Ep 3. Chicken All the Time

In season 11 episode 3 of Barefoot Contessa, titled "Chicken All the Time," host Ina Garten is dedicated to showcasing different ways to cook and prepare chicken dishes for any occasion. As the episode title suggests, the main ingredient of the show is chicken, and Ina offers a range of ways to prepare this versatile protein.

The episode begins with Ina preparing one of her favorite chicken dishes, a creamy Chicken Stew with Biscuits. She starts by browning the chicken in a Dutch oven before adding garlic, onions, and celeriac. This dish is perfect for a cozy night in, and Ina recommends serving it with freshly baked biscuits to soak up the delicious sauce.

Next, Ina makes a flavorful dish of Cider Roasted Chicken with Fennel and Squash. She starts by placing the chicken pieces in a roasting pan and brushing them with a mixture of apple cider, mustard, and honey. She then adds sliced fennel and butternut squash to the pan and roasts everything together until the chicken is golden brown and the vegetables are tender.

In the third segment of the episode, Ina shares her recipe for Chicken Piccata, which she describes as a simple and elegant dish that's perfect for entertaining. She starts by pounding the chicken breasts before dredging them in flour and sautéing them in a pan with butter and olive oil. She then adds capers, lemon juice, and white wine to make a tangy sauce that perfectly balances the richness of the chicken.

For the final segment, Ina takes a trip down memory lane and prepares a classic dish from her childhood, Chicken Marbella. This recipe is inspired by the popular Silver Palate cookbook from the 1980s, and Ina adds her own twist by using boneless, skinless chicken breasts. She marinates the chicken in a mixture of prunes, olives, capers, and herbs before roasting it in the oven. The result is a sweet and savory dish that's perfect for a dinner party or a special family meal.

Throughout the show, Ina emphasizes the importance of using high-quality ingredients and taking the time to properly prepare and cook each dish. She also shares tips and tricks for getting the most out of your chicken, from how to properly store it to how to make the most of the leftovers.

Overall, "Chicken All the Time" is a great episode for anyone looking to expand their chicken repertoire and learn new ways to cook this versatile protein. Ina's warm and approachable style makes the show easy to follow, and her passion for great food shines through in every dish she prepares.