20-Minute Cherry-Glazed Lamb Chops

Prep: 15 min6 servingsmedium
Cherry-Glazed Lamb Chops with Balsamic Rosemary Glaze

Tender lamb rib chops get a sophisticated sweet-tangy glaze made from cherry preserves, balsamic vinegar, and fresh rosemary. The broiling method creates a beautifully caramelized exterior while keeping the meat juicy inside. This elegant dish is perfect for date nights or special occasions when you want restaurant-quality results in under 15 minutes. The reserved glaze serves as a flavorful sauce alongside the chops.

Ingredients

6 servings
  • 12 lamb rib chops, about 2 lb
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
  • 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary leaves, chopped
    dried rosemary1:3herbal

    use 1/3 teaspoon dried

    Full guide →
  • cup balsamic vinegar
    red wine vinegar1:1tangy

    sharper acidity

    Full guide →
  • cup cherry preserves
    apricot preserves1:1fruity

    sweet apricot flavor

  • fresh rosemary sprigs(optional)
    dried rosemary1:3herbal

    use 1/3 teaspoon dried

    Full guide →

Instructions

  1. 1

    Set oven control to broil and spray broiler pan rack with cooking spray

  2. 2

    Place lamb chops on rack and sprinkle with salt and pepper

  3. 3

    Mix garlic, chopped rosemary, vinegar, preserves, and remaining salt and pepper in small bowl

  4. 4

    Reserve half of preserves mixture for serving

  5. 5

    Brush remaining mixture over chops

  6. 6

    Broil with tops 5 inches from heat, turning once and brushing with more preserves mixture, until of desired doneness

  7. 7

    Garnish with rosemary sprigs and serve with reserved preserves mixture

Tips

Tip 1

Let lamb chops come to room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking for more even results.

Tip 2

Use an instant-read thermometer to check doneness - 125°F for medium-rare, 135°F for medium.

Tip 3

Rest the chops for 3-5 minutes after broiling to allow juices to redistribute.

Good to Know

Storage

Store leftover cooked chops in refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in low oven.

Make Ahead

Glaze can be prepared up to 1 day ahead and refrigerated. Bring to room temperature before using.

Serve With

Serve immediately while hot for best texture and flavor.

Common Mistakes

Watch

Don't overcrowd the broiler pan to ensure even cooking and browning.

Watch

Avoid brushing with glaze too early to prevent burning the sugars.

Substitutions

cherry preserves
apricot preserves1:1fruity

sweet apricot flavor

Full guide →
fresh rosemary
dried rosemary1:3herbal

use 1/3 teaspoon dried

Full guide →
balsamic vinegar
red wine vinegar1:1tangy

sharper acidity

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I use bone-in lamb chops instead of rib chops?

Yes, bone-in lamb chops work well. Adjust cooking time based on thickness - thicker chops may need 1-2 extra minutes per side.

What if I don't have cherry preserves?

Substitute with apricot, fig, or grape jelly. Any fruit preserve with similar sweetness and consistency will work in this recipe.

How long will the leftover glaze keep?

Store unused glaze in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. It's great on grilled chicken or pork too.