Ina Garten Million Dollar Chicken Recipe

This Ina Garten Million Dollar Chicken Recipe is a juicy and elegant main dish, which uses whole chicken and crème fraîche. It’s a restaurant-quality dish, ready in about 1 hour and 20 minutes.

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Ina Garten Million Dollar Chicken Recipe Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken (4–5 pounds)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 lemon, halved
• 4–5 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1½ cups crème fraîche
• 2 small shallots, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

How To Make Ina Garten Million Dollar Chicken

1. Preheat the oven: Set oven to 425°F (220°C) and position rack in the lower third.
2. Prep the chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Rub it all over with olive oil, then season generously with salt and pepper. Stuff the cavity with the lemon halves and thyme sprigs.
3. Roast the chicken: Place the chicken breast-side up on a rack in a roasting pan. Roast for 45–50 minutes, until the skin begins to turn golden brown.
4. Mix the sauce: While the chicken is roasting, stir together crème fraîche, shallots, lemon zest, and half the parsley in a bowl.
5. Add the sauce: Remove the chicken from the oven and evenly coat it with the crème fraîche mixture. Return to the oven and roast another 15–20 minutes, until the sauce bubbles and the chicken reaches 165°F internally.
6. Rest and serve: Let the chicken rest for 10–15 minutes. Carve and serve with remaining parsley and pan juices.

Recipe Tips

• What is crème fraîche?
  It’s a rich, tangy French-style cream that adds amazing depth and silkiness—find it near sour cream in most grocery stores.
• Can I substitute sour cream for crème fraîche?
  Yes, but crème fraîche is thicker and less tangy. Greek yogurt is another alternative.
• How to get extra crispy skin:
  Make sure the chicken is thoroughly dried before roasting and don’t cover it during baking.
• Can I spatchcock the chicken?
  Yes, spatchcocking speeds up cooking and promotes even browning. Just adjust time slightly.
• What to do with the pan juices:
  Spoon them over the carved meat or serve on the side—they’re full of flavor!

What To Serve With Million Dollar Chicken

Serve this rich and flavorful chicken with:

• Roasted fingerling potatoes or mashed potatoes
• Garlic green beans or roasted asparagus
• Herbed rice or wild rice pilaf
• Crusty French bread to soak up the sauce
• A light arugula or Caesar salad

How To Store Million Dollar Chicken

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven for best texture.

Freeze: Freeze carved portions (without sauce) for up to 2 months. Add fresh sauce when reheating.

Million Dollar Chicken Nutrition Facts

• Calories: ~530 kcal
• Fat: 38g
• Saturated Fat: 16g
• Cholesterol: 165mg
• Sodium: 800mg
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 1g
• Protein: 43g

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

FAQs

Can I use chicken parts instead of a whole chicken?
Yes—bone-in, skin-on thighs or breasts work great. Adjust roasting time accordingly.

Do I need a roasting rack?
It’s recommended, but you can layer chopped vegetables (like onions or carrots) under the chicken as a base.

Can I make the crème fraîche sauce ahead?
Yes, prepare it a day ahead and store in the fridge until ready to use.

Is this dish spicy?
Not at all, but you can add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce if you prefer heat.

Can I cook this in a Dutch oven?
Yes, just ensure good air circulation around the chicken or leave the lid off during roasting.

Try More Recipes:

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