If I Can Dream house Lemon Chicken

Last night I made the most delicious Lemon Chicken with a little help from Alex and some old friends.  As usual this meal was super simple to make, and is great for large parties as it can be made ahead and kept warm in the oven.

Lemon Chicken

-1 whole organic chicken cut into pieces
-5 small lemons sliced (reserve one for presentation, and one for juicing)
-2 bay leaves
-1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
-2 tablespoons unsalted butter
-olive oil
-salt
-pepper
-1 head of garlic
-3 shallots
-1 cup white wine
-1/2 cup water

Preheat oven to 350.  Heat oil over high heat in heavy bottom pan.  Season chicken with salt and pepper, and sear skin side down in oil until brown.  Flip chicken and cook until brown on second side.  Place chicken skin side up in baking dish and place white wine, water, bay leaves, thyme, garlic cloves, sliced lemon and shallots (cut into quarters) and the juice of one lemon, over the chicken.  Divide butter into small pieces and place a small piece on top of each piece of chicken.  Cover pan with foil and cook for 40 minuets.  To serve place in a dish with fresh lemon slices over the top.  Reserve the cooking liquid as a delicious sauce and encourage guests to spread the roasted garlic on their chicken.  Serve with white bean and roasted cherry tomato salad and crusty bread.  For dessert we made little sorbet sandwiches YUM.