The Best Barefoot Contessa Whole Perfect Roast Chicken Recipe

Whole roast chicken brings comforting aromas and satisfying textures to any kitchen.

Seasoned with a balance of herbs and salt, the meat roasts until it’s golden and perfectly tender.

Each part of the bird absorbs flavor in its own way, offering variety with every serving.

Roasting it whole guarantees juicy results that feel effortless yet impressive.

Side dishes almost don’t matter – this chicken stands on its own.

Get ready for a meal that looks and tastes like you spent hours preparing.

Keeping Barefoot Contessa Whole Roast Chicken Fresh

• Vacuum Sealing: Extract air completely using a vacuum sealer for maximum freshness. This method prevents freezer burn and preserves tender meat quality for up to 4 months, maintaining original flavor and texture.
• Strategic Refrigeration: Position chicken in the coldest section of the refrigerator, typically the back of the bottom shelf. Wrap loosely in parchment paper before placing in an airtight container to allow minimal air circulation and prevent moisture buildup.
• Portion Separation: Slice chicken into individual portions before storing. Separate white and dark meat into different containers since they have varying moisture levels and reheating requirements. Label each container with the date to track optimal consumption timeline.

Tasty Variations on Barefoot Contessa Roast Chicken

• Mediterranean Herbal Infusion: Replace thyme with a blend of rosemary, oregano, and fresh basil to create a vibrant Mediterranean flavor profile that transforms the chicken's taste.
• Citrus Zest Variation: Add orange and lime zest to the marinade alongside lemon juice for a more complex and bright citrusy undertone that enhances the chicken's natural richness.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Incorporate chipotle powder, cumin, and smoked paprika into the marinade to give the chicken a bold, smoky southwestern kick that adds exciting depth to the original recipe.
• Garlic Herb Fusion: Mince fresh garlic cloves and mix them into the marinade, combining with additional fresh herbs like parsley and chives to create a more robust and aromatic chicken preparation.

Why Barefoot Contessa’s Whole Perfect Roast Chicken Is a Winner

• Unlock Bold Flavor Infusion: The marinade creates a zesty lemon-thyme blend that transforms ordinary chicken into a mouthwatering masterpiece, delivering intense taste in every single bite.
• Master Simple Grilling Technique: This recipe offers an effortless cooking method that guarantees perfectly golden-brown chicken with a crispy exterior and juicy interior, making even novice cooks look like professional chefs.
• Maximize Meal Prep Convenience: With the overnight marinating option and quick grilling process, you can prepare a delicious meal in advance, saving precious time while ensuring maximum flavor development and tender meat texture.
• Serve with Stylish Presentation: Cutting chicken diagonally and skewering creates an elegant, restaurant-style presentation that makes the dish visually appealing and easy to enjoy at gatherings or casual dinners.

Ingredients for Barefoot Contessa Whole Perfect Roast Chicken

• Lemon Juice: Bright, tangy citrus that helps tenderize the meat and adds a fresh flavor profile.
• Olive Oil: Rich, smooth base that helps distribute marinade and keeps chicken moist during grilling.
• Salt: Essential seasoning that enhances the chicken's natural taste and helps break down proteins.
• Black Pepper: Provides warm, sharp spiciness and complements the other marinade ingredients.
• Thyme: Aromatic herb that adds earthy, subtle flavor and pairs wonderfully with chicken.

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein cut that absorbs marinade well and provides a tender, healthy main dish. Choose fresh, high-quality chicken with firm, pink flesh.

• Wooden Skewers: Practical tool for presenting and serving sliced chicken in an elegant, easy-to-eat format. Select sturdy, food-safe wooden skewers for best results.

Straightforward Directions for Barefoot Contessa’s Roast Chicken

Step 1: Craft Zesty Flavor Explosion

• Fresh lemon juice
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Kosher salt
• Cracked black pepper
• Fragrant fresh thyme

Whisk these ingredients in a mixing bowl until they dance together beautifully, creating a mouthwatering marinade that promises incredible taste.

Step 2: Bath Your Chicken in Deliciousness

Lovingly drench the chicken in the vibrant marinade, making sure every inch gets coated. Tuck the chicken into a nonreactive container, cover it gently, and let it chill in the refrigerator. Allow the flavors to mingle and transform for 6 to 8 hours or overnight – this is where the magic happens!

