Simple & Luxurious Barefoot Contessa Million Dollar Chicken Recipe

Million Dollar Chicken lives up to its name with every luxurious bite.

Juicy meat, golden skin, and bright herbs come together in an oven-roasted masterpiece.

A touch of citrus adds contrast while creamy elements bring richness to the plate.

Bread underneath soaks up all the flavor, turning into something you’ll look forward to just as much as the chicken.

The entire dish feels indulgent without being difficult to prepare.

It’s a true showstopper with simple roots.

Clever Cooking Tips for a Chicken That Tastes Luxurious

• Prep Ahead for Flavor: Salt the chicken a day before cooking to enhance its natural taste and ensure juicy meat throughout.
• Temperature is Key: Use a meat thermometer to guarantee the chicken reaches 75°C at its thickest point, preventing undercooking and ensuring food safety.
• Moisture Magic: Baste the chicken every 12-15 minutes to keep it succulent and develop a stunning golden-brown skin that looks as good as it tastes.
• Rest and Relax: Allow the chicken to rest for 10 minutes after roasting, letting the juices redistribute and creating incredibly tender, mouthwatering meat.
• Bread Perfection: Flip the sourdough midway through roasting to achieve an even, crispy golden-brown crust that adds delightful texture to the dish.

Preserve That Million Dollar Flavor for Days to Come

• Airtight Preservation: Seal the chicken in a vacuum-sealed container to lock in moisture and prevent flavor degradation. This method maintains the chicken's original succulence and herb-infused essence for maximum taste retention.
• Freezer Strategy: Carefully wrap individual portions in freezer-safe parchment paper, then place in heavy-duty freezer bags. Label with date and contents to track freshness, ensuring optimal quality for up to 3 months without compromising the chicken's delicate texture.
• Gentle Reheating: Revive the chicken's crispy exterior by warming in a preheated oven at 325°F, covered with foil to prevent drying. Sprinkle a few drops of chicken broth over the meat to restore moisture and restore its original succulent flavor profile.

Riffs on a Chicken Dish That Already Feels Fancy

• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Replace Aleppo pepper with a blend of fresh rosemary, thyme, and oregano. Swap crème fraîche with Greek yogurt for a tangier, lighter glaze that complements Mediterranean flavors.
• Spicy Smoky Southwest Version: Add chipotle powder and smoked paprika to the glaze. Use a corn tortilla instead of sourdough bread. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges for a southwestern kick.
• Asian-Inspired Umami Chicken: Incorporate grated ginger, rice wine vinegar, and sesame oil into the glaze. Replace sourdough with sticky rice as the base. Finish with toasted sesame seeds and green onions for an elevated Asian profile.
• Herb Garden Rustic Style: Create a glaze using fresh chives, parsley, and dill mixed with buttermilk. Use a thick slice of country bread as the base. Sprinkle with fresh herb mix and flaky sea salt before serving for a garden-fresh experience.

Saying So Long to the Recipe That Stole the Show

Million Dollar Chicken emerges as culinary royalty, showcasing Ina Garten’s genius for simple yet extraordinary dishes.

Layers of crème fraîche glaze caress perfectly roasted poultry, creating an irresistible golden canvas of flavor.

Lemon zest and Aleppo pepper dance harmoniously across crisp skin, elevating traditional roast chicken to gourmet heights.

Sourdough bread beneath the chicken captures delectable pan drippings, transforming a humble side into a luxurious treat.

Mediterranean influences spark excitement with each tender, juicy bite of this restaurant-worthy main course.

Passionate cooks, this recipe demands your immediate kitchen exploration – snap a photo, share the deliciousness, and inspire fellow gastronomes with your culinary prowess!

What Makes This Chicken Recipe Worth a Million Bucks

• Elevate Roasting Simplicity: This recipe transforms ordinary roast chicken into an extraordinary culinary experience with minimal effort, using clever techniques like placing the chicken on sourdough bread to absorb delicious drippings.
• Burst of Luxurious Flavors: The crème fraîche glaze with lemon zest, shallots, and Aleppo pepper creates a sophisticated, tangy coating that caramelizes beautifully, delivering restaurant-quality taste right in your kitchen.
• Foolproof Cooking Technique: The step-by-step method ensures perfectly cooked chicken with golden, crispy skin every time, making it ideal for home cooks who want impressive results without complex culinary skills.
• Versatile Serving Delight: This chicken works brilliantly for intimate family dinners, weekend gatherings, or elegant dinner parties, offering a show-stopping main course that's both comforting and sophisticated.

Everything You Need for Rich and Creamy Chicken Gold

• Chicken: Whole bird with crispy skin, best when fresh and at room temperature before roasting.

