Ina Garten’s Skillet Roasted Lemon Chicken 🍋 | A Culinary Delight
Welcome to a mouthwatering journey with Ina Garten’s Skillet Roasted Lemon Chicken—your new weeknight hero! This exquisite dish promises vibrant, fresh flavors that make any evening feel extraordinary, even when surrounded by a busy schedule.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The beauty of Ina Garten’s Skillet Roasted Lemon Chicken is in its simplicity and elegance. Imagine juicy, golden chicken perfectly roasted atop a bed of caramelized onions, garlic, and bright lemon slices. The marriage of these ingredients not only enhances the chicken’s flavor but also creates an aromatic experience that fills your kitchen with warmth. Finished with a splash of dry white wine and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, this dish is a delightful fusion of taste and texture.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet night at home, this dish is sure to impress. The crisp skin, fragrant herbs, and succulent meat make it feel like a special occasion, while the straightforward method allows for effortless preparation. With just a few ingredients and less than 90 minutes, you can serve a stunning meal that tastes like it took hours to prepare!
The Recipe Breakdown
Level: Easy
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes (includes resting time)
Active Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 3
Ingredients:
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon whole fennel seeds
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1/3 cup good olive oil
- 1 lemon, halved and sliced 1/4 inch thick
- 1 yellow onion, halved and sliced 1/4 inch thick
- 2 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 1 (4-pound) chicken, backbone removed and butterflied
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio)
- Juice of 1 lemon
Directions:
-
Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 450°F.
-
Prepare the Herb Oil: Using a mini food processor, blend the thyme, fennel seeds, 1 tablespoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of pepper until ground. Mix this into the olive oil and set aside.
-
Arrange Your Skillet: In a 12-inch cast iron skillet, lay down the lemon slices. Follow this with a layer of sliced onion and garlic. Place the chicken, skin side down, over the onion mixture and brush it with half of the prepared herb oil. Flip the chicken skin side up, pat it dry, and brush the remaining herb oil over the skin.
-
Roast the Chicken: Roast the chicken for 30 minutes, then pour in the white wine (avoid pouring it directly on the chicken) and continue roasting for an additional 10-15 minutes. Aim for a chicken temperature of 155–160°F in the thickest part of the breast.
-
Rest and Serve: Once done, remove the chicken from the oven and sprinkle with fresh lemon juice. Cover it with foil and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. Cut the chicken into quarters or eighths and serve hot with the pan juices, cooked lemon, and onion.
A Final Touch
Ina Garten’s Skillet Roasted Lemon Chicken isn’t just about filling your stomach; it’s about creating a cozy atmosphere with warm flavors, vibrant colors, and plenty of love. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready for an incredible culinary experience! Enjoy your delightful creation with family and friends, and watch as they savor every bite.
Watch the video by Food Network
Video “Ina Garten's Skillet Roasted Lemon Chicken 🍋 | Barefoot Contessa | Food Network” was uploaded on 01/02/2026 to Youtube Channel Food Network






































Just don't eat the whole chicken
I’ve made this probably half a dozen times now for people, and it’s always a huge hit. The flavors are very lively, and there’s something about the preparation process that feels creative, special, and fancy. There is one YouTube chef I can name who isn’t into it, but for those of us who are pedestrians in the cooking arena, Ina’s Skillet Roasted Lemon Chicken is one of those recipes that is complicated enough that it helps you develop some cooking skills and not be so afraid of experimenting and making meals yourself. Plus I think there’s something about cooking with wine that makes you feel fancy 😂. Again, everybody I’ve ever made this for has raved over it.
[EDIT] if I can make one suggestion: instead of using just 1/3 cup of olive oil, use a little bit more, plus increase your herbs a smidge. I found that 1/3 cup isn’t enough to cover the entire chicken.
at a buffet, i personally sneak corndogs into the buffet so others can enjoy them. I hide 6 corndogs in my jacket pockets. it then, is a joy for me to see other patrons of the establishment eat my corndogs thinking they were part of the buffet.
The grilled chicken didn't look done. It's supposed to be 160°, not 150°. I know it cooks a little more when it's resting, but it wouldn't go up 10°.