Anabelle Mclean Ina Garten’s chicken recipes are known for being simple, flavourful, and incredibly reliable. She combines classic techniques with bold flavours, creating dishes that work for family dinners, special occasions, or easy weeknight meals. Below, you’ll find brief versions of her top chicken recipes—each with a short introduction, essential ingredients, and simple instructions you can follow anytime.
1. Ina Garten Lemon Roast Chicken
A classic, juicy roast chicken filled with bright lemon and herb flavours. It’s simple, elegant, and perfect for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
- Whole chicken
- Lemons
- Garlic
- Fresh thyme
- Butter or olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Brief Instructions
Stuff the chicken with lemons and garlic, rub with butter, season well, and roast until golden. Let it rest before slicing to keep it tender and juicy.
2. Ina Garten Chicken Marbella (Modern Version)
A sweet and savoury chicken dish with olives, prunes, and herbs. The marinade gives it incredible depth of flavour.
Ingredients
- Chicken thighs
- Olives
- Prunes
- Garlic
- Capers
- Brown sugar
- Olive oil
- Chicken stock + lemon (instead of wine)
Brief Instructions
Marinate chicken overnight. Arrange in a baking dish, spoon sauce over, and bake until caramelized and tender.
3. Ina Garten Chicken Piccata
A bright, lemony chicken dish coated in a glossy butter sauce with capers. Light, quick, and full of flavour.
Ingredients
- Thin chicken cutlets
- Flour
- Lemon juice
- Chicken stock
- Capers
- Butter
- Parsley
Brief Instructions
Dredge chicken in flour and brown it. Add lemon, stock, and capers to the pan to make a sauce. Return chicken and simmer until coated.
4. Ina Garten Chicken Pot Pie
Rich, creamy filling topped with flaky pastry. Pure comfort in every bite.
Ingredients
- Cooked chicken
- Butter
- Flour
- Chicken stock
- Cream
- Carrots, peas, onions
- Puff pastry
Brief Instructions
Cook the vegetables, make a creamy sauce, add chicken, and pour into a dish. Top with pastry and bake until golden.
5. Ina Garten Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Crispy on the outside and tender inside. A simple pan-fried dish packed with nutty Parmesan flavour.
Ingredients
- Chicken cutlets
- Eggs
- Parmesan
- Breadcrumbs
- Lemon
Brief Instructions
Dip chicken in egg, coat with Parmesan-breadcrumb mix, and pan-fry until golden. Serve with lemon wedges.
6. Ina Garten Chicken with Forty Cloves of Garlic
A bold yet surprisingly mellow garlic chicken dish that becomes sweet and buttery in the oven.
Ingredients
- Chicken pieces
- Garlic cloves
- Herbs
- Olive oil
- Chicken stock + lemon
Brief Instructions
Brown chicken, add garlic and herbs, pour in stock-lemon mixture, and roast until tender with a rich sauce.
7. Ina Garten Mustard-Roasted Chicken
A creamy, tangy mustard coating that caramelizes beautifully while the chicken roasts.
Ingredients
- Chicken thighs
- Dijon mustard
- Whole-grain mustard
- Garlic
- Herbs
Brief Instructions
Mix mustards with herbs, coat chicken, and roast until browned and juicy.
8. Ina Garten Skillet Lemon Chicken
Fast, fresh, and perfect for weeknights. The lemony sauce pairs well with rice or greens.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts
- Lemons
- Garlic
- Chicken stock
- Herbs
- Butter
Brief Instructions
Brown the chicken, add fresh lemon and garlic, pour in stock, and simmer until tender and coated in sauce.
9. Ina Garten Chicken Stew with Biscuits
A hearty stew topped with soft, golden biscuits. Warm and comforting.
Ingredients
- Chicken
- Carrots, peas, onions
- Butter
- Flour
- Chicken stock
- Cream
- Biscuit dough
Brief Instructions
Cook vegetables and chicken in a creamy sauce. Top with biscuit dough and bake until the biscuits are golden.
