Roasted Orange Chicken with Fennel Recipe

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup Pernod
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons orange juice freshly squeezed
• 3 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 2 tablespoons grainy mustard
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 cloves of garlic (minced)
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper (freshly ground)
• 2 1/2 pounds chicken thighs (bone-in (you can leave the skin on or take it off - both would work))
• 2 medium fennel bulbs (washed and cut into 6 equal wedges)
• 3 oranges
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (chopped finely)
• 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
• 1- tablespoon fennel fronds – as garnish

Instructions

1. 1

   --- To make the marinade: ---

2. 2

   Mix Pernod, olive oil, orange juice, lemon juice, mustard, brown sugar, garlic, salt and pepper in a large mixing bowl.

3. 3

   Pat-dry chicken thighs with paper towels.

4. 4

   Add the chicken thighs, fennel wedges, orange slices, thyme, and fennel seeds into the mixture. Stir well. Cover it with plastic wrap and let it marinate at least for 2 hours or overnight.

5. 5

   --- To Bake: ---

6. 6

   Pre-heat the oven to 475 F Degrees. Place the chicken thighs (skin side facing up), in a single layer, into a large ovenproof glass pan (I used a 11”X15” Pyrex).

7. 7

   Distribute all the fennel wedges and orange slices equally around the chicken thighs.

8. 8

   Pour the marinade juices over it. Place it in the oven, and roast for 40-45 minutes or until chicken thighs are fully cooked.

9. 9

   Transfer the chicken thighs, fennel wedges, and orange slices into a serving plate. Cover with aluminum foil to keep warm. Set aside.

10. 10

    Drain the juices through a strainer and transfer them into a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Then turn down the heat to low, and allow it to simmer until it is reduced to 1/3 cup, 6-8 minutes.

11. 11

    When ready to serve, place chicken on the plate, garnish with roasted fennel and orange slices, pour the sauce over the chicken, and garnish it with fennel fronds.

12. 12

    Serve immediately.