Step 3: Fire Up the Grill

Prepare your charcoal grill, bringing it to a sizzling medium-high heat. This is where your chicken will become a golden, crispy masterpiece. Place the marinated chicken on the grill, listening to that delightful sizzle.

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

Cook each side of the chicken for approximately 10 minutes. Watch for a beautiful golden-brown color and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The chicken should be juicy and tender, with a gorgeous exterior.

Step 5: Rest and Slice with Love

Let the chicken rest for a few minutes to lock in those incredible juices. Slice diagonally into delectable pieces, creating elegant, bite-sized portions perfect for serving.

Tips for a Flawless Barefoot Contessa Roast Chicken

• Enhance Flavor Depth: Marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator to allow herbs and seasonings to penetrate deeply into the meat, creating a more complex and delicious taste profile.
• Temperature Precision Matters: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, guaranteeing perfect doneness without drying out the meat.
• Choose High-Quality Herbs: Select fresh thyme sprigs from your local farmers market or herb garden for maximum aromatic flavor that will elevate the entire dish.
• Truss for Even Cooking: Tie the chicken legs together with kitchen twine to help it cook more evenly and maintain a beautiful, compact shape during roasting.
• Resting Ritual Seals Juiciness: Allow the roasted chicken to rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking, which helps redistribute the juices and ensures each bite remains tender and succulent.

Summation of Barefoot Contessa Whole Perfect Roast Chicken

Roasted chicken perfection emerges from Barefoot Contessa’s masterful recipe, blending Mediterranean zest with classic grilling techniques.

Lemon-infused marinades unlock deep flavors that elevate simple poultry into culinary art.

Tender meat kissed by thyme and olive oil promises a memorable dining experience for passionate home chefs.

Charcoal grilling creates golden edges that seal in succulent juices, transforming ordinary ingredients into extraordinary cuisine.

Diagonal slices promise elegant presentation while wooden skewers add rustic charm to this sophisticated dish.

Foodies passionate about bold Mediterranean flavors, explore this recipe, share your grilling adventures, spark conversation about culinary creativity, and inspire others with your delicious discoveries.

Barefoot Contessa Whole Perfect Roast Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s whole roast chicken elevates home cooking with classic French technique. Herb-infused, golden-skinned perfection emerges from the oven, promising succulence and rich flavor you’ll savor with each tender bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 900 grams (2 pounds) boneless chicken breasts, halved and skin removed

Liquid Ingredients:

• 180 milliliters (6 fluid ounces) freshly squeezed lemon juice (4 lemons)
• 180 milliliters (6 fluid ounces) good olive oil

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)

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Instructions

1. Craft a zesty marinade by vigorously blending freshly squeezed lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and aromatic thyme in a medium mixing bowl until the ingredients are thoroughly integrated.
2. Submerge the chicken breasts completely in the prepared marinade within a non-reactive ceramic or glass container, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Seal with a tight-fitting lid or plastic wrap and allow to rest in the refrigerator for 6 to 8 hours, or ideally overnight, which will intensify the flavor penetration.
3. Prepare the charcoal grill by heating it to a consistent medium-high temperature, creating an optimal cooking environment with moderate flame intensity. Position the marinated chicken breasts directly on the grill grates, cooking for approximately 10 to 12 minutes per side, rotating once to achieve an even golden-brown exterior and ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
4. Remove the perfectly grilled chicken from the heat and let it settle for 3 to 5 minutes, allowing the juices to redistribute. Using a sharp chef’s knife, slice the chicken diagonally into uniform 0.6-inch (1.5 cm) thick pieces. Thread the sliced chicken onto pre-soaked wooden skewers for an elegant and convenient serving presentation.

Notes

• Let the chicken soak up delicious marinades overnight, allowing every fiber to become packed with incredible flavor.
• Fire up the grill to a sizzling hot temperature, ensuring perfect caramelization and even cooking throughout.
• Fresh thyme leaves bring an aromatic punch that transforms ordinary chicken into a restaurant-worthy dish.
• Watch cooking times carefully, checking at 10-minute intervals to prevent dry, tough meat that nobody enjoys.
• Give your grilled chicken a brief resting period after cooking, helping juices redistribute for maximum tenderness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 349 kcal
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 100mg
• Fat: 21.6g
• Saturated Fat: 6.5g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 105mg