If you're on the hunt for some delicious chicken recipes, Ina Garten's got your back! Her dishes are all about bold flavors and simple steps, making them perfect for any kitchen. From the zesty Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken to the tangy Chicken Piccata, there's something for everyone. And don't even get me started on Chicken Marbella—it's a sweet and savory masterpiece! Ready to discover your new favorite chicken dish? Stick around to check out the top five!
Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken
Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken is a delightful and aromatic dish that brings a burst of freshness to your dining table. The combination of zesty lemon and fragrant herbs not only improves the natural flavors of the chicken but also creates a beautifully golden and crispy skin.
This dish is perfect for a family dinner or a special gathering, and it pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables or a light salad. Let's explore the simple steps to create this mouthwatering meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (3-4 pounds)
- 2 lemons (one halved and one sliced)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Cooking Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, chopped thyme, salt, and pepper.
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and place it in a roasting pan. Rub the herb mixture all over the chicken, including under the skin for extra flavor. Stuff the cavity of the chicken with the halved lemon and a few slices of the other lemon. Arrange the remaining lemon slices around the chicken in the pan.
Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the juices run clear. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving and serve garnished with fresh parsley.
Extra Tips:
For an even more flavorful chicken, consider marinating it in the herb and olive oil mixture for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to penetrate deeper into the meat.
Additionally, feel free to experiment with other herbs like sage or oregano according to your taste preference. If you want to create a complete meal, add some root vegetables like carrots and potatoes to the roasting pan for a one-pan dinner.
Always remember to check the temperature of the chicken to verify it's fully cooked, and enjoy your delicious Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken!
Chicken Piccata
Chicken Piccata is a classic Italian dish that features tender chicken breasts sautéed to perfection and served in a tangy lemon and caper sauce. This dish isn't only easy to prepare but also delivers a burst of flavor that's sure to impress your family and guests. The combination of lemon, garlic, and capers adds a delightful brightness to the chicken, making it a perfect choice for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup capers, rinsed and drained
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon slices (for garnish)
To prepare the Chicken Piccata, start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Dredge each piece in flour, shaking off the excess.
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and butter, followed by chicken broth, lemon juice, and capers. Bring the sauce to a simmer, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan.
Return the chicken to the skillet and cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors of the sauce. Serve the chicken garnished with chopped parsley and lemon slices.
When making Chicken Piccata, it's important to guarantee that the chicken isn't overcooked to keep it juicy and tender. You can also customize the sauce by adding more capers for a saltier flavor or a splash of white wine for added depth.
To improve the dish, serve it over a bed of pasta or alongside sautéed vegetables, and don't forget to have some crusty bread on hand to soak up the delicious sauce!
Baked Chicken With Lemon and Garlic
Baked Chicken with Lemon and Garlic is a delightful and flavorful dish that brings out the best in tender chicken while infusing it with zesty citrus and aromatic garlic. This simple yet elegant recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, as it requires minimal preparation and allows the oven to do most of the work.
The result is juicy, succulent chicken that's bursting with flavor and pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes.
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 lemons (one sliced, one juiced)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Cooking Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and coat them well with the marinade. Place the chicken in a baking dish and arrange the lemon slices on top and around the chicken.
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
Extra Tips:
For an extra burst of flavor, marinate the chicken in the lemon and garlic mixture for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator. This will allow the flavors to penetrate deeper into the meat.
If you prefer a crispier skin, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.
Additionally, serve the dish with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad to complement the savory chicken. Enjoy your delicious Baked Chicken with Lemon and Garlic!
Chicken Marbella
Chicken Marbella is a classic dish that combines the savory flavors of chicken with the sweetness of dried fruits and the tanginess of olives. Originating from the 1980s, this dish has stood the test of time due to its unique blend of ingredients and its ability to impress guests. The chicken is marinated overnight, allowing all the flavors to meld beautifully, and then baked to perfection, resulting in a tender and flavorful meal that pairs wonderfully with rice or crusty bread.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken leg quarters
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 cup green olives, pitted and halved
- 1 cup prunes, pitted and halved
- 1 cup dried apricots, halved
- 1/2 cup capers, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
To begin, in a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with olives, prunes, apricots, and capers. In a separate bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, olive oil, brown sugar, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Pour this mixture over the chicken and fruits, ensuring everything is well-coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), and transfer the marinated chicken and its accompaniments to a baking dish. Bake uncovered for about 1 hour, or until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is nicely browned. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
When making Chicken Marbella, it's essential to allow adequate marinating time to deepen the flavors. Feel free to experiment with the dried fruits based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
Additionally, serving this dish with a side of couscous or roasted vegetables can improve the meal and provide a lovely balance to the sweetness of the chicken.
Finally, leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop, making it an excellent choice for meal prep!
Tuscan Lemon Chicken
Tuscan Lemon Chicken is a delightful dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Italy to your dinner table. This recipe showcases juicy chicken breasts marinated in a zesty lemon-herb mixture, then pan-seared to perfection and finished with a luscious garlic sauce.
The combination of citrus, fresh herbs, and a touch of white wine creates an irresistible flavor profile that pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or a light salad. This dish isn't only easy to prepare but also perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions:
In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.
Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, ensuring they're well-coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the marinated chicken, cooking for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside, then add the chicken broth and white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Allow the sauce to simmer for a few minutes until slightly reduced, then return the chicken to the skillet to coat it in the sauce.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Extra Tips:
For the best flavor, make sure to marinate the chicken for at least an hour; this allows the herbs and lemon to penetrate the meat.
If you prefer a richer sauce, you can add a pat of butter at the end of cooking to improve the richness and give it a nice sheen.
Serve the Tuscan Lemon Chicken with a side of roasted vegetables or a light pasta dressed with olive oil and lemon for a complete meal.
Don't forget to save some of the marinade to drizzle over the chicken before serving for an extra burst of flavor!