Chicken With Parsley Sauce And Broccoli With Lemon Butter
Juicy roasted chicken topped with fresh parsley sauce and complemented by lemon butter, perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests with vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
- Melt the butter in a broiler-proof baking dish large enough to hold the chicken in a single layer.
- Turn the chicken in the butter to coat all sides.
- Arrange the chicken skin side down in the baking dish and broil about 6 inches from the heat source for 5 minutes.
- Remove from the broiler, turn the chicken skin side up, and return to the broiler for about 5 minutes.
- Mix the remaining ingredients: bread crumbs, minced shallots, minced garlic, and minced parsley.
- Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the chicken and baste well with the butter.
- Bake in a 400°F (200°C) oven for 10 minutes or until the chicken is tender.
- Just before serving, reheat the broiler.
- Briefly broil the chicken to brown the top before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the butter with garlic and shallots for a few hours before cooking. If you don’t have fresh parsley, you can substitute with dried parsley, but use about one-third of the amount. Also, ensure the chicken is cut into even pieces for uniform cooking. If you prefer a crunchier topping, broil for an extra minute or two at the end.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken with a side of steamed broccoli tossed in lemon butter to complement the dish's flavors. For a complete meal, consider pairing with Lo-Cal Gratin Potatoes for a comforting touch. A light salad with a vinaigrette dressing also works well to balance the richness of the chicken.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover chicken with parsley sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. This helps maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken With Parsley Sauce And Broccoli With Lemon Butter contains roughly 648 calories, with 11g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 53g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1947mg per serving (85% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of a whole chicken?
Yes, chicken thighs are a great alternative. They tend to be juicier and more flavorful. Adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through than the cut-up broiler-fryer chicken.
What can I substitute for butter in this recipe?
You can use olive oil or a vegan butter alternative if you want to make this dish dairy-free. However, keep in mind that using olive oil will change the flavor profile slightly. For a healthier option, avocado oil is also a good choice.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute regular bread crumbs with gluten-free bread crumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Ensure that all other ingredients, like butter and seasonings, are also gluten-free for a safe meal.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).