12 Best Ina Garten Chicken Recipes

Ina Garten, also known as the Barefoot Contessa, is one of America’s favorite chefs. Her chicken recipes are famous because they are simple to make, full of flavor, and perfect for home cooks.

Whether you’re just starting in the kitchen or already a good cook, these 12 Best Ina Garten Chicken Recipes will help you make tasty meals your family will love.

From roast chicken to creamy chicken dishes, these recipes are great for dinner, lunch, or special occasions. They use everyday ingredients and are easy to follow. Let’s get started!

1. Perfect Roast Chicken

What it is:
This is a classic whole roasted chicken that’s juicy and full of flavor. It has garlic, lemon, and herbs.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (5–6 pounds)
• Salt and pepper
• 1 bunch of thyme
• 1 lemon (cut in half)
• 1 garlic head (cut in half)
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 1 onion (sliced)
• 4 carrots (chopped)
• 1 fennel bulb (cut into wedges)
• Olive oil

Steps:

1. Heat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Remove anything inside the chicken. Wash and dry it.
3. Put lemon, garlic, and thyme inside the chicken.
4. Brush outside with butter and season with salt and pepper.
5. Tie the legs and tuck the wings under.
6. Toss the veggies in olive oil, then put them in a pan. Place the chicken on top.
7. Roast for 1.5 hours.
8. Let it rest for 15 minutes before cutting.

2. Skillet Lemon Chicken

What it is:
Chicken cooked in a pan with a tasty lemon, garlic, and herb sauce.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless chicken breasts (with skin)
• Salt and pepper
• Olive oil
• 1/4 cup chopped shallots
• 2 tbsp chopped garlic
• 1/3 cup white wine
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 cup chicken stock
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp chopped thyme

Steps:

1. Season chicken with salt and pepper.
2. Heat oil in a pan. Cook chicken for 5–6 minutes on each side.
3. Remove chicken. Add shallots and garlic.
4. Add wine, lemon zest, juice, and stock. Simmer.
5. Put the chicken back in the pan. Cook until done.
6. Add butter and thyme. Serve warm.

3. Engagement Roast Chicken

What it is:
A tasty roast chicken so good people say it can get you a marriage proposal!

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (4–5 lbs)
• Salt and pepper
• 1 lemon (cut in 4)
• 6 garlic cloves
• Rosemary and thyme
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Steps:

1. Heat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Put lemon, garlic, and herbs inside the chicken.
3. Rub the outside with oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Roast for 1 hour 15 minutes.
5. Rest for 10 minutes before serving.

4. Chicken Marbella

What it is:
A sweet and savory chicken dish with prunes, olives, and capers.

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken thighs
• 4 chicken drumsticks
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/2 cup prunes
• 1/4 cup green olives
• 2 tbsp capers
• 4 minced garlic cloves
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper

Steps:

1. Mix everything and marinate overnight.
2. Heat oven to 350°F (175°C).
3. Put chicken and marinade in a baking dish.
4. Bake for 45–50 minutes.
5. Serve with sauce.

5. Parmesan Chicken

What it is:
Crispy chicken with Parmesan cheese and a fresh green salad on top.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper
• 1 cup flour
• 2 beaten eggs
• 1 1/4 cups breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• Olive oil and butter
• Arugula
• Lemon vinaigrette

Steps:

1. Flatten chicken and season.
2. Dip in flour, then eggs, then breadcrumbs and cheese.
3. Cook in oil and butter until golden on both sides.
4. Serve with arugula and lemon dressing.

6. Chicken Piccata

What it is:
Chicken in a lemon and caper sauce—tangy and flavorful.

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken cutlets
• Salt and pepper
• 1/2 cup flour
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup capers
• 2 tbsp butter
• Chopped parsley

Steps:

1. Coat chicken in flour.
2. Cook in oil until brown, then remove.
3. Add lemon juice, broth, and capers.
4. Put chicken back in and simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Add butter and parsley.

7. Chicken Pot Pie

What it is:
A creamy chicken and vegetable filling with flaky puff pastry on top.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups cooked chicken
• 5 cups chicken broth
• 2 bouillon cubes
• 1 stick butter
• 2 cups chopped onion, carrots, celery
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1/4 cup cream
• 1 puff pastry sheet
• 1 egg
• Salt and pepper

Steps:

1. Heat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook veggies in butter, then add flour.
3. Slowly add broth and cream. Add chicken.
4. Spoon into baking dishes.
5. Cover with pastry and brush with egg.
6. Bake 30–35 minutes.

8. Chicken Chili

What it is:
A white bean chicken chili that’s cozy and slightly spicy.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups cooked chicken
• 2 onions (chopped)
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 can green chilies
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 2 tsp cumin
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cans white beans
• Salt, pepper, and olive oil

Steps:

1. Cook onions and garlic in oil.
2. Add spices and chilies.
3. Add broth and beans, bring to a boil.
4. Add chicken and simmer for 20 minutes.
5. Serve warm.

9. Grilled Tuscan Lemon Chicken

What it is:
Grilled chicken marinated in lemon, garlic, and rosemary.

Ingredients:

• 1 butterflied whole chicken
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 2 lemons (zest and juice)
• 4 garlic cloves
• 1 tbsp rosemary
• Salt and pepper

Steps:

1. Mix marinade and coat chicken. Chill for 4 hours or more.
2. Heat grill to medium-high.
3. Grill 12–15 minutes on each side.
4. Let rest before cutting.

10. Chicken with Forty Cloves of Garlic

What it is:
Chicken cooked with a lot of garlic, but it tastes rich and smooth—not strong.

Ingredients:

• 8 chicken thighs
• 40 garlic cloves
• Salt and pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 1/2 cup broth
• 2 tbsp Cognac (optional)
• 1/2 cup cream
• 2 tbsp butter
• Thyme

Steps:

1. Brown chicken in oil. Take out.
2. Cook garlic.
3. Add wine, broth, and Cognac. Simmer.
4. Add chicken back and cover for 30 mins.
5. Stir in cream, butter, and thyme.

11. Mustard-Roasted Chicken

What it is:
Oven-roasted chicken with a bold mustard flavor and crispy skin.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (cut into 8 pieces)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup white wine
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp whole-grain mustard
• 2 tbsp garlic
• Salt and pepper
• Rosemary

Steps:

1. Mix marinade. Coat chicken and marinate 2 hours.
2. Heat oven to 425°F (220°C).
3. Roast for 45–50 minutes.
4. Spoon sauce on top.

12. Chicken Thighs with Creamy Mustard Sauce

What it is:
Pan-fried chicken thighs with a rich mustard cream sauce.

Ingredients:

• 6 chicken thighs
• Salt and pepper
• Olive oil
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup cream
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp whole-grain mustard

Steps:

1. Brown chicken in oil. Take out.
2. Add wine and broth to the pan.
3. Add cream and both mustards.
4. Put chicken back in and cook for 25 minutes.
5. Serve with sauce.

Conclusion
Ina Garten’s chicken recipes are perfect for anyone who loves tasty, comforting food.

These 12 recipes show you how to make easy and delicious chicken meals at home using simple steps and everyday ingredients.