
Succulent Slow-Cooked Garlic Lamb Chops
Nutritional value per serving
Calories350kcal
Carbs2gram
Fat22gram
Protein30gram
Ingredients
- Lamb chops (bone-in, about 1 inch thick)4 pieces
- Garlic cloves, minced (choose firm, plump cloves)4 pieces
- Olive oil (extra virgin for best flavor)2 tbsp
- Fresh rosemary, finely chopped (choose bright green stems)1 tbsp
- Salt (preferably sea salt or kosher salt)1 tsp
- Black pepper, freshly cracked0.5 tsp
- Beef or vegetable broth (low sodium)100 ml
- Lemon juice (optional, fresh squeezed)1 tbsp

This recipe for slow-cooked garlic lamb chops delivers tender, flavorful meat that's perfect for a comforting meal. The slow cooking process with garlic and herbs infuses the lamb with rich aroma and delicious taste, making it a fantastic choice for home cooks seeking a simple yet impressive dish. The total cost of the ingredients is approximately $15 USD, €14, £12, and ₹1,200. The dish yields 4 servings, and each serving contains roughly 350 kcal. It's suitable for a low-carb diet and is rated as easy to medium difficulty. The total preparation and cooking time is around 4 hours and 15 minutes, with most of that time being hands-off slow cooking.
Preparation instructions
Prepare the marinade
1In a small bowl, combine minced garlic, olive oil, chopped rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well mixed. This marinade will infuse wonderful flavors into the lamb.
Marinate the lamb chops
2Rub the marinade all over the lamb chops, ensuring they are evenly coated. Cover and let them marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour. This step tenderizes the meat and enhances the flavor.
Preheat the slow cooker
3Set your slow cooker to the 'low' setting. This cooks the lamb gently and keeps it succulent.
Sear the lamb chops (optional but recommended)
4Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of olive oil. Once hot, sear the lamb chops for 2 minutes on each side until browned. This step locks in juices and adds extra flavor but can be skipped if short on time.
Transfer to slow cooker with broth
5Place the seared lamb chops into the slow cooker. Pour the broth over the chops to keep them moist while cooking.
Slow cook the lamb chops
6Cover and cook on 'low' for 4 hours. The lamb will become very tender. Avoid opening the lid frequently to maintain a stable cooking temperature.
Check internal temperature for safety
7Using a meat thermometer, check the internal temperature of the lamb chops. The safe minimum internal temperature for lamb is 63°C (145°F) followed by a 3-minute rest. If you prefer them more tender or well-done, you may cook longer; lamb is safe above 63°C.
Rest the meat before serving
8Once cooked, remove the lamb chops and let them rest for 5 minutes. Resting allows juices to redistribute, enhancing tenderness and juiciness.
Cooking Tips
1Marinate the lamb overnight for even more flavor and tenderness.
2If you don't have fresh rosemary, dried rosemary can be used; just reduce the quantity by half to avoid bitterness.
3Use a meat thermometer for best results to avoid under or overcooking.
4To avoid cross-contamination, always wash your hands and utensils after handling raw lamb.
5You can add vegetables like carrots or potatoes into the slow cooker for a complete meal.
Equipment needed
- Slow cooker
- Skillet or frying pan (for searing)
- Small mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Meat thermometer
- Knife and chopping board
Grocery Shopping List
- [ ] Lamb chops (about 4 pieces, bone-in) - Approx. $12, €11, £10, ₹950. Choose fresh, pinkish-red chops with firm texture.
- [ ] Garlic cloves (4 pieces) - Approx. $0.30, €0.25, £0.22, ₹20. Look for firm, unblemished cloves.
- [ ] Olive oil (extra virgin, small bottle) - Approx. $3, €2.50, £2.20, ₹200. Choose cold-pressed, extra virgin for best flavor.
- [ ] Fresh rosemary (1 small bundle) - Approx. $1, €0.90, £0.80, ₹80. Select bright green, fragrant sprigs.
- [ ] Beef or vegetable broth (100 ml) - Approx. $1.50, €1.40, £1.20, ₹120. Prefer low sodium for health.
- [ ] Lemon (optional, 1 piece) - Approx. $0.50, €0.45, £0.40, ₹40. Choose firm, heavy lemons with bright skin.
Total Approximate Cost: $18.30, €16.60, £15.02, ₹1,410
FAQ
How do I know when the lamb chops are fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the lamb chop. The safe minimum internal temperature is 63°C (145°F) with a 3-minute rest time. Cooking to this temperature ensures your lamb is safe to eat and delicious.
Can I use frozen lamb chops for this recipe?
Yes, but ensure they are fully thawed before marinating and cooking to ensure even cooking and food safety.
Is it necessary to sear the lamb chops before slow cooking?
Searing is optional but recommended. It enhances flavor and locks in juices, resulting in tastier lamb.
Can I cook the lamb chops on high instead of low?
You can cook on high, but the cooking time will reduce to about 2 hours. Slow cooking on low results in more tender meat.
How can I avoid cross-contamination when handling raw lamb?
Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap after handling raw lamb, clean utensils and surfaces with hot soapy water, and avoid letting raw meat juices come in contact with ready-to-eat foods.