Ep 1. Cook Like a Pro: Chicken

In the first episode of season 13, Ina Garten, the Barefoot Contessa, goes back to basics in the kitchen with a focus on cooking chicken like a pro. In this episode, Garten shares some of her favorite chicken recipes that are easy to execute and sure to impress.

The episode starts with Garten breaking down a whole chicken into pieces and offering tips on how to properly handle and prepare chicken for cooking. She emphasizes the importance of flattening chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and gives a demonstration on how to do so.

Garten then goes on to cook three different chicken dishes, each showcasing a different technique and flavor profile. The first dish she prepares is Chicken Marbella, a classic recipe from her first cookbook. This dish is marinated overnight in a mixture of olive oil, vinegar, garlic, dried oregano, prunes, capers, and green olives, and then baked with brown sugar and white wine. The result is a flavorful and moist chicken dish that is perfect for a dinner party.

The second dish Garten tackles is a more casual and easy weeknight dinner option: Chicken with Shallots. She shows how just a few simple ingredients like chicken thighs, shallots, white wine, and chicken stock can come together to create a delicious and comforting meal. Garten also shares a helpful tip for preventing chicken skin from sticking to the pan during cooking.

For the final dish, Garten takes a more exotic approach with her Indian-Spiced Chicken. This dish is marinated in a blend of yogurt, ginger, garlic, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cayenne pepper to infuse it with bold flavors. She then grills the chicken until charred and crispy, serving it with a cool cucumber and mint yogurt sauce.

Throughout the episode, Garten offers helpful tips and tricks for cooking chicken to perfection, including how to properly season and sear chicken, how to ensure the chicken is fully cooked but not dry, and how to carve a whole chicken. She also shares ideas for using leftover chicken in other meals such as salads and sandwiches.

Overall, this episode of Barefoot Contessa: Back to Basics is a must-watch for anyone looking to up their chicken game in the kitchen. Garten's easy-to-follow recipes and helpful cooking tips make cooking chicken like a pro accessible for cooks of all skill levels.