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!
- 27 Mar 2025
- Cook time 25 min
- Prep time 25 min
- 4 Servings
- 6 Ingredients
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:
Instructions:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 Size | 210 grams |
| Energy | |
| Calories 490kcal | 25% |
| Protein | |
| Protein 30g | 19% |
| Carbohydrates | |
| Carbohydrates 2.22g | 1% |
| Fiber 0.19g | 1% |
| Sugar 1.36g | 1% |
| Fat | |
| Fat 44g | 52% |
| Saturated 14g | 48% |
| Cholesterol 200mg | - |
| Vitamins | |
| Vitamin A 150ug | 16% |
| Choline 80mg | 15% |
| Vitamin B1 0.14mg | 12% |
| Vitamin B2 0.26mg | 20% |
| Vitamin B3 8mg | 50% |
| Vitamin B6 0.61mg | 36% |
| Vitamin B9 11ug | 3% |
| Vitamin B12 1.07ug | 45% |
| Vitamin C 4.94mg | 5% |
| Vitamin E 0.43mg | 3% |
| Vitamin K 6ug | 5% |
| Minerals | |
| Calcium, Ca 18mg | 1% |
| Copper, Cu 0.12mg | 13% |
| Iron, Fe 1.27mg | 12% |
| Magnesium, Mg 33mg | 8% |
| Phosphorus, P 280mg | 22% |
| Potassium, K 390mg | 12% |
| Selenium, Se 33ug | 59% |
| Sodium, Na 250mg | 16% |
| Zinc, Zn 2.25mg | 20% |
| 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. | |
More recipes
Shrimps in garlic & white wine
Ready in minutes and seasoned to perfection, it's a seafood lover's dream.
21 Jan 2025Cucumber and feta salad
Perfect for a light lunch or side dish, this salad is both delicious and easy to prepare.
24 Mar 2025Creamy lemon chicken with asparagus rice
Ready in just 30 minutes, it's an elegant yet effortless meal that promises to impress.
01 Apr 2025