10. Ina Garten Crispy Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs
Crispy skin and juicy meat with simple herbs and fresh lemon.
Ingredients
- Chicken thighs
- Lemon zest
- Garlic
- Olive oil
- Herbs (thyme, rosemary, parsley)
Brief Instructions
Season chicken with herbs and lemon zest, roast until the skin is crisp, and finish with a squeeze of lemon.
11. Ina Garten Tuscan Lemon Chicken
A rustic Italian-inspired chicken dish filled with fresh herbs, grilled lemon, and a bright Mediterranean flavour. It’s simple, fragrant, and perfect for warm-weather meals.
Ingredients
- Chicken thighs or a whole chicken cut into pieces
- Lemons
- Fresh rosemary
- Garlic
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Brief Instructions
Marinate chicken in lemon, garlic, and rosemary. Grill or roast until charred and juicy. Squeeze extra lemon on top before serving for added freshness.
12. Ina Garten Chicken Chili
A hearty and comforting chili made without red meat. It’s rich, deeply seasoned, and ideal for cold nights or large family gatherings.
Ingredients
- Cooked shredded chicken
- Onions
- Garlic
- Tomato paste
- Crushed tomatoes
- Spices (cumin, chili powder)
- Beans (optional)
Brief Instructions
Sauté onions and garlic, add spices, tomatoes, and chicken. Simmer until thick and flavourful. Serve with sour cream, cheese, or cornbread.
13. Ina Garten Chicken Thighs with Creamy Mustard Sauce
A rich, silky mustard sauce coats tender chicken thighs for a dish that feels indulgent but comes together easily.
Ingredients
- Chicken thighs
- Dijon mustard
- Whole-grain mustard
- Chicken stock
- Shallots
- Cream
- Herbs
Brief Instructions
Brown chicken, remove from the pan, and sauté shallots. Add mustards, stock, and cream to create a sauce. Return chicken and simmer gently until fully cooked.
14. Ina Garten Chicken and Rice Soup
A cozy, soothing soup made with homemade stock and tender chicken. Simple, nourishing, and perfect when you want something warm and light.
Ingredients
- Cooked chicken
- Carrots, celery, onions
- Chicken stock
- Rice
- Fresh herbs
- Olive oil
Brief Instructions
Sauté vegetables, add stock, rice, and herbs. Simmer until the rice is soft, then add the chicken. Adjust seasoning and serve warm.
15. Ina Garten Chicken Lasagna
A creamy white-sauce lasagna packed with shredded chicken, spinach, and rich cheese. It tastes luxurious but stays easy to assemble.
Ingredients
- Cooked shredded chicken
- Lasagna sheets
- Spinach
- Parmesan and mozzarella
- Butter
- Flour
- Milk (for white sauce)
Brief Instructions
Make a simple white sauce, layer it with chicken, lasagna sheets, spinach, and cheese. Bake until bubbly and golden.
16. Ina Garten Baked Chicken Parmesan
A lighter, oven-baked take on the classic fried version. Crispy breadcrumbs, melted cheese, and rich tomato sauce make it irresistible.
Ingredients
- Chicken cutlets
- Breadcrumbs
- Parmesan
- Marinara sauce
- Mozzarella
- Olive oil
Brief Instructions
Bread chicken, bake until crispy, top with sauce and cheese, then broil until melted and bubbling.
17. Ina Garten Chicken Caesar Salad
A fresh, crunchy salad topped with juicy grilled chicken and Ina’s famous homemade Caesar dressing. It’s simple but feels like a treat.
Ingredients
- Grilled chicken
- Romaine lettuce
- Croutons
- Parmesan
- Ina’s Caesar dressing (mayo, garlic, anchovies, lemon, mustard)
Brief Instructions
Toss lettuce with dressing, top with sliced chicken, croutons, and Parmesan. Serve immediately for the best texture.
18. Ina Garten Chicken Noodle Soup
Classic comfort food with homemade stock, tender chicken, and soft noodles. The kind of recipe that brings warmth to the entire kitchen.
