Ep 9. Chicken Story

In the ninth episode of season three of Barefoot Contessa, titled "Chicken Story," host Ina Garten focuses on a versatile and beloved mainstay of American kitchens - the chicken. She begins by showing viewers how to make a simple yet flavorful chicken soup, perfect for a cozy night in or for those feeling under the weather.

Next, Ina demonstrates how to make one of her most popular chicken recipes - the roasted chicken, with a twist. Instead of the classic roasted chicken with herbs, she adds a surprise ingredient to spice things up - tarragon. This herb adds a subtle, anise-like flavor to the chicken, making it a standout dish that's sure to impress. Ina also shares her tips and tricks for making perfectly crispy skin and juicy meat.

For a lighter, more summery take on chicken, Ina then prepares a chicken salad with a Mediterranean twist. She starts by cooking the chicken using a technique she calls "sizzle and simmer," which creates tender, flavorful chicken without having to roast it. She then combines the chicken with a homemade dressing featuring lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and garlic, along with crispy veggies like lettuce, cucumber, and red onion to create a light, refreshing salad.

Finally, Ina makes a delicious and hearty dish perfect for cooking on a cozy night in - chicken and biscuits. She begins by roasting chicken with a creamy dijon mustard sauce, which she then serves over homemade biscuits. Ina explains how to make the perfect biscuit dough, sharing her tricks for achieving light, fluffy biscuits every time.

Throughout the episode, Ina shares her tips and tricks for cooking chicken like a pro, from how to handle and season the meat to the best techniques for cooking it to perfection. She also offers practical advice on batch cooking and meal prep, showing viewers how to make the most of leftover chicken in a variety of dishes.

With her warm and inviting demeanor and expert culinary skills, Ina Garten makes learning to cook with chicken a fun and approachable experience. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or just starting out, "Chicken Story" is a must-watch episode of Barefoot Contessa.