Ep 1. Cook Like a Pro: Chicken

In Barefoot Contessa season 24 episode 1, titled Cook Like a Pro: Chicken, Ina Garten shares her favorite chicken recipes and techniques for cooking this versatile and delicious protein. As always, Ina's signature approach to cooking emphasizes using quality ingredients and achievable methods that home cooks can easily follow.

In the first segment of the episode, Ina prepares a classic dish that never goes out of style: roast chicken with bread and herb stuffing. She shares her tips for getting the perfect crispy skin on the chicken and shows viewers how to make a simple stuffing from bread, herbs, and onions. Ina suggests serving the roast chicken with a side of sautéed kale for a healthy and delicious dinner.

Next up, Ina demonstrates how to make her lemon chicken breasts with arugula salad. This refreshing and bright chicken dish is perfect for a summer lunch or dinner. Ina marinates chicken breasts in lemon juice and olive oil, then grills them until they're perfectly cooked. She tops the chicken with a mustard vinaigrette and serves it with a simple arugula salad.

For viewers looking for a hearty and flavorful chicken dinner, Ina's next recipe is sure to impress. She makes a Tuscan lemon chicken that's packed with bold flavors from garlic, rosemary, and lemons. Ina shows viewers how to butterfly the chicken for even cooking and adds a delicious herb butter to the finished dish.

In the final segment of the show, Ina shares her recipe for chicken piccata with creamy Parmesan risotto. This sophisticated and indulgent dish is perfect for a special occasion or dinner party. Ina shows viewers how to make a flavorful piccata sauce with capers, lemon juice, and white wine. She serves the chicken with a creamy risotto made with Parmesan cheese and chicken stock.

Throughout the episode, Ina emphasizes the importance of using high-quality chicken for the best flavor and texture. She also shares helpful tips for cooking chicken to the proper temperature, checking for doneness, and using leftover chicken in other dishes.

Cook Like a Pro: Chicken is a must-watch episode for anyone looking to up their chicken-cooking game. With Ina's expert guidance and delicious recipes, viewers will be inspired to try something new with this versatile protein.