Chicken With Fennel
A flavorful chicken dish with tender fennel, leeks, and shallots in a light wine and mustard sauce, perfect for a comforting yet elegant meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter.
- Saute the fennel, leeks, and shallots until golden brown, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a platter.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until done.
- Arrange the cooked chicken over the vegetables.
- Keep warm.
- In the skillet, combine the chicken broth, white wine, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper; bring to a boil.
- Stir in the half and half; simmer, stirring for 1 minute.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary while cooking the vegetables. If fennel is unavailable, you can substitute with anise or celery for a similar taste. Adjust the amount of Dijon mustard based on your preference for tanginess. Make sure chicken is cooked through by checking its internal temperature of 165°F.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce, or alongside a fresh green salad for a light meal. It pairs beautifully with Lemon Dilled Chicken for a more extensive chicken-themed dinner. For a heartier option, consider serving over rice or quinoa.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or water to prevent drying out, covering it to retain moisture. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken With Fennel contains roughly 950 calories, with 7g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 86g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (45% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (31% of the Daily Value), and iron (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 940mg per serving (41% 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 bone-in chicken for this recipe?
Yes, bone-in chicken can be used, but cooking time will increase. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety. The bones will add extra flavor to the dish.
What can I substitute for dry white wine?
If you prefer not to use wine, you can replace it with additional chicken broth and a splash of lemon juice for acidity. This will maintain the balance of flavors in the sauce without the alcohol.
How can I make this dish more colorful?
To enhance the visual appeal, consider adding colorful bell peppers or cherry tomatoes during the sautéing step. This will not only add color but also a variety of flavors, making the dish more vibrant.
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).