Braised Chicken With Asparagus, Peas, and Melted Leeks
Info
Rating
Calories
8275.0
Protein
608.0
Sodium
4011.0
Fat
618.0
Description
Gently cooked in olive oil, delectably tender leeks melt like butter over fennel-scented chicken thighs and snappy green vegetables in this easy spring braise.
Ingredients
2 medium leeks, white and light-green parts only, cut crosswise into 1/3-inch rounds
1/4 cup olive oil, divided
2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more
2 teaspoons whole fennel seeds
8 bone-in chicken thighs (about 4 pounds)
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
3/4 pound medium asparagus, trimmed, cut crosswise in half and on the bias
2 cups shelled fresh peas (from about 2 pounds pods) or frozen peas, thawed
1 tablespoon plus 1/2 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest, divided
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
3 tablespoons chopped dill
Directions
If you see or feel dirt in the leeks, rinse well, separating layers, then pat dry; otherwise, leave rounds intact.
Heat 2 Tbsp. oil in a large skillet over medium-high until hot but not smoking. Add leeks in a single layer; season with 1/4 tsp. salt and a pinch of pepper. Reduce heat to low and cook, turning once, until leeks are lightly golden, 16–18 minutes. Transfer leeks to a plate; reserve skillet.
Lightly crush fennel seeds with the bottom of a heavy skillet or pot. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season with fennel, 1 1/2 tsp. salt, and 1/4 tsp. pepper. Heat remaining 2 Tbsp. oil in a 5–7-qt. Dutch oven or large wide saucepan over medium-high. Cook thighs, skin side down, until well-browned, 12–14 minutes. Transfer skin side up to a plate. Pour off and discard fat.
Add wine to pot, bring to a simmer, and cook, scraping up bits from bottom of pot, 1 minute. Add broth and return chicken skin side up to pot. Lower heat to medium-low, cover pot, and cook until chicken is cooked through, 15–18 minutes.
Meanwhile, combine asparagus, peas, and 2 Tbsp. water in reserved skillet, cover, and cook over medium heat until asparagus is crisp-tender, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Add 1/2 tsp. lemon zest, remaining 1/4 tsp. salt, and a pinch of pepper; stir gently to just combine.
Divide chicken, asparagus mixture, and reserved leeks among large shallow bowls. Bring broth to a simmer, add lemon juice, then ladle into bowls. Top with dill and remaining 1 Tbsp. lemon zest.