• Sourdough Bread Slice: Flavorful base that absorbs chicken drippings and becomes a delicious side.

• Olive Oil: Helps create golden skin and prevents sticking to the pan.
• Butter (Melted): Alternative to olive oil for adding richness and browning chicken skin.

• Crème Fraîche, Lemon Zest, Lemon Juice: Creamy, tangy base that creates a luxurious caramelizing glaze.
• Shallots: Adds mild, sweet aromatic flavor to the glaze.
• Aleppo Pepper: Provides gentle, warm heat and complex flavor to the glaze.

• Maldon Salt: Flaky salt for final seasoning and texture.
• Lemon Wedges: Fresh garnish that adds bright citrus accent.

Follow These Moves to Make Million Dollar Chicken Shine

Step 1: Prepare The Chicken

Remove chicken from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to reach room temperature. Select a roasting pan and lightly coat with olive oil. Place a slice of sourdough bread in center of pan. Position chicken directly on bread. Gently drizzle chicken with olive oil or brush with melted butter.

• Whole chicken
• Sourdough bread slice
• Olive oil
• Melted butter

Step 2: Create Magical Glaze

In a mixing bowl, combine creamy ingredients to craft an incredible flavor base.

• Crème fraîche
• Lemon zest
• Lemon juice
• Grated shallots
• Aleppo pepper

Step 3: Start Roasting

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Roast chicken for 40-50 minutes, basting every 12-15 minutes with pan drippings to ensure juicy meat.

Step 4: Apply Delightful Glaze

When chicken is almost done, brush with prepared crème fraîche mixture. Allow first layer to caramelize, then add second layer. Watch for golden brown, crispy skin.

Step 5: Rest And Serve

Allow chicken to rest 10 minutes before slicing. Cut sourdough into serving pieces. Garnish with fresh lemon wedges and sprinkle Maldon salt.

Step 6: Alternative Broiler Technique

For extra crispy results, roast chicken until nearly done. Cut chicken in half, brush with glaze. Broil until achieving beautiful golden color, adding additional glaze as desired.

Barefoot Contessa Million Dollar Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Million Dollar Chicken promises pure culinary luxury with Ina Garten’s signature roasting technique. Rich herb-infused flavors and crispy golden skin make this roast chicken a memorable centerpiece that will delight dinner guests and elevate home cooking.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1.6 kg (3.5 pounds) whole chicken, preferably organic

Herbs and Aromatics:

• 3 to 4 garlic cloves, lightly smashed
• 5 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tablespoon shallots, grated on a fine zester
• 1 teaspoon Aleppo pepper

Seasoning and Additional Ingredients:

• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 lemon
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• Olive oil
• 1 slice sourdough, cut 2 cm (0.8 inches) thick
• Maldon salt
• 240 ml (8 fluid ounces) crème fraîche

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Instructions

1. Temper the chicken by removing it from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even roasting. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly coat a roasting pan with olive oil and place a slice of sourdough bread in the center as a flavorful base for the chicken.
2. Position the chicken on the bread, then generously drizzle with olive oil or brush with melted butter, ensuring complete coverage for a golden, crispy exterior.
3. Transfer the chicken to the preheated oven and roast for 40-50 minutes. Every 12-15 minutes, baste the chicken with the accumulated pan drippings to maintain moisture and enhance flavor.
4. While the chicken roasts, prepare the creamy glaze by whisking together crème fraîche, finely grated lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, minced shallots, and Aleppo pepper in a small mixing bowl.
5. As the chicken nears completion (when juices run slightly pink and legs move easily), begin glazing. Apply the first layer of crème fraîche mixture, allowing it to caramelize under the intense heat.
6. Repeat the glazing process, brushing on a second layer and letting it caramelize. The chicken should develop a rich, golden-brown color with a crispy, glossy skin.
7. Once fully cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender meat.
8. Slice the sourdough bread into 2-4 pieces and arrange alongside the chicken. Garnish with fresh lemon wedges and a sprinkle of Maldon salt for an extra burst of flavor.
9. Alternative method: For a more intense caramelization, roast the chicken until nearly done, then cut in half. Brush with the crème fraîche glaze and broil until achieving a golden, crispy finish.

Notes

• Marinate overnight to infuse deep, complex flavors into every fiber of the chicken.
• Invest in a reliable meat thermometer for foolproof doneness without cutting into the meat.
• Drizzle olive oil generously before roasting to help create a beautifully crisp, golden skin.
• Allow chicken to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even heat distribution.
• Pat the chicken completely dry with paper towels to achieve maximum crispiness and perfect browning.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 493
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 700mg
• Fat: 35g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 45g
• Cholesterol: 150mg