This Mary Berry One-Pot Chicken With Fennel is a flavorful and simple dish that combines tender chicken with the aromatic flavor of fennel. This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or when you want a comforting yet elegant meal without too much fuss. It’s a complete dish cooked in one pot, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy with family and friends.

What is Mary Berry’s One-Pot Chicken With Fennel?

Mary Berry’s one-pot chicken with fennel is a hearty dish where chicken thighs are cooked alongside fennel, garlic, and aromatic herbs in a single pot. The fennel imparts a slightly sweet, anise-like flavor that pairs beautifully with the tender, juicy chicken. This dish is easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for a cozy family dinner or a casual gathering with friends.

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Why You Should Try This Recipe

Simple and convenient: One-pot recipes are easy to prepare and clean up.
Full of flavor: Fennel adds a subtle sweetness that complements the savory chicken.
Perfect for busy days: A quick, hassle-free meal that requires minimal preparation.

Comforting and hearty: This dish is great for when you need a comforting, satisfying meal.
Versatile: You can add other vegetables or adjust the flavors to suit your taste.

Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry One-Pot Chicken With Fennel

8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs: Provides rich flavor and tender meat.

2 large fennel bulbs (sliced): Adds a sweet, slightly anise flavor to the dish.
4 garlic cloves (sliced): Enhances the flavor with a mild garlicky taste.
1 lemon (zested and juiced): Adds brightness and tang to balance the richness.

200ml white wine or chicken stock: For depth and richness in the sauce.
1 tbsp olive oil: To sear the chicken and cook the vegetables.
Fresh thyme sprigs: Add a fragrant, herbal note to the dish.

Salt and pepper: Season the chicken and vegetables.

Equipment

Large ovenproof pan or casserole dish: For cooking the entire dish in one pot.
Tongs: To turn and sear the chicken.

Sharp knife and cutting board: For preparing the fennel and garlic.
Zester or grater: To zest the lemon.

Instructions to Make Mary Berry One-Pot Chicken With Fennel

1. Preheat your oven:

Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) to prepare for roasting the chicken.

2. Brown the chicken:

Heat the olive oil in a large ovenproof pan or casserole dish over medium heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Place the chicken thighs, skin-side down, in the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy. Flip the chicken and cook for another 3-4 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

3. Cook the fennel and garlic:

In the same pan, add the sliced fennel and garlic, stirring occasionally until softened, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. The fennel should start to caramelize slightly, enhancing its sweetness.

4. Add the liquid:

Pour the white wine (or chicken stock) into the pan and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let the wine simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly and concentrate the flavors.

5. Return the chicken to the pan:

Place the chicken thighs back into the pan, skin-side up, nestling them among the fennel. Add the lemon zest, thyme sprigs, and drizzle the lemon juice over the chicken.

6. Transfer to the oven:

Cover the pan with a lid or foil and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear when pierced with a knife.

7. Serve and enjoy:

Remove the pan from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with extra lemon zest or fresh thyme, and serve hot with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or a side of greens.

What Goes Well With Mary Berry One-Pot Chicken With Fennel

Crusty bread: Perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
Mashed potatoes: A creamy side that pairs well with the savory chicken.
Roasted vegetables: Carrots, parsnips, or potatoes add extra flavor and heartiness.

Steamed rice: A simple side that complements the rich flavors of the dish.
Green salad: A light, fresh salad balances the richness of the chicken and fennel.
Polenta: Creamy polenta makes a comforting base for the chicken.

Expert Tips for Making the Best Mary Berry One-Pot Chicken With Fennel

Choose bone-in, skin-on chicken: This adds more flavor and helps keep the meat juicy.
Caramelize the fennel: Let the fennel cook long enough to develop its natural sweetness and enhance the flavor.
Use good-quality stock or wine: The liquid helps create a flavorful sauce, so choose a stock or wine you enjoy drinking.

Don’t overcrowd the pan: Make sure there is enough space around the chicken for it to brown properly.
Adjust seasoning: Taste the sauce before serving and add extra salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.

Easy Variations of Mary Berry One-Pot Chicken With Fennel

Add potatoes: For a heartier meal, add baby potatoes or chopped new potatoes to the pot.

Use different herbs: Swap thyme for rosemary or oregano for a different flavor profile.
Vegetable variation: Add other vegetables like carrots, leeks, or mushrooms for added texture and flavor.
Spicy twist: Add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper for a bit of heat.

Citrus swap: Use orange or lime instead of lemon for a different citrus flavor.

Best Practices to Store Mary Berry One-Pot Chicken With Fennel

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freeze: You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container.

Reheat: Reheat in the oven or on the stovetop until fully heated through. Add a splash of chicken stock or water to prevent the dish from drying out.

Best Practices to Reheat Mary Berry One-Pot Chicken With Fennel

In the oven: Preheat your oven to 150°C and heat the dish for 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
On the stovetop: Reheat gently over medium heat, adding a splash of water or stock to maintain moisture.

Microwave: For a quick reheat, use the microwave, but be sure to cover the dish to retain moisture.

How Can I Make Mary Berry One-Pot Chicken With Fennel Healthier?

Use skinless chicken thighs: For a lower-fat version, use skinless chicken thighs or breasts.
Reduce the oil: You can reduce the amount of olive oil used for browning the chicken and vegetables.

Add more vegetables: Increase the vegetable content by adding more fennel or incorporating additional vegetables like spinach or kale.
Swap for leaner cuts: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a leaner option.
Lower sodium: Use low-sodium chicken stock or skip adding salt if you’re watching your sodium intake.

Nutrition Value (per serving):

Calories: 380 kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 32g

Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Sodium: 200mg

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in this recipe?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts instead of thighs. However, chicken breasts tend to cook faster and can dry out more easily, so adjust the cooking time accordingly. Be sure to check for doneness after 20-25 minutes to avoid overcooking.

What can I substitute for fennel in this recipe?

If you don’t have fennel, you can substitute it with leeks, celery, or even onions for a similar texture and flavor. These alternatives won’t have the same anise flavor, but they will still add a nice depth to the dish.

How long does one-pot chicken with fennel last in the fridge?

One-pot chicken with fennel can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Be sure to store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness, and reheat thoroughly before serving.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, this dish can be made ahead of time. It’s perfect for meal prep or hosting, as the flavors only improve with time. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat it gently in the oven or on the stovetop when ready to serve.

Final Words

This Mary Berry One-Pot Chicken With Fennel is a simple, comforting, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any day of the week. The combination of tender chicken and sweet fennel, along with the bright notes of lemon and thyme, makes it a family favorite. Best of all, it’s an easy one-pot meal that saves on cleanup while delivering maximum flavor. Enjoy!