Pan-Seared Lamb Chops with Greek Tzatziki Sauce

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

Juicy lamb chops pan-seared to medium-rare, served with a refreshing cucumber-yogurt tzatziki sauce rich in garlic and dill. This greek-inspired lamb ready in about 20 minutes blends chops, about 1-inch thick lamb chops, tablespoons olive oil, teaspoon salt 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 320 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: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Greek cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 lamb chops and season both sides with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Step 2: Add lamb chops to the skillet and sear for 4 minutes on each side for medium-rare, until a deep brown crust forms and the internal temperature reads 135°F. Remove and rest for 5 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, in a bowl combine 1 cup Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup finely grated and drained cucumber, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil. Stir until smooth and chilled.
  4. Step 4: Serve lamb chops alongside a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Lamb Chops with Greek Tzatziki Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 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 Pan-Seared Lamb Chops with Greek Tzatziki 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 Pan-Seared Lamb Chops with Greek Tzatziki 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 Pan-Seared Lamb Chops with Greek Tzatziki 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 Pan-Seared Lamb Chops with Greek Tzatziki Sauce?

Greek 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.

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