What Does Ina Garten Serve With Her Lemon Chicken? Perfect Pairings From The Barefoot Contessa

Have you ever made Ina Garten’s famous lemon chicken and wondered what sides would complement it best? If you’re a fan of the Barefoot Contessa like me, you know her lemon chicken recipe is absolutely divine – juicy, flavorful, and with that perfect citrusy kick. But what really elevates this dish is pairing it with the right sides.

I’ve researched extensively what Ina herself recommends serving alongside her legendary lemon chicken, and I’m excited to share these perfect pairings with you! Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just making a special meal at home, these side dishes will help you create a complete Barefoot Contessa-worthy spread.

Fresh, Light Sides That Complement Lemon Chicken

Ina often opts for bright, fresh sides that enhance the citrusy notes in her lemon chicken without overwhelming the dish. These lighter options are especially perfect for summer meals:

Vibrant Salads

Ina loves serving her lemon chicken with several salad options:

• Arugula Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette – The peppery arugula paired with a lemon dressing echoes the citrus in the chicken while adding a pleasant bitterness Add some shaved Parmesan and toasted walnuts for extra texture and flavor

• Greek Cucumber Salad – Cool, crisp cucumbers with tangy feta cheese create a refreshing counterpoint to the rich chicken The mint and lemon juice brighten everything up

• Tomatoes with Burrata – For something simple yet stunning, try sliced heirloom tomatoes topped with creamy burrata cheese and fresh basil This salad is especially perfect during summer when tomatoes are at their peak.

• Butter Lettuce with Avocado Green Goddess Dressing – The velvety butter lettuce serves as an elegant base for a creamy, herb-filled dressing. The cool, rich accompaniment offsets the chicken beautifully.

Simple Vegetable Sides

Beyond salads, Ina pairs her lemon chicken with elegantly prepared vegetables:

• Roasted Asparagus with Lemon Zest – Quickly roasted asparagus maintains a nice crisp-tender bite, while lemon zest echoes the chicken’s citrus notes. A sprinkle of shaved Parmesan adds a savory, nutty finish.

• Summer Squash Ribbons with Herbs – Thinly sliced zucchini and yellow squash create vibrant color on the plate. Fresh herbs like dill and chives add aromatic flavor that complements the herby chicken.

Heartier Starches That Balance The Meal

While fresh vegetables are wonderful, Ina also knows the importance of including satisfying starches to round out the meal and soak up that delicious lemony sauce:

Grains and Pasta

• Creamy Parmesan Risotto – This rich, cheesy risotto provides wonderful contrast to the chicken. The creamy texture soaks up the chicken’s flavorful juices, while Parmesan adds a nutty depth. Ina often adds thyme and lemon zest to the risotto to echo the chicken’s flavors.

• Pearl Couscous with Corn and Zucchini – The satisfying chew of pearl couscous (also called Israeli couscous) makes this a substantial side. Summer vegetables add pops of color and freshness.

• Farro with Swiss Chard – Toasted farro brings a nutty, wheaty flavor, while garlicky Swiss chard offers a slightly bitter contrast. A squeeze of lemon juice ties it back to the main dish.

• Freekeh Pilaf with Leeks – This ancient grain has a wonderfully smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the bright lemon chicken. Sweet leeks balance the smokiness.

Potato and Other Starchy Sides

• Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Sometimes simple is best! Fluffy mashed potatoes soak up the pan juices beautifully. Garlic and thyme in the potatoes mirror the chicken’s flavors.

• Roasted Potatoes – Whether fingerling, red, or Yukon gold, Ina loves roasting potatoes with garlic, rosemary, and thyme until they’re crispy and golden brown. The herbs complement those in the chicken.

• Polenta with Mascarpone – For an elegant twist, creamy polenta with tangy mascarpone cheese provides a luxurious base for the chicken. A sprinkle of thyme adds earthy notes.

Rice Options That Soak Up The Sauce

Rice is one of Ina’s go-to sides with her lemon chicken because it’s perfect for soaking up all those flavorful juices:

• Simple Basmati or Jasmine Rice – Ina keeps her rice fluffy and simple, often sautéing a bit of onion before adding the rice, water, salt, and pepper. The clean flavor lets the chicken shine.

• Lemon Rice Pilaf – To echo the chicken’s flavors, Ina sometimes makes a lemon-infused rice pilaf with herbs and a touch of butter for richness.

Putting Together A Complete Meal

When crafting your Ina-inspired lemon chicken dinner, try combining a fresh side with a starchy one for perfect balance. Here are some winning combinations:

• Lemon chicken + arugula salad + Parmesan risotto
• Lemon chicken + tomato-burrata salad + garlic mashed potatoes
• Lemon chicken + cucumber salad + pearl couscous
• Lemon chicken + roasted asparagus + polenta

The key is balancing the bright, citrusy chicken with both fresh elements and comforting starches.

Expert Tips For Serving Ina’s Lemon Chicken

To help you get restaurant-quality results when making Ina’s famous recipe, keep these tips in mind:

• Make the sauce while the chicken roasts – This ensures the salty, lemony flavors infuse the meat properly.
• Let the chicken rest before serving – This helps retain juices. Slice just before plating.
• Prep veggie sides while chicken cooks – This builds efficiency into your cooking process.
• Reheat starches at the last minute – For risotto, polenta, or couscous, prepare in advance then reheat just before serving.
• Finish with fresh herbs and lemon zest – Garnish everything with herbs and citrus to tie the meal together.

Why Ina’s Lemon Chicken Is So Special

Before we wrap up, let’s quickly recap what makes Ina’s lemon chicken such a beloved recipe:

• Simple, quality ingredients – Just chicken, lemons, garlic, thyme, butter, and olive oil. Ina relies on fresh, high-quality ingredients rather than complicated techniques.
• Elegant flavors – Bright citrus and herbaceous thyme combine for a sophisticated sauce. The richness of butter and garlic balances the acidity.
• Easy to make – With just some seasoning, searing, and roasting, you can create an incredible entrée without hours of difficult cooking.
• Versatility – As we’ve seen, the chicken pairs beautifully with so many different sides!

Sweet Endings To Your Lemon Chicken Meal

After enjoying Ina’s lemon chicken with its perfect sides, you might want a sweet treat to finish the meal. Here are some of Ina’s favorite desserts that pair well with her lemon chicken dinner:

• Classic Apple Crisp – Served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream
• Flag Cake – A patriotic dessert perfect for summer gatherings
• Fruit Salad with Honey Vanilla Yogurt Dressing – A lighter option after a satisfying meal

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten truly is a culinary genius who knows how to transform a simple chicken dish into an extraordinary meal. Her lemon chicken shines because of its bright, balanced flavors, and the sides she pairs with it only enhance the experience.

Whether you choose fresh vegetables, satisfying starches, or a combination of both, following Ina’s lead will help you create a memorable and delicious dinner. The next time you make her famous lemon chicken, try one of these perfect side pairings and enjoy a complete Barefoot Contessa experience in your own home!

What are your favorite sides to serve with lemon chicken? I’d love to hear your ideas in the comments below!