Aromatic Fennel Chicken

Name: Aromatic Fennel Chicken
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Yield: 6 servings.
Ingredients: 4 bacon strips, chopped; 1 broiler/fryer chicken (3-1/2 to 4 pounds), cut up, skin removed; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 2 fennel bulbs, sliced; 2 medium onions, chopped; 6 garlic cloves, minced; 3/4 cup white wine or reduced-sodium chicken broth; 1/4 cup lemon juice; 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest; 2 bay leaves; 2 teaspoons dried thyme; Pinch cayenne pepper; 3 tablespoons capers, drained

Fennel adds to the flavor of this wonderful chicken dish, along with lemon, capers, wine, spices and a bit of bacon. Serve with a colorful salad or veggie for a special meal. —Rebecca Hunt, Santa Paula, California

Ingredients

4 bacon strips, chopped
1 broiler/fryer chicken (3-1/2 to 4 pounds), cut up, skin removed
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 fennel bulbs, sliced
2 medium onions, chopped
6 garlic cloves, minced
3/4 cup white wine or reduced-sodium chicken broth
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
2 bay leaves
2 teaspoons dried thyme
Pinch cayenne pepper
3 tablespoons capers, drained

Directions

In a large nonstick skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Using a slotted spoon, remove to paper towels; drain, reserving 1 tablespoon drippings.
Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper. Brown chicken on all sides in reserved drippings; remove and keep warm. Add fennel and onions to the pan; cook and stir for 3-4 minutes or until onions are tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer.
Stir in the wine, lemon juice and zest, bay leaves, thyme and cayenne. Return chicken to the pan. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until chicken juices run clear. Remove chicken and keep warm.
Cook the fennel mixture, uncovered, until slightly thickened, stirring occasionally, 8-10 minutes. Stir in capers and reserved bacon. Discard bay leaves. Serve with chicken.

Nutrition Facts

4 ounce-weight: 290 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 92mg cholesterol, 520mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 31g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1 fat.

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Originally published as Chicken with Fennel, Onions and Capers in Healthy Cooking April/May 2009

Reviews

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Average Rating:

kmpatch

Apr 14, 2019

I cut the recipe in half and used boneless chicken breasts, which took less time to cook. I might add more bacon next time, but the recipe is delicious as is.
sdipiazza

Apr 14, 2013

Made a few changes..used precooked bacon pieces instead of bacon..and cut the recipe in half. great flavor..husband loves fennel but not cooked...I loved it.Don't think I would use the capers again..not necessary for flavor.
Kathfree

Oct 19, 2010

I made this for my family and even my picky eaters really liked it. Loved it would be a stretch. I was wonderful! When my mom broke her ankle I went to take care of her and with all the wonderful health benefits of fennel I made it for them and they LOVED it. This is a must try!