What Does Ina Garten Serve with Her Lemon Chicken? A Complete Guide

Ina Garten’s lemon chicken recipe is a beloved classic adored for its simple yet vibrant flavors. The zesty lemon sauce perfectly complements juicy roasted chicken thighs for a meal that feels elegant yet effortless. But what really makes this recipe sing are the sides that Ina expertly pairs it with.

We’ll talk about all of Ina’s favorite sides to go with her famous lemon chicken in this full guide, from fresh vegetable medleys to hearty starches. These tasty sides will help you finish off a great meal whether you’re planning a casual summer dinner or a fancy party.

An Overview of Ina Garten’s Lemon Chicken Recipe

Before diving into pairing ideas, let’s quickly recap what makes Ina’s lemon chicken so special. Here are the key highlights:

• Simple, quality ingredients – The recipe calls for just chicken, lemons, garlic, thyme, butter, and olive oil. Ina relies on fresh, high-quality ingredients rather than complicated techniques.

• Elegant flavors: The bright citrus and herbaceous thyme make the sauce feel classy. The butter and garlic add richness and balance out the acidity.

• Easy to make – With just a bit of seasoning, searing, and roasting, you can create an incredible entrée without hours of difficult cooking. Even novice cooks can master this recipe.

• Versatile – The chicken pairs beautifully with an array of sides, making it perfect for casual dinners or impressive dinner parties.

With this quick lemon chicken overview in mind, let’s explore Ina’s brilliant sides that can take this dish to the next level.

Fresh, Light Sides to Enjoy with Lemon Chicken

A lot of the time, Ina chooses fresh, light sides that go well with lemon chicken without taking over. These options temper the rich chicken with color and brightness.

Arugula Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

• Peppery arugula offers a pleasant bitterness to offset the chicken.
• The lemon vinaigrette ties back to the citrus flavors of the entrée.
• Parmesan cheese adds a touch of richness while walnuts provide crunch.

Summer Squash Ribbons with Herbs

• Thinly sliced zucchini and summer squash add vibrant color.
• Herbs like dill and chives provide fresh, aromatic flavor.
• The light nature contrasts the chicken beautifully.

Asparagus with Lemon Zest

• Briefly roasted asparagus offers a crisp-tender bite.
• Lemon zest echoes the entrée’s citrus notes.
• Shaved Parmesan adds a savory, nutty flavor.

Tomatoes with Burrata

• Sliced heirloom tomatoes make for a simple but stunning salad.
• Creamy burrata cheese balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
• Fresh basil ties everything together.

Greek Cucumber Salad

• Cool, crunchy cucumbers provide relief from the rich chicken.
• Tangy feta cheese offers a salty, pungent kick.
• Mint and lemon juice provide brightness.

Butter Lettuce with Avocado Green Goddess Dressing

• Velvety butter lettuce creates an elegant base for the dressing.
• Avocado and herbs make the dressing rich and flavorful.
• The cool, creamy accompaniment offsets the chicken perfectly.

As you can see, Ina often opts for crisp, herbaceous salads and vegetables to complement her lemon chicken. Their freshness prevents the meal from feeling too heavy.

Hearty Starches for Serving with Ina’s Chicken

While Ina does enjoy light sides, she also frequently pairs her lemon chicken with satisfying starches. These additions provide comfort and richness to balance the acidity and herbs.

Creamy Parmesan Risotto

• The creamy, cheesy risotto provides rich contrast to the chicken.
• Parmesan offers a nutty, savory flavor.
• Thyme and lemon zest echo the herbs and citrus.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

• Fluffy mashed potatoes are homier than roasted potatoes.
• They soak up the pan juices beautifully.
• Garlic and thyme mirror the chicken’s flavors.

Polenta with Mascarpone

• Soft, creamy polenta serves as an elegant base.
• Tangy mascarpone cheese adds luxurious texture.
• Thyme adds an earthy note.

Farro with Swiss Chard

• Toasted farro provides a nutty, wheaty flavor.
• Garlicky Swiss chard offers a bitter, peppery contrast.
• Lemon juice ties the side to the main dish.

Freekeh Pilaf with Leeks

• Smoky freekeh brings a rich, dramatic flavor.
• Sweet leeks balance out the smoke.
• Lemon zest is an ideal seasoning.

Pearl Couscous with Corn and Zucchini

• Pearl couscous provides a satisfying chew.
• The veggies add pops of color and freshness.
• Everything absorbs the chicken’s delicious pan juices.

Don’t be afraid to embrace heartier starches and grains to provide comfort and variety when serving Ina’s famous lemon chicken. Just be sure to echo the herbs, citrus, and garlic to tie the dishes together.

Putting It All Together for a Complete Lemon Chicken Meal

For the perfect balance, serve your Ina Garten lemon chicken dinner with a mix of light and hearty sides. Here are a few full meal ideas to inspire you:

• Lemon chicken + arugula salad + Parmesan risotto
• Lemon chicken + tomato-burrata salad + garlic mashed potatoes
• Lemon chicken + cucumber salad + pearl couscous
• Lemon chicken + summer squash + farro-chard
• Lemon chicken + asparagus + polenta
• Lemon chicken + butter lettuce + freekeh pilaf

See how the fresh salad or veggies pair beautifully with a rich, starchy side? Play around with different flavor and texture combinations to find your favorite lemon chicken meals.

Expert Tips for Serving Ina’s Lemon Chicken

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

• Make the sauce while the chicken roasts – This ensures the salty, lemony flavors infuse the meat.

• Let the chicken rest before serving – Allowing it to rest helps retain juices. Slice just before plating.

• Prep veggie sides while chicken cooks – Get a jump start on any salads or roasted veggies to build in efficiency.

• 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 your sides with extra herbs and citrus to tie the meal together.

With flavorful, well-balanced sides and smart preparation, you’re sure to impress guests with your very own Ina Garten-worthy lemon chicken dinner. Savor the summery flavors!