Chicken Thighs with Braised Fennel, Chickpeas & Salsa Verde with Unsalted Butter

For the chicken and braised fennel:

2-4 chicken thighs, skin on, bone removed

1 fennel bulb, trimmed and cut into wedges

1 tin chickpeas (400g), drained and rinsed

1 garlic clove, finely sliced

2 tbsp All Things Butter Unsalted Butter (divided)

½ lemon, thinly sliced

100-150 ml chicken or vegetable stock (or water)

Salt & black pepper, to taste

For the salsa verde:

1 garlic clove

2 large handfuls flat-leaf parsley 

1 small bunch basil

1 handful mint leaves

1 tsp capers

4 anchovy fillets

1 ½ tbsp Dijon mustard

2 tbsp red wine vinegar

Extra virgin olive oil (about 100 ml, adjust as needed)

Salt & black pepper, to taste

Step 1

About 15 minutes before cooking, remove the chicken thighs from the fridge. Pat dry, season generously with salt & pepper, and leave at room temperature.

Step 2

Heat 1 tbsp butter in a casserole dish over medium heat. Add the fennel and cook for 3-5 minutes until starting to brown. Add the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes more.

Step 3

Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan). Stir in the chickpeas, lemon slices, a pinch of salt, and just enough stock to moisten.

Step 4

Cover with a lid and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the fennel is tender and the liquid has mostly reduced.

Step 5

Meanwhile, heat a frying pan over medium-high heat with a little butter. Place the chicken skin-side down and cook until the skin is golden and crisp, about 6-8 minutes. 

Step 6

Flip and cook for another 5-6 minutes. If the thighs are very thick, transfer the pan to the oven for 5 minutes to finish cooking through.

Step 7

To make the salsa verde, finely chop the garlic, herbs, capers, and anchovies together to form a chunky paste. 

Step 8

Transfer to a bowl, stir in the mustard and vinegar, then slowly whisk in the olive oil. Adjust with salt, pepper, or more vinegar to taste.

Step 9

Serve the braised fennel and chickpeas with the crispy chicken thighs on top, finished with a generous drizzle of salsa verde. Enjoy!