If you’re searching for a comfort dish that tastes like a cozy Sunday in the Hamptons, let me introduce you to the unforgettable charm of The Ina Garten Chicken. With its sunlit notes of lemon, fragrant hits of garlic and herbs, and that irresistible golden skin, this recipe captures everything I adore about simple, soul-satisfying cooking. Every bite is juicy and lemony, served in a shallow pool of garlicky olive oil that begs to be sopped up with a crusty hunk of bread. Whether you’re new to roasting chicken or a longtime fan of Ina’s genius, I promise you’ll return to this dish again and again.

The Ina Garten Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about how a handful of high-quality basics turn into magic with The Ina Garten Chicken. Each ingredient here is chosen to amplify flavor and deepen that homemade goodness without fuss or fancy equipment.

Olive Oil: Go for the best quality you have—its fruity richness is the foundation of the sauce.
Garlic: Nine cloves might sound like a lot, but trust me, they mellow and perfume the whole dish.
Dry White Wine: Choose something crisp and drinkable; it brightens the sauce and adds depth.
Lemon Zest: Only the yellow part—this is where all the oils and aromatic zing hide.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed brings lively acidity and lifts all the flavors.
Dried Oregano: Earthy and savory, it’s the backbone of that Mediterranean feel.
Fresh Thyme: Adds a subtle woodsy hint that’s just perfect with chicken.
Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for drawing out every nuance in the chicken and sauce.
Boneless Chicken Breasts, Skin On: Keeping the skin gives you that luscious crispness and keeps the meat ultra-juicy.
Lemon Wedges: These roast alongside the chicken and infuse the whole dish with sunny flavor.

How to Make The Ina Garten Chicken

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by cranking your oven up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This high temperature is the secret to a golden, crispy skin while keeping the chicken impossibly tender. Grab a 9 by 12-inch baking dish, which gives the breasts just enough room to roast evenly without crowding.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, warm the olive oil. Stir in that generous pile of minced garlic, letting it gently sizzle for just about a minute—it should smell gorgeous but not take on any color. Take the pan off the heat and whisk in the white wine, lemon zest, lemon juice, oregano, thyme, and a teaspoon of kosher salt. Pour this aromatic mixture straight into your waiting baking dish. This creates a luscious bed for The Ina Garten Chicken to soak up all the flavor while it roasts.

Step 3: Prepare and Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry (this is key for crispy skin!). Place them skin side up right on top of your aromatic sauce in the dish. Give each breast a brush of olive oil for extra crispiness, then sprinkle liberally with more salt and plenty of freshly ground black pepper. Cut your remaining lemon into 8 wedges and tuck those around the chicken—this way, the chicken and sauce both get perfumed from every angle.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Pop the pan into the oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken breasts. What you’re looking for is beautifully browned skin and juicy meat that registers 155–160 degrees inside. If your chicken needs a little help browning, slide the pan under the broiler for a quick minute or two. The aroma at this stage? Mouthwatering.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Once the chicken is done, cover the dish tightly with foil and let it rest for 10 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps everything juicy. Finish with another sprinkle of salt, then serve your The Ina Garten Chicken hot, spooning plenty of that tangy, herby pan sauce over each piece.

How to Serve The Ina Garten Chicken

Garnishes

A flourish of chopped fresh parsley or thyme brings color and a pop of herbaceous flavor that truly brightens every plate. I also love to drizzle a little extra pan sauce over just before serving, then finish with a flake or two of sea salt right on top for crunch.

Side Dishes

The Ina Garten Chicken is a dream served with a loaf of crusty bread—the better to mop up every drop of the garlicky, lemony juices. For something a bit heartier, pair it with fluffy rice, orzo, or a pile of roasted potatoes. A crisp green salad tossed with a simple vinaigrette is the perfect fresh counterpoint to this rich, savory chicken.

Creative Ways to Present

For a casual dinner party, carve the chicken into thick slices and arrange over a platter of wilted greens. Or, spoon the pan sauce onto a mound of creamy polenta and nestle the chicken on top for something cozy and comforting. The lemon wedges add a sunny, rustic touch, so don’t forget to tuck them in for that “wow” moment at the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover The Ina Garten Chicken keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Be sure to save every bit of those garlicky juices—pour them over the chicken to keep it moist and flavorful.

Freezing

The cooked chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months. Slice or shred it for easy reheating. Store the pan sauce separately in a freezer-safe container, or freeze them together for a ready-to-go meal later on.

Reheating

For best results, warm the chicken gently in a covered baking dish at 325 degrees, spooning some sauce over the top to keep it moist. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—add a splash of water or broth and cover to prevent dryness.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! The Ina Garten Chicken works wonderfully with bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for even more flavor and tenderness. Just adjust the baking time since thighs usually take a bit longer—around 40 to 45 minutes.

What type of white wine is best for this recipe?

A dry, crisp white like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio is ideal. Make sure it’s something you’d enjoy sipping, since the flavor really comes through in the finished sauce.

Can I leave out the wine?

If you prefer not to cook with wine, you can substitute low-sodium chicken broth. It won’t have quite the same complexity, but your The Ina Garten Chicken will still be full of flavor and just as juicy.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

The safest method is to use a meat thermometer—the internal temperature should be 155–160 degrees before resting. The juices should run clear and the skin should be lightly golden.

Can I prep this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the dish up to the point of baking, cover, and refrigerate for a few hours. Just let it sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before baking so everything heats evenly.

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason The Ina Garten Chicken has become a legend in my kitchen and so many others—it’s foolproof, packed with flavor, and perfectly balances comfort with a little touch of elegance. Don’t wait to make it your new go-to: gather your ingredients, pour yourself a glass of that white wine, and dive in. I promise, you’ll want to make The Ina Garten Chicken again and again!

The Ina Garten Chicken Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 17 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Ina Garten chicken recipe is a timeless favorite that never fails to impress. The succulent chicken breasts are infused with a delightful blend of lemon, garlic, and herbs, creating a dish that is both elegant and comforting.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
Prepare the Sauce: Warm olive oil in a saucepan, add garlic, then mix in white wine, lemon zest, lemon juice, oregano, thyme, and salt. Pour into a baking dish.
Prepare the Chicken: Pat chicken dry, place over sauce, brush with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and add lemon wedges.
Bake: Bake for 30-40 minutes until chicken is cooked through and skin is browned. If needed, broil for 2 minutes.
Rest and Serve: Cover with foil, let rest for 10 minutes, then sprinkle with salt and serve with pan juices.

Notes

For added flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs before serving.
Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American