Ina Garten Shares Recipe That Transformed Her Relationship With Food

NEW YORK, April 23, 2025 — Renowned chef Ina Garten is bringing a touch of her childhood into spring culinary traditions with a recipe that connects her past and present. In a recent podcast with Michele Norris, Garten discussed the contrast between her mother’s strict cooking habits and her current warm, festive approach to meals.

Garten’s new memoir, “Be Ready When the Luck Happens,” reveals insights into her upbringing, where food was more about sustenance than love. “My parents were very, very harsh,” Garten admitted, recalling that her mother, a dietitian, forbade her from enjoying simple childhood classics like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

Now, as an adult, Garten embraces the joy of cooking for family and friends. She notes that cooking for others is about care and showing someone they matter. This philosophy is evident in her most popular dish, Parmesan chicken, which she ironically attributes to her mother. “It’s the simplest,” Garten said, adding that she has created her own version by adding a fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette.

The dish reflects her growth, moving away from canned vegetables of her youth to vibrant, in-season produce. “Canned vegetables have no texture and no flavor,” she remarked, emphasizing the importance of fresh ingredients. Reviews from followers of Garten’s “Barefoot Contessa” show high praise for the dish, indicating its popularity among home chefs.

The preparation process is straightforward. It involves a standard breading procedure, starting with three plates: one for flour, another for egg wash, and the last for seasoned breadcrumbs. Each piece of chicken is pounded to ¼-inch thick, then coated and cooked in a skillet until golden brown.

“The spicy arugula cuts through the rich breading beautifully,” one fan noted, highlighting the dish’s balance and flavor. Many home cooks find the recipe easy yet satisfying, making it a staple for their own spring dinners.

Garten’s reflections on her past provide an inspiring backdrop to the joy she shares through cooking, leaving fans grateful for her recipes that continue to resonate at their own tables.