These Honey Jerk Lamb Chops are bursting with flavor; if you're a fan of sweet and spicy, then this recipe is definitely for you. The honey adds a touch of sweetness to the spicy jerk seasoning, creating a perfect balance of flavors.
All you need is some lamb chops, honey, jerk seasoning, and a few other ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. This dish is perfect for a summertime barbecue or a cozy winter meal. It's versatile, and you can pair it with any side dish you like.
To make the dish, you'll need to marinate the lamb chops in the seasoning and honey mixture for at least an hour. Then, simply grill or pan-fry them until they're cooked to your liking. It's that easy! The result is a dish bursting with flavor, sure to impress your friends and family.
Ingredient Notes
These notes are here to help make this recipe a success; they cover some but not all ingredients; for a complete ingredient list, check out the recipe card below.
Lamb chops: Several cuts of lamb chops will work for this recipe. Those pictured are lamb rib chops (aka lamb cutlets). They are the most tender chop. You could also use a lamb loin chop (aka lamb porterhouse) or lamb leg steak.
Jamaican jerk seasoning: You can buy this in larger grocery stores or use my recipe to make your own. Making your own means you are in control of the spice level. See my Jerk Seasoning Blend recipe.
Fresh thyme leaves: Can be replaced with dried thyme. But only use 1½ teaspoons.
Orange zest: This adds so much to the dish, and you use the orange as wedges to serve. But you can leave it out.
Recipe Tips
We've tested this recipe at least 3 times to ensure it works well for you, have a look at our tips for getting the best dish you can!
- When measuring the honey, rub a little oil around the measuring cup before you squeeze in the honey. This will allow it to flow freely out of the cup.
- Lamb can be served pink, and I definitely recommend medium-rare for this recipe. It keeps the lamb nice and tender. You want an internal temperature of 145°F/62.8°C for a perfect blushing lamb chop.
- You can cook these outside on the grill or pan-fry them inside. A cast iron ridged griddle pan is perfect if you cook these inside. Allow it to get hot first (like an outdoor grill), and then cook your lamb. Ensure you have the extractor fan going as they sizzle and smoke a little.
Why You'll Love These Honey Jerk Lamb Chops
- They are so tender and packed with flavor.
- They're something a bit different for your summer grilling.
- They are versatile and go with plenty of different sides.
- Lamb chops are a treat, and everyone deserves treats!
Want to save this recipe?
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!
Recipe Adaptions
These are all just suggestions and things that have worked in our test kitchen, but it is your dinner, so adapt it to suit your family. That is the beauty of cooking; we can all create our own delicious meals.
- The marinade works well with pork chops, chicken thighs, or salmon.
- Make it spicier by adding some extra chili to your marinade.
- Instead of honey, you can use a fruit preserve like peach or apricot.
- The recipe is excellent with a cajun seasoning blend instead of jerk seasoning. It does taste different, but still delicious.
Serving Suggestions
Sides: Try the traditional beans and rice with these lamb chops, or mix it up and have some coconut rice. They are also delicious served with a side of sweet potato fries. Some collard greens, fried cabbage, or grilled corn are great veg accompaniments.
Wine: The spicy flavors work well with an off-dry Riesling or a crisp and fruity, off-dry Rose. For those who love red wine, a Malbec-Shiraz is a fantastic option, and if you have added extra chili, a Montepulciano would be perfect.
Enjoy x
If you try these Honey Jerk Lamb Chops, please leave a 🌟star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. I really appreciate it, and it helps others to know that the recipe is trustworthy.
Any questions about the recipe? Use the comments section below.
Get the Recipe
Honey Jerk Lamb Chops
Ingredients
- 1½ tablespoons Jamaican jerk seasoning - see note 1
- ¼ cup honey
- ½ tablespoon fresh thyme leaves - see note 2
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon orange zest - see note 3
- 8 lamb rib chops - see note 4
To serve
- honey
- fresh thyme
- orange wedges
Instructions
Marinade the lamb chops
- Mix the jerk seasoning, honey, thyme leaves, oil, and orange zest together in a large non-metallic bowl or a large ziplock bag.1½ tablespoons Jamaican jerk seasoning¼ cup honey½ tablespoon fresh thyme leaves1 tablespoon olive oil1 tablespoon orange zest
- Add the lamb chops and turn to coat in the marinade. Cover and place in the refrigerator for at least an hour and up to 24 hours.8 lamb rib chops
To cook
- Remove the lamb chops from the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before cooking them.
To grill
- Preheat the grill (if gas) or get the coals to white-hot if using coals.
- Place the lamb chops on a hot grill. Grill for about 3 minutes on each side.
- Transfer lamb chops to a plate and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
To cook on the stove
- Place a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot.
- Add the lamb chops in a single layer and cook for 3 minutes on each side.
- Transfer lamb chops to a plate and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Serve the lamb chops with honey for people to drizzle over, with orange wedges and some fresh thyme leaves.honeyfresh thymeorange wedges
Notes
- Jamaican jerk seasoning: You can buy this in larger grocery stores or use my recipe to make your own. Making your own means you are in control of the spice level. Grab my Jerk Seasoning recipe here.
- Fresh thyme leaves: Can be replaced with dried thyme. But only use 1½ teaspoons.
- Orange zest: This adds so much to the dish, and you use the orange as wedges to serve. But you can leave it out.
- Lamb chops: Several cuts of lamb chops will work for this recipe. Those pictured are lamb rib chops (aka lamb cutlets). They are the most tender chop. You could also use a lamb loin chop (aka lamb porterhouse) or lamb leg steak.
Nutrition
Nutrition is per serving
Sharina says
I can't get enough of these honey jerk lamb chops! They're bursting with flavors. I served it with green salad and we had a wonderful meal!
Hubert Davis says
I love at the ingredients section that there's a multiplier. Everyone ❤️ it two weeks ago, and I'm about to make it again. I cooked them on a pellet grill and had a hickory smoke box😋
Claire | Sprinkles and Sprouts says
Oh I am so happy you loved them.
Thank you for taking the time to come back and comment.
Cx
Erin says
I used apricot preserves like you mentioned, instead of honey, and these chops came out amazingly well! It was my first time making lamb chops. I'd always been too intimidated for whatever reason. I used your stovetop directions, and they came out perfectly. So juicy! Thanks so much.
Janice says
I absolutely love the combination of honey and jerk seasoning in this honey jerk lamb chops recipe! The sweetness of the honey really complements the fiery spices, making every bite a delightful explosion of flavors. This recipe is a must-try!
Gina says
These were outstanding! Perfect entree for a special meal. Really loved the orange zest and brightness it brings to the honey and jerk seasoning combo.
Michelle says
The flavouring combines sweet and hot perfectly to make mouth watering lamb chops I got many compliments from!
Eliza says
The balance of flavor between the honey, jerk seasoning, and orange is unbelievable! I was testing out lamb chop recipes for a dinner party I have coming up and this was an absolute winner! Thanks for the great recipe.