Recipe:

Braised Chicken with Fennel and Apples

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Serves 8 to 10

Apples, onions, fennel and garlic combine with chicken thighs, herbs and wine for a savory and satisfying entrée. Serve over rice, accompanied by a simple fall greens salad for a complete meal.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
12 small bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
Salt and pepper to taste
1 large yellow onion, roughly chopped
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 fennel bulb, trimmed, cored and sliced
1 cup dry white wine
2 cups apple cider
3 granny smith apples, cored and sliced
4 sprigs thyme
4 bay leaves
Generous pinch saffron (optional)

Method

Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Arrange half of the chicken in the skillet, skin side down, and cook, without flipping, until skin is golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer to a large plate and repeat with remaining chicken. After transferring second batch of chicken to plate with the first, add onions, garlic and fennel to skillet and cook, stirring frequently, until golden brown, 6 to 7 minutes.

Add wine and bring to a boil. Add cider and bring to a boil again. Nestle chicken (with any accumulated juices) and apples into liquid along with thyme, bay leaves and saffron. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer until chicken is just cooked through, about 30 minutes.

Stir gently then simmer vigorously, uncovered, until sauce is just thickened, about 10 minutes more. Season with salt and pepper and serve.

Nutrition

Per serving (about 9oz/250g-wt.): 320 calories (140 from fat), 16g total fat, 4g saturated fat, 75mg cholesterol, 220mg sodium, 18g total carbohydrate (2g dietary fiber, 11g sugar), 21g protein

Tags: Family Friendly, American, Dairy Free, Wheat Free, Gluten Free

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