Ina Garten, also known as Barefoot Contessa, is a master in the kitchen. Her most famous dish, and perhaps her most beloved recipe, is her Perfect Roast Chicken.
It is simple, elegant, and full of flavor – everything her cooking philosophy embodies. It’s a go-to for home cooks and even celebrities can't get enough of this delicious summer lunch recipe.
Meghan Markle famously revealed in an interview in 2017 that she was preparing a roast chicken meal recipe from chef Ina Garten when Prince Harry got down on one knee to propose in Nottingham Cottage, Harry's small home in Kensington Palace.
What makes it quintessentially Ina is that it’s unfussy but feels luxurious – comfort food elevated. It’s the kind of dish that turns a Sunday dinner into something memorable.
Ina Garten's Perfect Roast Chicken
Ingredients
- (Serves 4–6 people)
- 1 (5–6 lb) whole roasting chicken
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 large bunch of fresh thyme
- 1 lemon, halved
- 1 head garlic, cut in half crosswise
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 yellow onion, thickly sliced
- 4 carrots, cut into chunks
- 1 bulb of fennel, tops removed, cut into wedges
- Olive oil
Method
- 1. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat to 425°F (220°C).
- 2. Prepare the Chicken
- Remove the giblets and pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
- Generously season inside the cavity with salt and pepper.
- Stuff the cavity with the lemon halves, garlic, and a handful of thyme.
- 3. Butter & Season
- Brush the outside of the chicken with the melted butter.
- Season all over with salt and pepper.
- 4. Truss the Chicken (optional)
- Tie the legs together with kitchen string and tuck the wings under the body for even roasting.
- 5. Prepare the Vegetables
- Toss the onion, carrots, and fennel in a roasting pan (Ina loves the All-clad Stainless Steel Roaster from Amazon) with salt, pepper, a few sprigs of thyme, and a drizzle of olive oil.
- Spread them out in a layer and place the chicken on top.
- 6. Roast
- Roast for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until juices run clear when you cut between a leg and thigh (or use a thermometer: 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh). The ThermoPro Meat Thermometer, available at Amazon is a reliable option.
- Stir the vegetables once or twice to ensure even browning.
- 7. Rest and Serve
- Remove from oven and cover the chicken with foil.
- Let it rest for 15–20 minutes.
- Carve and serve with the roasted vegetables and pan juices.
Ina often serves it with a crispy roast potato, a simple green salad, and a glass of Chablis or Chardonnay.
Alternatively, you can try Meghan Markle’s twist on Ina Garten’s Perfect Roast Chicken. This subtle twist became famous after she called it her 'engagement chicken.'
Meghan Markle’s version adds Dijon mustard, fresh thyme, lemon zest, and a hint of sweetness for a flavorful twist. Roasted with root vegetables and stuffed with lemon and garlic, it’s an elegant, cozy dish perfect for a romantic dinner or special occasion.
