How to Grill Lamb Chops | Timing, Temp & Recipes

Learn how to grill lamb chops like a pro. Includes grill times, temperatures, marinade tips, and recipes for chops, racks, and leg of lamb.

The Complete Guide to Grilling Lamb Chops: Tips, Recipes, and Timing

Whether you're grilling lamb for the first time or fine-tuning your technique, this guide covers it all. Learn how to grill lamb chops, how long to grill lamb chops on gas and charcoal grills, and the best ways to prepare, season, and cook every cut—from lamb lollipops to rack of lamb and leg of lamb. Perfect for backyard BBQs, date nights, or holiday feasts, this is your ultimate reference for grilling lamb to perfection.

Why Grill Lamb?

Lamb brings deep, rich flavor and tender texture that shines on the grill. Whether you're cooking bbq lamb chops or a whole rack of lamb on grill, the high heat adds a smoky, caramelized crust that locks in juices. Can you grill lamb chops? Absolutely—and they take on seasoning beautifully, making them perfect for marinades, rubs, or bold herb blends.

Popular Cuts of Lamb for Grilling

Lamb Rib Chops: Also known as "lamb lollipops," tender and quick-cooking, perfect for high-heat searing.
Lamb Loin Chops: Mini T-bone steaks of lamb with both loin and fillet, ideal for direct grilling.
Lamb Shoulder Chops: More affordable and full of flavor, great for marinating and slower grilling methods.
Rack of Lamb: Elegant and ideal for entertaining, can be grilled whole or sliced into chops.
Leg of Lamb: Bone-in or boneless, excellent for large gatherings and indirect grilling.

Grilled rack of lamb on a wooden cutting board with red pepper flakes and a knife in the background.

How to Marinate and Season Lamb Chops for the Grill

For flavorful lamb chop recipes grill style, seasoning is everything. A classic marinade includes olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, lemon juice, and black pepper. Marinate for at least 30 minutes—up to overnight for deeper flavor. If you're short on time, a dry rub with salt, pepper, paprika, cumin, or coriander delivers bold results. Let the lamb rest at room temperature before grilling to promote even cooking. This works for all types: from grill lamb chop recipe to bbq lamb chop recipes. Here are our favorite rubs, sauces and condiments that pair with lamb.

How to Grill Lamb Chops on Gas and Charcoal Grills

Knowing how to grill lamb chops on a gas grill or charcoal is crucial. For gas grills, preheat to 450°F, oil the grates, and use direct heat. For charcoal, create a two-zone fire: sear chops over direct heat and finish over indirect. Lamb cooks quickly, so use tongs—not a fork—to avoid losing juices. The best way to grill lamb chops is a hot sear followed by a short rest. For bbq lamb chops, glaze them during the last minute of grilling.

How Long to Grill Lamb Chops

Cut	Grill Temp	Time per Side	Total Time
Loin or Rib Chops (1-inch)	450°F	3–4 min	6–8 min
Shoulder Chops	375°F	5–6 min	10–12 min
Rack of Lamb	375°F (indirect)	15–20 min	20–25 min
Leg of Lamb	375–400°F	15–20 min/lb	Varies

How long to grill lamb chops? For medium-rare, 130–135°F internal temp is ideal. Use a thermometer and rest the meat 5–10 minutes before serving. This applies to all methods, whether you're asking how long to cook lamb chops on grill or how long to barbecue lamb chops.

Best Temp to Cook Lamb Chops on Grill

Wondering what temp to cook lamb chops on grill? Medium-high heat is ideal—around 400–450°F for chops. For larger cuts like leg of lamb, use 350–375°F and indirect heat. Always use a meat thermometer and pull chops at 130°F for medium-rare. Let them rest to finish cooking. Lamb grill temp control is critical for flavor and tenderness.

How to Grill Rack of Lamb

Rack of lamb on grill delivers impressive presentation and flavor. Season with a garlic-herb rub, sear both sides over direct heat, then finish over indirect heat until 130–135°F. Slice between ribs and serve as lamb lollipops or a plated roast. Great for special occasions and holidays.

Grilled Leg of Lamb Recipes

Need a lamb leg recipe grill style? Marinate a boneless leg in herbs and lemon, then sear and roast indirectly at 375°F until 135–140°F internal. Rest and slice thinly. Bone-in legs take longer but yield even juicier results. This leg of lamb grill method is perfect for Easter, Passover, or family cookouts.

How to Grill Lamb Steaks

How to grill lamb steak? Treat them like beef—high heat, dry rub, and 3–4 minutes per side for medium-rare. Lamb steaks are cut from the leg and are lean, so don’t overcook. Try with chimichurri or balsamic glaze for next-level flavor.

How to Grill Lamb Lollipops

How to grill lollipop lamb chops is simple: Sear over high heat for 2–3 minutes per side. Use a herb crust or sweet-spicy glaze for contrast. These are ideal for appetizers or tapas-style meals. Grill lamb lollipops hot and fast for a perfect crust and tender center.

Top Lamb Chop Recipes for the Grill

BBQ Lamb Chops with Mint Yogurt: Classic flavor combo that never fails
Garlic Rosemary Lamb Chops: Perfect for traditionalists
Spicy Harissa Grilled Lamb: A North African twist
Lamb Chops with Balsamic Reduction: Sweet, savory, and elegant

Pro Tips for Perfect Grilled Lamb

Bring lamb to room temperature before grilling
Use tongs—not forks—to turn meat and preserve juices
Rest meat after grilling to lock in flavor
Use indirect heat for large cuts like rack or leg of lamb
Always oil the grill grates to prevent sticking

Grilled lamb chops seasoned with herbs and spices, served with sauce on a white plate.

FAQs

Can you grill lamb chops?

Yes! Lamb chops are ideal for grilling and cook in minutes over high heat.

How long does it take to grill lamb chops?

Typically 6–8 minutes total for 1-inch chops. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.

How to barbecue lamb chops?

Grill over direct heat, then glaze with BBQ sauce in the last minute. Rest before serving.

How do I grill lamb chops on a charcoal grill?

Sear directly over hot coals for 2–3 minutes per side, then move to indirect heat if needed.

What’s the best seasoning for grilled lamb?

Garlic, rosemary, lemon, and olive oil are classics. Paprika, cumin, and harissa offer bold twists.

Conclusion

Grilling lamb chops is easier than most people think—and far more rewarding. With this guide, you now know how to grill lamb chops, how long to grill lamb, the best temperature to aim for, and exactly how to prep everything from lamb steaks to lamb lollipops and even a rack of lamb on grill. Keep this resource handy next time you fire up the BBQ and impress your guests with perfectly cooked lamb every time.

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