Lamb chops are a delicious meal, but like many foods, they don’t reheat very well by simply microwaving. The chops can become rubbery and dry. However, with the right technique, you can reheat lamb chops to be just as tasty as when they were first cooked! Here are several methods using different appliances to reheat lamb chops and keep them moist and flavorful.
Reheating Lamb Chops in the Oven
The oven is one of the best appliances to use for reheating lamb chops. It allows the chops to heat evenly throughout without drying them out.
What You Need
- Lamb chops
- Baking sheet
- Aluminum foil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 300°F.
- Place the lamb chops on a baking sheet and cover them completely with aluminum foil.
- Put the baking sheet in the preheated oven and reheat for 10-15 minutes. This timing will depend on the thickness of your chops.
- Check the internal temperature of the lamb with a meat thermometer. Reheated lamb should reach 145°F.
- Remove the chops from the oven, unwrap from the foil and serve immediately.
Reheating the lamb chops low and slow in the oven ensures they stay moist and tender. The foil tenting helps keep in moisture and prevents the chops from drying out.
Using the Stovetop to Reheat Lamb Chops
You can also reheat lamb chops on the stovetop using this simple method.
What You Need:
- Lamb chops
- Skillet
- Butter or olive oil
Instructions:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of butter or olive oil.
- When the skillet is hot, add the lamb chops. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until heated through.
- Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- Remove the chops from the skillet and serve.
Cooking the lamb chops quickly on the stovetop will reheat them while keeping them tender. Use caution not to overcook.
Reheating Lamb Chops in the Microwave
While the microwave often dries out meat, you can minimize this by using a microwave-safe container with a lid.
What You Need:
- Lamb chops
- Microwave-safe dish with lid
Instructions:
- Place the lamb chops in a microwave-safe container. Cover with the lid.
- Microwave on 50% power for 2-3 minutes. The time will vary based on your microwave.
- Allow the lamb chops to rest in the covered dish for 2-3 minutes. This helps them finish cooking gently.
- Check temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure they have reached 145°F.
- Remove chops from the container and serve immediately.
The covered dish traps in steam to help prevent the lamb chops from drying out. Use care not to overcook them.
Reheating Lamb Chops in the Air Fryer
An air fryer can give lamb chops a quick crispy reheating.
What You Need:
- Lamb chops
- Air fryer
- Cooking spray (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the air fryer to 370°F.
- Place the lamb chops in the air fryer basket in a single layer, spraying lightly with cooking spray if desired.
- Cook for 3-5 minutes until heated through and slightly crispy on the outside.
- Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- Remove chops from the air fryer and serve immediately.
The hot air will quickly reheat the lamb chops while giving the outside a bit of crispiness. Adjust cooking time as needed based on thickness.
Frequently Asked Questions About Reheating Lamb
How do you reheat a rack of lamb?
The best way to reheat a rack of lamb is in the oven. Place it on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and bake at 300°F for 15-20 minutes until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. Rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
How long does it take to reheat lamb in the oven?
To reheat lamb chops in the oven, it will take 10-15 minutes at 300°F. For a rack of lamb or leg of lamb, plan on 15-20 minutes at 300°F. Use a meat thermometer to confirm it reaches 145°F.
Can you reheat lamb chops in the microwave?
Yes, you can reheat lamb chops in the microwave but it’s easy to overcook them. Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and microwave on 50% power in 1-2 minute intervals until heated through. Allow to rest 2-3 minutes before serving.
What is the best way to reheat leftover lamb?
The oven is the best way to reheat leftover lamb to maintain moisture and flavor. Roast slices or chops in a 300°F oven until warm throughout and crispy on the outside. The stovetop and microwave can also work but require more care to prevent drying out.
How do you reheat lamb shanks?
To reheat lamb shanks, place them in a baking dish, add a little broth or stock, cover with foil and bake at 325°F for 15-20 minutes until heated through. For a crispy exterior, uncover and broil for 2-3 minutes after baking.
Delicious Lamb Chops Recipes
Looking for new and delicious ways to enjoy lamb? Try these tasty recipes:
Rosemary Lamb Chops
- 1 rack of lamb chops, trimmed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Coat lamb chops in olive oil. Sprinkle with rosemary, salt, and pepper. Grill over medium-high heat 3-5 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 145°F. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Moroccan Lamb Stew
- 1lb lamb shoulder, cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 15oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cook lamb and onion until browned. Add garlic, cumin, cinnamon and stir. Add broth and chickpeas. Simmer for 30 minutes until lamb is tender. Season with salt and pepper. Serve over couscous.
Greek Lamb Burgers
- 1 lb ground lamb
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Mix lamb, feta, herbs and seasonings. Form into patties. Grill over medium-high heat 4-5 minutes per side. Serve on buns with tzatziki sauce, tomato, and red onion.
Tips for Reheating Lamb
- Always reheat lamb to an internal temperature of 145°F. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness.
- Bring lamb to room temperature before reheating for more even heating.
- Cover lamb with foil or a lid during reheating to prevent it from drying out.
- Slice lamb into smaller pieces or thinner chops to help it reheat faster and more evenly.
- Don’t overcook reheated lamb. Reheat just long enough to warm through and prevent rubbery texture.
- Let lamb rest for 5-10 minutes after reheating before serving. This allows juices to redistribute.
- Add a little broth, water or sauce when reheating lamb to add moisture and prevent drying out.
- For crispy reheated lamb, use the oven or air fryer. Grill or pan fry for a crispy exterior after reheating.
Product Recommendations
Ovens
- GE JT5000SFSS 30″ Stainless Steel Electric Single Oven
- Samsung NV75K7870RS Electric Flex Duo Single Wall Oven
- Whirlpool WOS31ES0JS Single Electric Wall Oven
- Frigidaire FFEB2726TS Gallery Series 27″ Electric Single Wall Oven
- Bosch HBL8451UC 800 30″ Wall Oven
Stovetops
- GE JP3030DJBB 30″ Black Electric Cooktop
- Frigidaire FFEC3025UB 30″ Electric Smooth Top Cooktop
- Bosch NIT5066UC 500 30″ Gas Cooktop
- Samsung NX58K7850SG 30″ Stainless Steel Gas Cooktop
- Whirlpool WCG55US0HS 30″ Gas Cooktop
Microwaves
- Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Microwave Oven
- Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN966S
- Cuisinart CMW-200 Convection Microwave
- Breville Quick Touch BMO734XL 1800W Microwave
- LG NeoChef LMC0975ST Countertop Microwave
Air Fryers
- Cosori Air Fryer Max XL
- Ninja AF101 Air Fryer
- Instant Vortex Plus Air Fryer Oven 7 in 1
- Philips Premium Airfryer XXL
- Chefman TurboFry 3.5 Liter Air Fryer
There are several effective methods for reheating leftover lamb chops to keep them moist and flavorful. Use the oven, stovetop, microwave, or air fryer and follow the recommended guidelines for each. Check internal temperatures, allow resting time, and avoid overcooking for the best results. With the proper technique, reheated lamb chops can taste just as delicious as when they were first prepared.