Take out the lamb chops from the fridge and let them sit at room temperature for 20 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 400 F.
Drizzle olive oil on both sides of the lamb chops and season with salt, black pepper (optional), garlic, and thyme.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chops and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until brown.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and cook for at least 10 minutes for rare, 15 minutes for medium, and 20-22 minutes for well done.
Remove the skillet from the oven, and let the chops rest in the pan for 5 minutes.
Serve the lamb loin chops hot and enjoy!
Notes
Lamb loin chops are a lean cut of meat, so be careful not to overcook them as they can become tough and dry. Aim for an internal temperature of 125-155°F, depending on your desired level of doneness.
You can use either garlic powder or fresh minced garlic in this recipe, depending on your preference. If using fresh garlic, use 2-3 cloves and mince them finely.
If you don't have an oven-safe skillet, you can transfer the lamb chops to a baking sheet and bake them in the oven instead. Make sure to preheat the baking sheet in the oven before adding the lamb chops to prevent them from sticking.
If you prefer a stronger herb flavor, you can increase the amount of thyme or add other herbs such as rosemary or oregano.
If you want to reduce the amount of oil used in this recipe, you can use a non-stick skillet or spray the skillet with cooking spray instead of using additional olive oil.
Letting the lamb chops rest in the pan after cooking is an important step as it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and juicy final product.
Leftover lamb chops can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. They can be reheated in the microwave or in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.