Ingredients
- Cooked chicken
- Carrots, celery, onions
- Chicken stock
- Noodles
- Herbs
- Olive oil
Brief Instructions
Cook vegetables in oil, add stock and noodles, and simmer until noodles are soft. Stir in chicken and herbs before serving.
19. Ina Garten Chicken With Orzo
A Greek-style chicken dish cooked with tender orzo pasta, tomatoes, and herbs. It tastes bright, comforting, and a little Mediterranean.
Ingredients
- Chicken thighs
- Orzo
- Tomatoes
- Garlic
- Herbs
- Chicken stock
Brief Instructions
Brown chicken, add tomatoes, garlic, and orzo, pour stock over everything, and bake until orzo becomes soft and chicken is cooked.
20. Ina Garten Chicken Kebabs
Juicy marinated chicken skewers grilled to perfection. Fresh, smoky, and ideal for outdoor meals or light dinners.
Ingredients
- Chicken breast pieces
- Lemon juice
- Yogurt
- Garlic
- Olive oil
- Herbs and spices
Brief Instructions
Marinate chicken in a yogurt-lemon mixture with spices. Thread onto skewers and grill until browned and cooked through.
Expert Tips for Cooking Chicken Ina-Style
Ina Garten has a cooking style that feels warm, reassuring, and effortless. Her chicken recipes turn out beautifully because she focuses on flavour, technique, and quality ingredients. Here are some simple tips that help you cook chicken the Ina way:
Use Good-Quality Ingredients
Ina always says, “Use the good ingredients.” Fresh lemons, real Parmesan, and good olive oil make a noticeable difference in simple recipes.
Season Generously
Chicken needs plenty of salt to bring out its flavour. Season both the skin and the meat to avoid bland results.
Brown the Chicken for Extra Flavour
Whether you’re making stews, skillet dishes, or creamy sauces, browning the chicken first builds deeper, richer flavour.
Choose Chicken Thighs for Tenderness
Ina often prefers chicken thighs because they stay juicy and flavourful, even when cooked for longer periods.
Let the Chicken Rest
A few minutes of resting time helps juices settle, keeping the meat moist and tender when sliced.
Balance Creaminess with Freshness
Ina adds lemon zest, lemon juice, or fresh herbs to rich recipes. This brightens the dish and keeps the flavours lively.
Cook Low and Slow When Needed
For braised and baked chicken dishes, Ina uses moderate heat to slowly develop flavour without drying the meat.
Serving Suggestions
Ina Garten’s chicken dishes are versatile, and pairing them well makes the meal feel complete. Here are some serving suggestions that match her cooking style:
Fresh Green Salads
A crisp salad with lemon vinaigrette pairs beautifully with rich chicken dishes like chicken pot pie or mustard-roasted chicken.
Roasted Vegetables
Roasted carrots, asparagus, seasonal squash, or Brussels sprouts bring warmth and colour to the table.
Mashed or Roasted Potatoes
Ina’s chicken recipes often include glossy sauces, and potatoes help absorb all that flavour.
Rice Pilaf or Orzo
Light grains balance bold dishes like chicken Marbella or lemon chicken.
Crusty Bread
A good loaf of rustic bread is perfect for soaking up sauces and juices—very Ina-style.
Pasta or Noodles
Creamy chicken dishes shine when served with buttered noodles or simple spaghetti tossed with olive oil.
Light Desserts
Pair hearty chicken meals with fresh fruit tarts, lemon bars, or panna cotta to end on a bright note.
Final Conclusion
Ina Garten’s chicken recipes offer the perfect mix of comfort and sophistication. Each dish is built on simple steps, real ingredients, and balanced flavours that make home cooking feel joyful instead of stressful. By using fresh herbs, good olive oil, lemons, and classic techniques, you can recreate her beautifully rustic and flavourful chicken recipes right in your own kitchen.
From cozy stews to vibrant lemon chicken or crispy roasted thighs, Ina’s dishes work for weeknight dinners, weekend gatherings, and elegant dinner parties. They show that great food doesn’t need to be complicated—it just needs attention, care, and thoughtful seasoning.
