Ina Garten, known as the Barefoot Contessa, has inspired many home cooks with her delicious and approachable recipes. One of her popular dishes is lemon chicken, which is simple yet flavorful. But what makes this dish even better is the tasty sides that Ina serves along with it.
Whether you’re a fan of roasted vegetables, creamy pasta, or bright salads, Ina Garten has an array of options to complement her lemon chicken. In this article, we will explore some of the sides that Ina Garten pairs with her lemon chicken, so you can recreate a delicious and well-rounded meal at home.
The Secret Ingredients of Ina Garten’s Lemon Chicken Dish
Ina Garten’s lemon chicken recipe is one of her most popular dishes. The secret to this delicious recipe is the right combination of herbs, spices, and fresh lemon juice. The recipe calls for bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts that are pan-fried until they are crispy. Then, they are baked in the oven until they are juicy and tender.
One of the key ingredients in this recipe is the fresh lemon juice. It adds a bright and tangy flavor to the dish that complements the savory chicken perfectly. Other essential ingredients include garlic, thyme, rosemary, and parsley. These herbs and spices add a depth of flavor to the dish and create a delicious aroma while cooking. To get the most flavor out of these ingredients, they must be fresh and finely chopped. The combination of these ingredients creates a well-balanced dish that is both savory and tangy.
Simple Sides to Complement Ina Garten’s Lemon Chicken Recipe
When it comes to making side dishes for Ina Garten’s lemon chicken, the key is to keep things simple yet flavorful. One great option is roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or broccoli, which complement the bright and zesty flavors of the lemon chicken. Simply toss the vegetables in some olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them in the oven alongside the chicken until tender and crispy.
Another great side dish to serve with Ina Garten’s lemon chicken is a simple green salad, which adds a fresh and healthy element to the meal. You can keep the salad light and refreshing by using arugula or mixed greens, and adding some shaved parmesan, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette. Alternatively, you could opt for a heartier salad with roasted vegetables, quinoa, and a honey mustard dressing to balance out the rich flavors of the lemon chicken.
Satisfying Salads That Pair Perfectly with Lemon Chicken
Ina Garten’s lemon chicken is an absolute crowd-pleaser, but what should you serve alongside it? Fear not; the Barefoot Contessa has got you covered. With its bright, zingy flavors, lemon chicken pairs beautifully with fresh, satisfying salads.
One of Garten’s favorite salad pairings for her lemon chicken is a simple green salad. Toss together some baby arugula or mixed greens with lemon vinaigrette, shaved Parmesan, and toasted pine nuts for a tasty and elegant side dish. If you’re looking for something heartier, try a Mediterranean-inspired salad with chopped romaine, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese tossed in a lemony dressing. Whichever salad you choose, Ina Garten’s lemon chicken and greens make for an unbeatable combination.
Creative Veggie Dishes That Balance Out Ina Garten’s Citrusy Chicken
Ina Garten is known for her flavorful and tangy Lemon Chicken recipe, which is already a crowd-pleaser on its own. However, to make the dish more wholesome and nutritious, Garten pairs it with creative veggie dishes that provide the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
One of the most popular veggie dishes to serve with her Lemon Chicken is roasted asparagus with Parmesan. The mild sweetness of asparagus harmonizes well with the sharp notes of the chicken. Another great option is her roasted root vegetable mix, which includes sweet potatoes, carrots, and turnips. Its natural sweetness complements the savory chicken flavor while adding a nutritional punch to the dish. These veggie dishes are not only healthy but also delicious and easy to prepare, making them a perfect sidekick for Ina Garten’s Lemon Chicken.
Starchy Side Dishes That Complete Ina Garten’s Lemon Chicken Meal
Ina Garten’s Lemon Chicken is a classic dish that’s bright and flavorful, but it’s important to pair it with the right starchy side dishes that will bring out its best flavors. One of Garten’s favorite side dishes for her Lemon Chicken is roasted potatoes. Whether they are fingerling, red or Yukon gold, these spuds bring texture and a comforting element to the plate. Garten often seasons them with garlic, rosemary, thyme or other herbs and then roasts them until they are crispy and golden brown.
Another starchy side dish that pairs well with Ina Garten’s Lemon Chicken is rice. Garten likes to keep hers simple and fluffy, often using Basmati or Jasmine rice. She usually prepares it by sautéing a little bit of onion and then adding the rice, water, salt and pepper, bringing the pot to a boil and then letting it simmer for 18-20 minutes until the rice is tender and perfectly cooked. Whether you choose roasted potatoes or rice, these starchy sides will complete the meal and make it even more satisfying and fulfilling.
Wine and Beverage Recommendations for Ina Garten’s Lemon Chicken Dinner Party
For a dinner party featuring Ina Garten’s lemon chicken, selecting the right wine and beverage options is key to creating a memorable dining experience. With the bold flavors of garlic, lemon, and thyme in the chicken, a crisp and refreshing wine would be the ideal option. Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, and Chardonnay are all great wine pairings that will compliment the meal without overpowering the flavors.
For non-alcoholic beverage options, a fresh and light lemonade or sparkling water with a slice of lemon would be perfect. For a more elevated option, a seasonal fruit cocktail with strawberry, mango, or peach could be served. Overall, the key is to select beverages that will compliment and enhance the flavors of Ina Garten’s lemon chicken and create a well-rounded dining experience for your guests.
Sweet Desserts That End Ina Garten’s Lemon Chicken Meal on a High Note
After devouring Ina Garten’s mouthwatering lemon chicken main course, who wouldn’t want to end their meal on a sweet note? The Barefoot Contessa has quite a few sweet treats up her sleeve that perfectly complement her lemon chicken.
One of her most popular desserts is the classic apple crisp, which can be served with a dollop of vanilla ice cream. Another option is her famous Flag Cake, a patriotic dessert that’s perfect for any summer gathering. For a lighter option, Garten suggests a fruit salad with honey vanilla yogurt dressing. No matter what dessert you choose to end your meal, Ina Garten’s lemon chicken and her sweet treats are a match made in heaven.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, Ina Garten is a culinary genius who knows how to elevate a simple chicken dish into a delicious meal. Her use of fresh ingredients, herbs, and spices is what makes her Lemon Chicken recipe a standout. The addition of roasted vegetables, potatoes, or pasta on the side enhances the overall flavor and texture of the dish, making it a perfect meal for a family dinner or special occasion.
Garten’s philosophy of using fresh and high-quality ingredients is evident in all her recipes, making her a household name in the culinary world. The Lemon Chicken recipe is a testament to her talent, creativity, and love for food. So next time you’re in the mood for a tasty and easy-to-make chicken dish, turn to Ina Garten’s Lemon Chicken, and serve it with your favorite side dishes for a complete and satisfying meal.