Fennel-crusted chicken with brown butter and capers

Delight in a gourmet twist on poultry with our Fennel-Crusted Chicken recipe. Juicy chicken thighs are seasoned with fragrant fennel seeds, then cooked in rich brown butter. Finished with a zesty orange juice glaze and briny capers, this dish offers a harmonious blend of flavors in every bite. Perfect for a sophisticated yet easy-to-make dinner!

  • 23 Apr 2025
  • Cook time 25 min
  • Prep time 25 min
  • 4 Servings
  • 6 Ingredients

Fennel-crusted chicken with brown butter and capers

Get ready to elevate your chicken dinner with a gourmet twist! This fennel-crusted chicken with brown butter and capers recipe combines the rich flavors of browned butter, the unique aroma of fennel seeds, and the zesty punch of capers. It's a delightful dish that's surprisingly easy to make, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a special meal.

Ingredients:

1/2 stick butter
54g
1 tbsp fennel seeds
6g
2 tbsp capers
18g
1/4 cup orange juice
60g
10 chicken thighs
690g
1 tbsp vegetable oil
14g

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps them crisp up while cooking.

2. Crust the Chicken:
- In a small bowl, crush the fennel seeds gently with the back of a spoon or a mortar and pestle to release their aroma.
- Rub the crushed fennel seeds evenly over the chicken thighs. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Sear the Chicken:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet. Sear for about 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy.
- Flip the chicken thighs and sear the other side for another 3-4 minutes.
4. Finish in the Oven:
- Transfer the entire skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Prepare the Brown Butter Sauce:
- While the chicken is baking, melt the butter in a separate saucepan over medium heat.
- Continue to cook the butter, swirling the pan occasionally, until it turns a golden brown and develops a nutty aroma. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to burn it.
- Once browned, add the capers to the saucepan. Sauté them in the brown butter for about 2 minutes.
- Add the orange juice to the skillet and stir well. Let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld together. Remove from heat.
6. Finish the Dish:
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes in the skillet.
- Spoon the brown butter and caper sauce generously over the chicken thighs.
7. Serve:
- Serve the fennel-crusted chicken thighs with your favorite sides. They pair wonderfully with roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad.

Tips:

- Ensure the chicken thighs are patted dry before seasoning and cooking to achieve a crispy crust.

- Use fresh orange juice for a more vibrant and authentic flavor.

- Toast the fennel seeds lightly in a dry pan before crushing to release their essential oils and enhance the flavor.

- When browning the butter, watch it closely to avoid burning. Browned butter should have a nutty aroma and golden-brown color.

- Add the capers at the end to keep their texture intact, providing a lovely contrast to the tender chicken.

Now you have a delectable fennel-crusted chicken with browned butter and capers on your plate. The crispy, flavorful chicken paired with the rich and tangy sauce is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy this sophisticated yet simple dish with your favorite side for a complete, satisfying meal.

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size210 grams
Energy
Calories 490kcal25%
Protein
Protein 30g19%
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates 2.22g1%
Fiber 0.19g1%
Sugar 1.36g1%
Fat
Fat 44g52%
Saturated 14g48%
Cholesterol 200mg-
Vitamins
Vitamin A 150ug16%
Choline 80mg15%
Vitamin B1 0.14mg12%
Vitamin B2 0.26mg20%
Vitamin B3 8mg50%
Vitamin B6 0.61mg36%
Vitamin B9 11ug3%
Vitamin B12 1.07ug45%
Vitamin C 4.94mg5%
Vitamin E 0.43mg3%
Vitamin K 6ug5%
Minerals
Calcium, Ca 18mg1%
Copper, Cu 0.12mg13%
Iron, Fe 1.27mg12%
Magnesium, Mg 33mg8%
Phosphorus, P 280mg22%
Potassium, K 390mg12%
Selenium, Se 33ug59%
Sodium, Na 250mg16%
Zinc, Zn 2.25mg20%
Water
Water 130g-
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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