Ina Garten Million Dollar Chicken Recipe

Ina Garten’s Million Dollar Chicken is a luxurious yet approachable dish featuring a perfectly roasted chicken topped with a rich, creamy sauce made with crème fraîche, lemon, and herbs. The result is an unbelievably moist, flavorful bird with a crispy golden skin—truly deserving of its “million dollar” name.

This dish is perfect for a special dinner but simple enough to prepare for a cozy weekend meal.

What Is Ina Garten’s Million Dollar Chicken?

Million Dollar Chicken is a beautifully roasted whole chicken that’s basted with a mixture of crème fraîche, lemon zest, shallots, and herbs during the final stages of roasting. The sauce seeps into the chicken, keeping it moist and flavorful, while the skin becomes crispy and caramelized.

Other Ina Garten Recipes

• Ina Garten’s Roasted Carrot Salad
• Ina Garten Broccoli Rabe
• Ina Garten Spinach Artichoke Dip
• Ina Garten Chili Brisket
• Ina Garten’s Vegetable Lasagna

Reasons to Try Ina Garten’s Million Dollar Chicken

• Incredibly juicy meat – Every bite stays moist and flavorful
• Golden, crispy skin – Perfect texture and taste
• Rich and tangy sauce – Adds a restaurant-level finish
• Simple ingredients – Easy to find at any store
• Elegant presentation – Looks stunning at the table
• Special-occasion worthy – Yet easy enough for everyday cooking
• Versatile sides – Pairs with countless vegetables and grains

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten’s Million Dollar Chicken

• 1 whole chicken (4–5 pounds)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 lemon, halved
• 4–5 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1½ cups crème fraîche
• 2 small shallots, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Million Dollar Chicken

Step 1: Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a rack in the lower third of the oven.

Step 2: Prepare the chicken

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Rub it all over with olive oil, then season generously with salt and pepper, including inside the cavity. Stuff the cavity with the halved lemon and thyme sprigs.

Step 3: Roast the chicken

Place the chicken breast-side up on a rack in a roasting pan. Roast for about 45–50 minutes, until the skin starts to brown.

Step 4: Make the crème fraîche sauce

While the chicken roasts, mix the crème fraîche, minced shallots, lemon zest, and half of the chopped parsley in a bowl. Set aside.

Step 5: Add the sauce and finish roasting

After 45–50 minutes, remove the chicken from the oven. Spread the crème fraîche mixture evenly over the entire chicken. Return it to the oven and roast for an additional 15–20 minutes, until the sauce is bubbling and golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 6: Rest and serve

Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10–15 minutes before carving. Sprinkle with the remaining parsley and serve with pan juices.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten’s Million Dollar Chicken

• Roasted fingerling potatoes – Perfect for soaking up the sauce
• Buttery mashed potatoes – Classic comfort pairing
• Garlic sautéed spinach or kale – Adds a fresh, healthy touch
• Creamy polenta – Rich and satisfying side
• Simple green salad with vinaigrette – Lightens the meal
• Steamed asparagus or green beans – Bright and crisp
• Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc – Ideal wine pairing

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten’s Million Dollar Chicken

• Dry the chicken thoroughly – Helps the skin crisp up
• Generously season the bird – Enhances overall flavor
• Don’t skip the cavity stuffing – Adds flavor from the inside
• Use high-quality crème fraîche – Richer flavor and better texture
• Roast breast-side up – Promotes even browning
• Baste the chicken halfway if desired – For extra moisture
• Let the chicken rest after roasting – Keeps juices inside

Creative Variations of Ina Garten’s Million Dollar Chicken

• Add chopped garlic to the sauce – For extra flavor depth
• Mix fresh rosemary into the crème fraîche – Earthy, herbal note
• Use Meyer lemon for a sweeter citrus touch – Brighter flavor
• Swap out parsley for basil or tarragon – Fresh herb twist
• Brush chicken with honey in the last 5 minutes – Sweet glaze finish
• Top with crispy shallots before serving – Adds texture and flair
• Stuff the chicken with herbs and apples – For a fall-inspired variation

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten’s Million Dollar Chicken

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container – Lasts up to 3 days
• Keep pan juices separately if possible – To pour fresh when reheating
• Shred or slice meat for easy meal prep – Great for sandwiches or salads
• Freeze leftover chicken (without sauce) – Best within 2 months

Reheating Tips for Ina Garten’s Million Dollar Chicken

• Oven: Reheat at 325°F covered with foil – 15–20 minutes until warmed through
• Stovetop: Reheat sliced meat in a covered skillet with a splash of broth – Low heat
• Microwave: Use short intervals covered loosely – Retains moisture
• Add fresh parsley or lemon zest after reheating – Brightens flavor
• Warm pan juices separately – Drizzle over the chicken when serving

Nutritional Value (per serving, approx.)

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fat: 32g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 520mg

Rich, satisfying, and packed with comforting, elegant flavors.

FAQs

What makes Ina Garten’s million dollar chicken so special?

The addition of a crème fraîche-based sauce during the final roasting stage keeps the chicken exceptionally moist while creating a golden, rich coating packed with flavor.

Can I substitute something for crème fraîche in million dollar chicken?

Yes, you can substitute full-fat sour cream or a mix of heavy cream and a splash of lemon juice if crème fraîche isn’t available.

How do you know when million dollar chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh, and the juices run clear when pierced.

Can million dollar chicken be made ahead of time?

You can season and prepare the chicken ahead of time, but it’s best roasted and served fresh to preserve the crispy skin and rich sauce texture.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s Million Dollar Chicken lives up to its name with tender, juicy meat and an irresistible, creamy sauce that feels luxurious yet comforting. With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, you can bring a restaurant-quality roast chicken to your own dinner table—perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a truly memorable meal.

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