Italian Parmesan Crusted Lamb Chops are a flavorful and elegant dish that combines the savory richness of lamb with a golden, crispy Parmesan-herb crust. Pan-fried to perfection, these lamb chops are juicy on the inside and satisfyingly crunchy on the outside. Whether served as a sophisticated summer dinner or the centerpiece of a holiday gathering, this dish delivers refined Italian flavors with simple, everyday ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is both refined and approachable. The crust—made from Italian-style breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and herbs—adds a crispy texture and rich flavor that pairs beautifully with tender lamb. It’s easy enough for a quick weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for entertaining guests. Best of all, it cooks in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal option when you’re short on time but want something special.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
lamb chops (French cut if possible)
salt
black pepper
eggs
Dijon mustard
Italian-style breadcrumbs
grated Parmesan cheese
garlic powder
dried oregano
fresh parsley, chopped
olive oil (for frying)
Directions
- Prep the Lamb: Pat the lamb chops dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Make the Egg Wash: In a shallow bowl, beat the eggs and whisk in the Dijon mustard until smooth.
- Prepare the Crust: In another bowl, combine the Italian-style breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, dried oregano, and chopped parsley.
- Bread the Lamb Chops: Dip each lamb chop into the egg mixture, then press firmly into the breadcrumb mixture to coat evenly on all sides.
- Fry the Chops: Heat about 1/4 inch of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the lamb chops and fry for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked to your desired level of doneness (135°F for medium-rare).
- Rest and Serve: Transfer the lamb chops to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4 servings (2 chops per person)
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Calories: Approximately 390 kcal per serving
Variations
- Add Lemon Zest: Mix lemon zest into the breadcrumb coating for a fresh citrus note.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mix for a bit of heat.
- Herb Upgrade: Use fresh rosemary or thyme in place of oregano for a different Italian herb profile.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute Italian-style breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds.
- Oven Finish: For extra-crispy crust, finish lamb chops in a 400°F oven for 5 minutes after pan-frying.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–12 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it may soften the crust.
Freezing: Not recommended, as the breadcrumb crust may lose its texture upon thawing.
FAQs
Can I use boneless lamb chops?
Yes, boneless chops work well and cook even faster, though they may be slightly less juicy than bone-in versions.
What’s the best cut of lamb for this recipe?
French-cut lamb rib chops are ideal for their tenderness and elegant appearance.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) on a wire rack for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, for a healthier option.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, you can bread the lamb chops in advance and refrigerate them until ready to cook.
How do I know when lamb is cooked to medium-rare?
Use a meat thermometer—medium-rare lamb is done at 135°F (57°C) internal temperature.
Can I use grated cheese other than Parmesan?
Pecorino Romano or Asiago can be used for a similar salty, nutty flavor.
What oil is best for frying?
Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like olive oil (light or pure), avocado oil, or grapeseed oil.
What should I serve with Parmesan crusted lamb chops?
Try a fresh arugula salad, roasted vegetables, garlic mashed cauliflower, or lemon-herb couscous.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Substitute the cheese with a dairy-free alternative or omit it for a simpler herb crust.
Does this dish work with other proteins?
Yes, the same crusting method works well with pork chops or chicken breasts.
Conclusion
Italian Parmesan Crusted Lamb Chops are the perfect blend of savory herbs, cheesy crunch, and succulent meat—ready in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re serving guests or enjoying a refined meal at home, this dish brings restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. Paired with a fresh salad or seasonal veggies, these crispy, pan-fried chops are sure to impress every time.
Print
Italian Parmesan Crusted Lamb Chops
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
These Italian Parmesan Crusted Lamb Chops are tender, juicy, and pan-fried to golden perfection with a crispy Parmesan and herb coating. Bursting with Italian flavors and ready in just 30 minutes, they make an elegant summer dinner paired with a fresh salad or roasted veggies.
Ingredients
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8 lamb chops (French cut if possible)
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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2 eggs
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1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
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1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
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Olive oil, for frying
Instructions
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Pat lamb chops dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
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In a shallow bowl, beat eggs and whisk in Dijon mustard.
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In another bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, and parsley.
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Dip each lamb chop in the egg mixture, then coat in the breadcrumb mixture.
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Heat 1/4 inch of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
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Fry lamb chops for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked to your desired doneness (135°F for medium-rare).
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Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
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French-cut lamb chops create a beautiful presentation.
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Serve with lemon wedges, roasted potatoes, or a chilled cucumber salad.
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For a crispier finish, place chops under the broiler for the final minute.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
