Happy-go-lucky head-chefs are complimentary (8)
I believe the answer is:
carefree
'happy-go-lucky' is the definition.
(synonyms)
'head-chefs are complimentary' is the wordplay.
'head' indicates taking the first letters.
'complimentary' becomes 'free' (synonyms).
The first letter of 'chefs' is 'c'.
'c'+'are'+'free'='CAREFREE'
(Other definitions for carefree that I've seen before include "Happy and blithe - no worries" , "Take a chair" , "Free of trouble and worry" , "Endures" , "Without anxiety or responsibilities" .)