5Heat a heavy skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Add a bit of oil and sear each side of the goat chops for 2-3 minutes until browned. This locks in flavor and juices.
Transfer to baking dish
6Place the seared goat chops into a baking dish. Pour any remaining marinade over the meat for extra flavor and moisture during cooking.
Slow cook the chops
7Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil or lid and place in the preheated oven. Slow cook for 2.5 to 3 hours until the meat is tender.
Check doneness and temperature
8Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches at least 71°C (160°F) to safely eat goat meat. The meat should be tender and easily pierced with a fork.
Rest before serving
9Remove from oven and let goat chops rest covered for 10 minutes. This helps juices redistribute for moist, flavorful meat.
Cooking Tips
1Avoid cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards for raw meat and vegetables.
2If you don’t have a meat thermometer, check tenderness by piercing meat with a fork; it should feel soft.
3For an extra smoky BBQ flavor, add a few drops of liquid smoke to the marinade.
4Leftover goat chops refrigerate well for 3 days and can be gently reheated covered to prevent drying.
Equipment
- Oven
- Heavy skillet or frying pan
- Baking dish with lid or aluminum foil
- Meat thermometer (highly recommended)
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Grocery Shopping List
- [ ] Goat chops, approx. 1 kg (~$12): Choose fresh meat with a pink color and firm texture.
- [ ] Olive oil, extra virgin (~$4): Look for a cold-pressed label for best quality.
- [ ] BBQ sauce, your favorite brand (~$3): Pick one with balanced sweetness and smokiness.
- [ ] Fresh garlic (~$0.50): Select firm bulbs without mold.
- [ ] Smoked paprika (~$1): Choose a fresh jar with vibrant color.
- [ ] Ground cumin (~$1): Prefer freshly ground if possible for better aroma.
- [ ] Kosher salt or sea salt (~$1): Coarse salt preferred.
- [ ] Ground black pepper (~$1): Freshly ground is best.
- [ ] Onion powder (optional) (~$1): Check for freshness.
- [ ] Brown sugar (~$1): Use packed brown sugar for moisture.
Estimated total cost: ~$18
FAQ
How do I know when the goat chops are fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached at least 71°C (160°F). The meat should also be tender and easily pierced with a fork.
Can I marinate the goat chops for longer?
Yes, marinating overnight enhances flavor and tenderness, but avoid marinating for more than 24 hours as the texture can become mushy.
What if I don’t have a meat thermometer?
You can check doneness by piercing the meat with a fork; it should feel tender and not resistant. Also, cooking for the full recommended time usually results in tender meat.
Can I cook the goat chops in a slow cooker instead of an oven?
Yes, you can transfer the seared chops and marinade to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours until tender.
How should I store leftovers?
Store cooled leftover goat chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to retain moisture.