Slow-Cooker Lamb Chops

Transform lamb chops into a mouthwatering meal with our effortless recipe for slow-cooker lamb chops. This crock pot lamb chop recipe is perfect for busy bees—you need just 10 minutes to prep the dish—who want to serve an impressive dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.

The long process breaks down tough fibers in the meat, resulting in incredibly tender mutton chops in the slow cooker. With just a handful of ingredients and your trusty crockpot, you’ll create an incredibly tender and flavorful dinner.

Ingredients for Slow-Cooker Lamb Chops

Jonathan Melendez for Taste of Home

• Lamb loin chops: These tender cuts of lamb are the heart of this slow-cooker lamb chops dish. Choose eight loin chops of approximately 1-3/4 pounds total. Learn more about the different cuts of lamb to select the best cut for slow cooking.
• Onion: Sliced onion forms a sweet and savory base in the bottom of the slow cooker for the lamb chops. If you prefer, you can use a different type of onion like shallots or leeks for a varied flavor profile.
• Dried herbs: A combination of dried oregano and thyme provides a classic Mediterranean flavor that pairs beautifully with lamb. These herbs infuse the meat with their aromatic essences during the slow cooking process.
• Garlic: Both minced fresh garlic (2 cloves) and garlic powder are used to create layers of garlicky goodness in this slow-cooker lamb chops.
• Salt and pepper: These basic seasonings enhance the natural flavors of the lamb. Salt also helps keep the meat tender as it slo cooks. Don’t be afraid to be generous with the black pepper—it pairs wonderfully with lamb.

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the slow cooker

Jonathan Melendez for Taste of Home

Place the sliced onions in the bottom of a 3-quart slow cooker to create a flavorful base for the lamb chops.

Editorʻs Tip: To further enhance the flavors of this dish, caramelize the onion slices in a pan with olive oil before adding them to the slow cooker.

Step 2: Season the lamb chops

Jonathan Melendez for Taste of Home

In a small bowl, combine the dried oregano, thyme, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Rub this seasoning mixture all over the lamb chops, ensuring they are evenly coated.

Step 3: Add the garlic and slow cook

Jonathan Melendez for Taste of Home

Place the seasoned lamb chops on top of the onions in the slow cooker. Top with the minced garlic. Cover and cook on low for four to six hours or until the lamb is tender.

Jonathan Melendez for Taste of Home

Recipe Variations

• Swap the herbs: Replace the oregano and thyme with fresh rosemary and parsley for a classic lamb pairing.
• Make it Moroccan-spiced: Add a teaspoon of ground cumin and coriander, along with a pinch of cinnamon to the herb rub give these lamb chops a North African twist.
• Add some red wine: Add 1/4 cup of red wine to the slow cooker for a richer and deeper flavor to the lamb chops.
• Add some vegetables: Make these mutton chops in the slow cooker a one-pot meal with the addition of baby potatoes and sliced carrots.
• Give it a Mediterranean twist: Add Kalamata olives, diced tomatoes and crumbled feta in the last hour of cooking for a Greek-inspired lamb dish.

How to Store Slow-Cooker Lamb Chops

Store any leftover lamb chops, plus their cooking juices, in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can you freeze these lamb chops?

Yes, you can freeze leftovers of these lamb chops. Allow the chops to cool completely then store them in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

How do you reheat slow-cooker lamb chops?

To reheat, place the lamb chops and any leftover juices in a covered dish in the oven at 300°F for about 20 minutes. You can also reheat them on the stove in a covered skillet over medium-low heat—add a splash of beef broth if needed to prevent the chops from drying out.

Slow-Cooker Lamb Chop Tips

Jonathan Melendez for Taste of Home

How can I prevent the lamb chops from getting tough?

The salt in the herb rub is key to preventing these lamb chops from getting tough. Simmering lamb in the slow cooker will also help the meat retain its moisture. And be sure to cut the cooked chops against the grain as well!

Can I overcook these lamb chops in the crock pot?

One of the great things about preparing food in the slow cooker is that it’s hard to overcook anything, including lamb chops. To avoid overcooking the lamb, make sure to follow the recipe cook times as closely as possible.

What cut of lamb is best for lamb chops?

While this recipe uses lamb loin chops, other cuts like lamb shoulder chops, mutton chops or leg of lamb also work well in the slow cooker. These cuts are also budget-friendly and have more connective tissue that breaks down as it slow cooks, resulting in very tender meat.

Should I sear the lamb chops before slow cooking?

While not necessary, searing the lamb chops in a hot skillet before adding them to the slow cooker will create a deeper flavor and a slightly crisp exterior.

What side dishes pair well with this recipe?

These lamb chops in the crockpot pair beautifully with a variety of side dishes including roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes or a fresh Greek-inspired salad.