Prepare Ina Garten’s Famous Juicy Roast Chicken With Croutons Recipe

Roasting chicken becomes a culinary art when you master Ina Garten’s roast chicken with croutons recipe.

Her approach turns a simple dish into a memorable meal that sings with flavor.

Crispy, golden-brown skin and tender meat promise a delightful dining experience.

The recipe combines classic techniques with elegant simplicity.

Fragrant herbs and carefully selected ingredients elevate this dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

Crispy croutons absorb the rich, savory juices, creating a delectable accompaniment that complements the succulent chicken.

Get ready to impress and savor every delicious bite of this irresistible roast chicken.

Easy Ways to Serve Ina Garten’s Chicken and Croutons

• Serve with Rustic Charm: Plate the golden roasted chicken on a large wooden board surrounded by the crispy baguette slices for a gorgeous farmhouse-style presentation.
• Create a Gourmet Side Spread: Arrange the pan sauce in a small ceramic pitcher, place Dijon mustard in a delicate serving dish, and add the Bistro Salad on the side for a complete French-inspired meal experience.
• Elevate the Dining Experience: Pair the chicken with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay to complement the rich, herbal flavors of the roasted chicken and its aromatic pan sauce.
• Customize with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives over the chicken and croutons just before serving to add a bright, fresh pop of color and additional herbal notes.

Store Leftovers of Ina Garten Roast Chicken with Croutons

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover roasted chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and food safety.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Shred or slice chicken and store in freezer-safe containers. Properly sealed chicken maintains quality for 2-3 months, perfect for quick meal prep or unexpected dinner rushes.
• Revive Crispy Croutons: Reheat baguette slices in a toaster oven or skillet for 2-3 minutes to restore their original crunch. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent soggy texture.
• Sauce Storage Solutions: Transfer remaining pan sauce to a glass jar with a tight lid. Refrigerate for up to 5 days. Gently reheat on low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain smooth consistency.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 500 kcal

Servings: 6

What You’ll Need for Ina Garten Roast Chicken with Croutons

• Whole Chicken: The star of the dish, choose a plump, fresh bird with firm, pink skin for the juiciest results.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a warm, aromatic depth to the chicken's seasoning.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for bringing out the chicken's natural flavors and creating a delectable crust.

• Fresh Thyme, Rosemary: Fragrant herbs that infuse the chicken with a robust, earthy essence.
• Garlic Cloves: Provides a pungent, rich flavor that permeates the entire dish.
• Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the chicken's interior.

• Baguette: Select a crusty, day-old bread that will soak up all the delicious chicken juices.
• Unsalted Butter: Creates a golden, crispy base for the bread and adds richness to the pan sauce.
• Chicken Broth: Keeps the chicken moist and helps create a flavorful base for the sauce.
• Dry White Wine: Adds complexity and helps deglaze the pan, capturing all the caramelized bits.
• Dijon Mustard: Provides a tangy, sharp accompaniment to the roasted chicken.

Tools That Help Make Ina Garten Roast Chicken with Croutons

• Cast-iron skillet: Essential for even heating and creating a perfect roast.
• Paper towels: For drying the chicken thoroughly before seasoning.
• Mixing bowl: To combine salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
• Sharp knife: For slicing baguette and herbs.
• Cutting board: To prepare ingredients and rest the cooked chicken.
• Measuring cup: For accurately pouring broth.
• Aluminum foil: To cover chicken while resting.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring pan sauce and scraping skillet.
• Tongs: Helpful for handling and moving the chicken.

How to Roast Ina Garten’s Chicken with Croutons

Roasted Chicken Feast

• Skillet Preparation Hot skillet creates crispy magic. Place cast-iron skillet in oven while preheating to 425°F, allowing surface to become searingly hot.
• Chicken Seasoning Flavor foundation. Thoroughly dry chicken, generously coat with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Stuff cavity with fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, whole garlic cloves, and onion pieces.
• Bread Canvas Delicious base. Slice baguette diagonally into thick pieces, brush generously with butter. Arrange buttered bread slices across hot skillet's center, creating a delectable platform for roasting.
• Chicken Roasting Culinary transformation. Position chicken atop bread slices, ensuring complete coverage. Pour chicken broth into skillet to create moisture. Roast at 425°F for one hour, then reduce temperature to 375°F and continue cooking for additional 15-20 minutes.
• Resting Period Flavor development. Remove chicken from oven, tent with foil, and let rest for 10 minutes. This allows juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness.
• Pan Sauce Finale Luxurious finish. Return skillet to stovetop, deglaze with wine, scrape browned bits. Add chicken stock, reduce slightly. Whisk in butter, sprinkle fresh herbs, season with salt and pepper. Serve carved chicken alongside crispy bread and elegant pan sauce.

