Ina Garten Chicken Bouillabaisse Recipe

This Ina Garten Chicken Bouillabaisse Recipe is a rustic and aromatic French-inspired stew, which uses bone-in chicken and saffron-infused broth. It’s a restaurant-quality dish, ready in about 1 hour and 20 minutes.

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Ina Garten Chicken Bouillabaisse Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons good olive oil
• 1 (3½ to 4-pound) chicken, cut into 8 pieces (or use bone-in thighs and breasts)
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cups chopped leeks (white and light green parts, cleaned well)
• 2 cups thinly sliced fennel
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1½ cups dry white wine (Sauvignon Blanc works well)
• 2 cups chicken stock
• 1 teaspoon saffron threads
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried)
• 1 bay leaf
• Optional: 1 tablespoon Pernod (for added anise flavor)

For serving:

• Toasted French baguette slices
• Garlic aioli or rouille
• Chopped parsley (optional)

How To Make Ina Garten Chicken Bouillabaisse

1. Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven. Season chicken with salt and pepper, brown for 4–5 minutes per side, then remove.
2. Sauté vegetables: Add onion, leeks, and fennel. Cook 8–10 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic and cook 1 more minute.
3. Build the broth: Stir in tomatoes, wine, chicken stock, saffron, orange zest, thyme, bay leaf, and Pernod (if using). Bring to a boil.
4. Simmer the stew: Return chicken to the pot. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer 30–40 minutes until tender.
5. Finish and serve: Remove bay leaf, adjust seasoning, and serve with toasted baguette, aioli, and parsley.

Recipe Tips

• What does saffron do in bouillabaisse?
  Saffron adds a warm, slightly floral depth and golden color—don’t skip it if possible.
• Can I use boneless chicken?
  Bone-in chicken gives more flavor, but boneless thighs can be used for a quicker version.
• How to make it more traditional:
  Add seafood like shrimp or mussels in the last 10 minutes for a surf-and-turf take.
• Is Pernod necessary?
  It’s optional, but it enhances the anise flavor that’s signature in bouillabaisse.
• What to serve with this dish:
  Toasted French bread with garlic aioli or rouille is traditional and delicious.

What To Serve With Chicken Bouillabaisse

Pair this elegant stew with:

• Crusty French baguette
• Garlic aioli or saffron rouille
• Chilled white wine (Sauvignon Blanc or Rosé)
• Roasted asparagus or green beans
• Simple mixed greens salad

How To Store Chicken Bouillabaisse

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.

Freeze: Freeze without the aioli or garnishes for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Chicken Bouillabaisse Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 450
• Carbohydrates: 16g
• Protein: 40g
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 8g
• Calcium: 90mg
• Iron: 3mg

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes.

FAQs

Can I make this in advance?
Yes! The flavors improve overnight. Just reheat gently before serving.

What’s the best wine to cook with?
Use a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, it’s naturally dairy-free unless you add aioli with dairy.

What can I use instead of Pernod?
Ouzo or a few fennel seeds can provide a similar flavor if needed.

Try More Recipes:

• Ina Garten Chicken Parmesan With Tomato Sauce Recipe
• Ina Garten Spring Green Risotto Recipe
• Ina Garten Vegetable Lasagna Recipe