Description
Ina Garten’s crispy chicken with lemon orzo delivers Mediterranean comfort on a plate. Delicate chicken meets zesty orzo in a harmonious blend of flavors that promises a restaurant-quality meal straight from your kitchen.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 boneless chicken breasts, skin-on (225g / 8 ounces each)
- 160g / ⅔ cup all-purpose flour
Seasonings:
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Cooking Ingredients:
- 60ml / ¼ cup canola oil
- 125g / 9 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
- 1 lemon, cut into 8 wedges
Side Dish:
- Lemon Orzo with Feta
Instructions
- Warm the oven to a scorching 230°C / 450°F, ensuring a perfectly heated cooking environment.
- Create a seasoned flour coating by thoroughly combining 160 grams / ⅔ cup all-purpose flour, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper in a wide, shallow dish.
- Prepare the chicken breasts by gently removing the tender strips underneath, which helps guarantee uniform cooking. Reserve these strips for another culinary adventure.
- Heat a generous 60 milliliters / ¼ cup canola oil alongside of butter in a spacious 12-inch cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Once the butter transforms into a sizzling golden liquid, thoroughly coat each chicken breast in the seasoned flour mixture, carefully shaking off any excess.
- Position the chicken skin-side down in the skillet, allowing it to develop a crisp, golden crust without disturbing for 12 minutes.
- Transfer the entire skillet to the preheated oven, maintaining the chicken’s skin-side down position, and roast for 10 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Carefully return the skillet to the stovetop, being mindful of the extremely hot handle. Flip the chicken skin-side up and introduce the remaining of butter.
- Continue cooking for 3 to 5 minutes, watching the butter transform into a rich, nutty brown color. Confirm the chicken’s doneness by checking the internal temperature, which should reach 54-60°C / 130-140°F.
- Remove from heat and generously sprinkle finely chopped parsley over the chicken. Slice each breast crosswise for an elegant presentation.
- Plate with Lemon Orzo with Feta, drizzle the aromatic brown butter overtop, and garnish with fresh lemon wedges for a bright, citrusy finish.
Notes
- Moisture matters when achieving that perfect crispy exterior, so thoroughly pat chicken dry before any coating begins.
- Invest in a cast-iron skillet for even heat distribution and stunning golden-brown crusts that make mouths water.
- Spacing is crucial: give each chicken piece room to breathe and crisp up without turning into a steamy mess.
- Brown butter adds incredible depth, but watch like a hawk to catch that magical nutty moment before burning.
- Instant-read thermometers are your secret weapon for guaranteeing juicy, perfectly cooked chicken every single time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 of 4 servings
- Calories: 815
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 48g
- Saturated Fat: 16.5g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 185mg