Tips to Adjust Ina Garten’s Roast Chicken with Croutons

• Choose a high-quality, organic whole chicken for the most tender and flavorful result. Smaller chickens (3-4 pounds) cook more evenly and stay juicier.
• Swap thyme and rosemary with fresh tarragon, sage, or oregano for a unique flavor profile. Dried herbs work perfectly if fresh aren't available.
• Replace baguette with day-old sourdough, ciabatta, or rustic country bread. Gluten-free bread can also create delicious croutons for those with dietary restrictions.
• Substitute white wine with dry vermouth, champagne, or chicken broth for a different depth of flavor. Non-alcoholic options work equally well in the pan sauce.
• Experiment with different spice blends like herbes de Provence, za'atar, or smoked paprika to create your signature roast chicken variation.

Crispy Ina Garten Roast Chicken With Croutons Recipe

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4.7 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s roast chicken with croutons brings rustic French comfort to home kitchens. Crisp bread cubes soak up rich pan juices, creating a simple yet elegant meal perfect for family gatherings.

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Ingredients

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• 1 roaster chicken (4–5 lbs / 1.8–2.3 kg)
• 3 tbsps unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 4 tbsps unsalted butter, cut into tbsp pieces
• 1 head garlic, sliced in half
• ½ medium yellow onion
• 1 baguette
• ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
• ⅔ cup white wine
• ⅓ cup chicken stock
• 1 tbsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 6 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 1 tsp chopped fresh rosemary
• 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme
• Dijon mustard, as needed
• 1 head Bibb lettuce, torn into bite-size pieces
• ¼ cup chopped mixed fresh herbs (chives, tarragon, parsley)
• 3 tbsps extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsps champagne vinegar
• 2 tbsps minced shallots
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• ¾ tsp kosher salt
• ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Position cast-iron skillet in oven, heating to 425°F (218°C) for 5 minutes to create an intense, even cooking surface.
2. Chicken Preparation: Thoroughly pat chicken dry with paper towels, then generously season entire surface with kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, ensuring complete flavor coverage.
3. Aromatic Infusion: Stuff chicken cavity with fresh thyme, rosemary sprigs, whole garlic cloves, and quartered onion to enhance internal flavor profile.
4. Crouton Foundation: Slice baguette diagonally into 2-inch thick pieces, spreading unsalted butter generously on one side to create crispy, caramelized bread platforms.
5. Roasting Assembly: Remove searing hot skillet from oven, arrange buttered baguette slices with buttered-side down, then carefully place seasoned chicken atop bread, covering completely.
6. Liquid Integration: Pour chicken broth into skillet to maintain moisture and prevent burning, then roast at 425°F (218°C) for 1 hour until skin turns golden and crispy.
7. Final Cooking Stage: Reduce oven temperature to 375°F (190°C), add remaining broth, and continue roasting 15-20 minutes until internal chicken temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
8. Resting and Sauce Creation: Remove chicken, tent with foil for 10 minutes to redistribute juices, then deglaze skillet with white wine on stovetop, scraping browned bits.
9. Sauce Refinement: Incorporate chicken stock and accumulated juices, gradually whisk in cold butter until sauce becomes glossy, seasoning with fresh herbs, salt, and pepper.
10. Serving Presentation: Carve roasted chicken, plate alongside crispy baguette slices, drizzle with pan sauce, and accompany with Dijon mustard and bistro salad.

Notes

• Prep the Chicken Thoroughly: Use paper towels to completely dry the chicken, removing all moisture to ensure perfect golden-brown crispy skin during roasting.
• Master the Seasoning Technique: Create an even, generous coating of seasoning mixture across the entire chicken surface for maximum flavor penetration and consistent taste.
• Optimize Oven Temperature Strategy: Preheat the cast-iron skillet for 5 minutes to create an intense, even heating surface that helps achieve crispy bread and perfectly cooked chicken.
• Nail the Resting Period: Allow the roasted chicken to rest tented with foil for 10 minutes, which helps redistribute internal juices and ensures a tender, succulent final result.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg