Ina Garten’s Golden Million Dollar Chicken Recipe Everyone Loves

Roasted chicken takes on a whole new level of deliciousness with Ina Garten’s million dollar chicken recipe that promises culinary magic.

Her approach turns a simple poultry dish into a gourmet experience.

Layers of flavor meld together, creating a succulent and memorable meal that’ll make dinner feel extraordinary.

The golden, crispy skin and juicy meat set this recipe apart from ordinary roast chicken preparations.

Herbs and seasonings dance perfectly across every inch of the bird, ensuring each bite bursts with rich, savory notes.

Weeknight dinners or special occasions call for this showstopping centerpiece that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

You won’t believe how a few expert techniques can elevate a classic dish into something truly spectacular.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 550 kcal

Servings: 6

What Goes into Ina Garten Million Dollar Chicken

• Chicken Breast: Succulent cut perfect for absorbing rich flavors, select fresh, plump breasts without blemishes.

• Cream Cheese, Mayo: Dreamy combination creates luxurious, silky texture that helps chicken stay moist and tender.

• Bacon Bits, Green Onion, Cheddar Cheese: Smoky, zesty ingredients that deliver incredible depth and excitement to every single bite, choose high-quality sharp cheddar for maximum taste punch.

Tools You’ll Need for Ina Garten Million Dollar Chicken

• Medium bowl: Perfect for mixing cream cheese, mayo, and other ingredients.
• Baking dish: Ideal for spreading cheese mixture over chicken and baking.
• Cheese grater: Helpful for shredding cheddar cheese.
• Measuring cups: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.
• Mixing spoon or spatula: Useful for combining ingredients smoothly.
• Cutting board: For chopping green onions and preparing garnish.
• Sharp knife: Needed for precise chopping and garnish preparation.

How to Make Ina Garten Million Dollar Chicken with Ease

• Kitchen Preparation

Set up a clean workspace with all necessary cooking tools and a baking dish ready for the chicken.

• Flavor Fusion

Blend cream cheese with mayonnaise, incorporating crispy bacon pieces, chopped green onions, and a generous portion of shredded cheddar cheese into a creamy mixture.

• Chicken Canvas

Gently spread the rich cheese blend across the chicken breast, creating an even layer of deliciousness and sprinkling remaining cheese on top for a golden finish.

• Oven Magic

Slide the prepared chicken into a preheated oven, allowing it to transform into a bubbling, golden masterpiece over 30-40 minutes until perfectly cooked through.

• Finishing Touch

Sprinkle additional crispy bacon bits and fresh green onion slices over the chicken to add a vibrant, crunchy garnish before serving this crowd-pleasing dish hot and fresh.

Flavor Boosts for Ina Garten Million Dollar Chicken

• Swap out ingredients like using ranch seasoning instead of green onions, or try goat cheese for a tangy twist on the original recipe.
• Add red pepper flakes or cayenne powder to the cheese mixture for a zesty kick that brings extra heat to the dish.
• Replace regular mayo with Greek yogurt or low-fat cream cheese to reduce calories without sacrificing flavor.
• Assemble the chicken and cheese mixture up to 24 hours in advance, storing it covered in the refrigerator for easy weeknight cooking.
• Experiment with turkey breasts or pork chops as delicious substitutes for chicken, keeping the same creamy cheese topping technique.

Creative Ways to Serve Ina Garten Million Dollar Chicken

• Sprinkle Fresh Herbs: Chop some fresh parsley or chives and scatter them over the golden-brown chicken for a burst of color and added freshness.
• Pair with Creamy Sides: Serve alongside roasted garlic mashed potatoes or a light green salad to balance the rich, cheesy chicken flavors.
• Create a Comfort Meal Combo: Add some buttery roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli to complete this indulgent and satisfying dinner plate that'll make everyone at the table smile.
• Enhance with Zesty Sauce: Drizzle a quick homemade ranch or garlic aioli on the side for extra dipping excitement that complements the bacon and cheese notes.

How to Store Leftover Ina Garten Million Dollar Chicken

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to maintain its delicious texture and prevent bacterial growth.
• Freeze for Later: Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. This Million Dollar Chicken stays fresh frozen for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat with Care: Warm the chicken in a preheated oven at 350˚F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165˚F for safe consumption.
• Prep in Advance: Mix the cheese and bacon topping up to 24 hours before cooking. Keep the prepared mixture covered in the refrigerator, ready to spread on chicken when you're set to bake. This technique saves time and locks in maximum flavor.

Succulent Ina Garten Million Dollar Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Million-dollar chicken offers a luxurious roasting technique that elevates simple poultry to gourmet heights. Rich herbed butter and careful preparation create an irresistible dinner centerpiece for home cooks seeking restaurant-quality results.

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Ingredients

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• 2 lbs (907 g) chicken breasts, boneless, skinless, thinly cut or pounded
• 1.5 cups (340 g) colby jack cheese, shredded
• 6 oz (170 g) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup (120 ml) bacon, crispy, crumbled (about 8 slices)
• ¼ cup (60 ml) mayonnaise
• ½ cup (120 ml) green onions, chopped (about 4 onions)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Calibrate oven to 350°F with center rack placement, ensuring ideal cooking environment for chicken breasts.
2. Cheese Mixture: Blend cream cheese, mayonnaise, bacon bits, green onions, and half the cheddar cheese into a harmonious, creamy fusion that will enhance the chicken’s flavor profile.
3. Chicken Assembly: Arrange chicken breasts in baking dish, generously coating each piece with the prepared cheese mixture, creating a uniform layer that promises rich, decadent taste.
4. Cheese Topping: Lavishly sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese over the chicken, forming a golden, melty crust that will transform during baking.
5. Baking Process: Roast in preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, monitoring internal temperature until chicken reaches precisely 165°F, guaranteeing succulent, perfectly cooked meat.
6. Resting and Finishing: Allow chicken to rest 3-5 minutes post-baking, enabling juice redistribution and ensuring maximum tenderness, then embellish with additional crispy bacon crumbles and fresh green onion garnish.

Notes

• Prep Perfectly: Ensure cream cheese is completely softened at room temperature for smooth, lump-free mixing.
• Temperature Check: Always use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches safe 165°F internal temperature, preventing undercooking.
• Bacon Brilliance: Crisp bacon beforehand for maximum crunch and flavor intensity in the cheese topping.
• Resting Ritual: Allow chicken to rest after baking, which helps retain moisture and ensures juicier, more tender meat.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 9 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 39 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg