Braised Chicken Thighs With Caramelized Fennel & Leeks - cooking recipe

Ingredients

3/4 lb boneless chicken thighs
3 large fennel bulbs
2 large leeks
1/2 onion
1 large garlic clove
1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
1 1/2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons Pernod
8 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon fennel seed
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Preparation

Trim fennel bulbs, and set aside fronds. In a blender or food processor, pulse about 1/2 cup fronds, garlic, lemon zest and 1/4 teaspoon salt until finely chopped. Add 1/3 cup oil and puree.
Halve fennel bulbs lengthwise. Slice thinly with a mandoline or very sharp knife.
clean and thinly slice leaks.
Season chicken with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Heat remaining 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet over high heat. Brown chicken until skin is crisp, about 8 minutes. Transfer chicken to a plate, leaving drippings in pan.
Stir fennel seeds into skillet and cook for 30 seconds. Add the sliced fennel, leeks and onion, seasoning with remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Reduce heat to medium and cook, tossing occasionally, until vegetables are caramelized, 15 to 20 minutes. Add Pernod and scrape up any browned bits in the bottom of the skillet; cook until liquid has evaporated, about 1 minute.
Lay chicken on top of the fennel-onion mixture. Pour 3 tablespoons water into the pan. Cover skillet and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook until chicken is just cooked through, 8 to 10 minutes. Uncover and cook off any excess liquid if necessary. Stir in lemon juice.
Serve chicken and vegetables topped with generous dollops of the fennel frond puree.