Prepare to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary Italian-inspired feast that will make your taste buds dance with joy! This Chicken with Braised Fennel recipe is not just a meal; it's a magical culinary experience that combines tender, crispy chicken with the delicate, sweet flavor of braised fennel. In just one hour, you'll create a restaurant-quality dish that will have your family and friends begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 bulb fennel, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Slice the fennel bulb thinly, chop the onion, and mince the garlic. Set these aside.
- Season the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken thighs skin-side down. Sear them for about 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
- Carefully flip the chicken thighs over and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Once browned, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sliced fennel. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to deglaze and incorporate any browned bits from the chicken.
- Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the fennel and onion mixture. Bring the broth to a gentle simmer.
- Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Allow the chicken to braise in the broth for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Once the chicken is done, remove the lid and check the seasoning. Adjust with more salt and pepper if necessary.
- Serve the chicken thighs hot, spooning the braised fennel and onion mixture over the top. Enjoy your Chicken with Braised Fennel!
Tips
- Choose high-quality chicken thighs with the skin on for maximum flavor and crispiness.
- Make sure to pat the chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden-brown sear.
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven for even heat distribution and better braising.
- Don't rush the searing process - letting the chicken skin develop a crispy, golden color adds depth to the overall dish.
- For extra flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary during the braising process.
- If the fennel is too tough, you can cover the skillet for the first 15 minutes of cooking to help it soften more quickly.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 319kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 80mg
