Mediterranean Herb-Crusted Lamb Chops with Garlic Yogurt Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender lamb chops coated with a fragrant herb crust and served with a cool and tangy garlic yogurt sauce. This mediterranean-inspired lamb ready in about 30 minutes blends chops (about 1.5 lbs) lamb rib chops, fresh rosemary, finely chopped, fresh thyme, finely chopped into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 450 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 2 tbsp chopped rosemary, 2 tbsp chopped thyme, 3 minced garlic cloves, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper to create the herb crust mixture.
  2. Step 2: Pat 8 lamb rib chops dry and rub the herb mixture evenly on both sides. Let rest at room temperature for 15 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until very hot. Sear lamb chops for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or until desired doneness. Remove and let rest 5 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, in a small bowl, stir together 1 cup Greek yogurt, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1/4 cup finely diced cucumber, and 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill to make the garlic yogurt sauce.
  5. Step 5: Serve lamb chops hot with a dollop of the garlic yogurt sauce on the side.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Mediterranean Herb-Crusted Lamb Chops with Garlic Yogurt Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (20 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Mediterranean Herb-Crusted Lamb Chops with Garlic Yogurt Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Mediterranean Herb-Crusted Lamb Chops with Garlic Yogurt Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Mediterranean Herb-Crusted Lamb Chops with Garlic Yogurt Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Mediterranean Herb-Crusted Lamb Chops with Garlic Yogurt Sauce?

Mediterranean lamb like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

Related recipes