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Ina Garten Roast Chicken

Ina Garten Roast Chicken recipe

Ina Garten’s Roast Chicken is a whole-roasted bird seasoned with butter, salt, pepper, garlic, lemon, and fresh herbs. The high-heat roasting method locks in moisture, creating tender meat and beautifully crisp skin. This classic recipe is often served with a rich pan gravy and roasted vegetables.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (4-5 pound) whole chicken
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 lemon, quartered
  • 1 head garlic, halved crosswise
  • 1 bunch fresh thyme (or rosemary)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large onion, thickly sliced
  • 3 carrots, cut into chunks
  • 1 bulb fennel, sliced
  • ½ cup dry white wine (optional)
  • ½ cup chicken stock

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven – Set to 425°F (220°C).
  • Prepare the chicken – Remove giblets, rinse the chicken inside and out, and pat dry with paper towels.
  • Season the cavity – Generously season the inside of the chicken with salt and pepper, then stuff it with lemon quarters, garlic halves, and fresh thyme.
  • Truss the chicken – Tie the legs together with kitchen twine and tuck the wing tips under the body.
  • Brush with butter – Coat the chicken all over with melted butter and season generously with salt and pepper.
  • Arrange vegetables – Place the onions, carrots, and fennel in the roasting pan. Set the chicken on top of the vegetables, breast side up.
  • Roast the chicken – Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Baste once or twice during roasting.
  • Rest before slicing – Remove from the oven and let rest for 15 minutes before carving.