Garten’s tips for perfect roast chicken
MShev/Shutterstock
Kelli Foster of the Kitchn website, who claims to be a longtime follower of chef Jacques Pepin’s roast chicken, gave Garten’s version of the classic dish a 10 out of 10. Foster stated, “From the crispy skin and tender, juicy meat that’s subtly infused with lemon, herbs, and garlic, to the charred edges on the root vegetables, this chicken is flawless.” But not all home cooks are created equal. Susan Templeton of Canyon Lake, California, for example, “asked Ina” (in a Q&A section on Garten’s website) why her chicken came out dry and the vegetables got “completely charred.” The Contessa shared two simple tips that may save us all from a similar fate.
Garten first recommends using an oven thermometer to ensure your oven temperature is accurate. According to General Electric, oven temperatures can vary tremendously, making the number on the dial more of an estimate than a guarantee. An oven that’s too hot will burn those cut veggies before the chicken has time to cook through. Garten then suggested using a pan that is just big enough to hold the bird and the vegetables “snugly.” A common mistake is using too large a pan, resulting in burnt veggies. How easy is that?
The Biggest Mistake You’re Making With Roast Chicken, According To Ina Garten
Andy Kropa/Getty Images
By Jennifer Mathews/May 9, 2022 10:38 am EST
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Garten’s tips for perfect roast chicken
MShev/Shutterstock
Kelli Foster of the Kitchn website, who claims to be a longtime follower of chef Jacques Pepin’s roast chicken, gave Garten’s version of the classic dish a 10 out of 10. Foster stated, “From the crispy skin and tender, juicy meat that’s subtly infused with lemon, herbs, and garlic, to the charred edges on the root vegetables, this chicken is flawless.” But not all home cooks are created equal. Susan Templeton of Canyon Lake, California, for example, “asked Ina” (in a Q&A section on Garten’s website) why her chicken came out dry and the vegetables got “completely charred.” The Contessa shared two simple tips that may save us all from a similar fate.
Garten first recommends using an oven thermometer to ensure your oven temperature is accurate. According to General Electric, oven temperatures can vary tremendously, making the number on the dial more of an estimate than a guarantee. An oven that’s too hot will burn those cut veggies before the chicken has time to cook through. Garten then suggested using a pan that is just big enough to hold the bird and the vegetables “snugly.” A common mistake is using too large a pan, resulting in burnt veggies. How easy is that?
Garten first recommends using an oven thermometer to ensure your oven temperature is accurate. According to General Electric, oven temperatures can vary tremendously, making the number on the dial more of an estimate than a guarantee. An oven that’s too hot will burn those cut veggies before the chicken has time to cook through. Garten then suggested using a pan that is just big enough to hold the bird and the vegetables “snugly.” A common mistake is using too large a pan, resulting in burnt veggies. How easy is that?
