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Last updated on

June 23, 2026

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Balsamic Chicken and Fennel

Prep Time: 10 minutes mins
Cook Time: 55 minutes mins
Total Time: 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Balsamic chicken and fennel comes together all in one pan, and is a flavor-packed protein to serve over rice or potatoes for weeknight dinners.

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Balsamic Chicken and Fennel

Roasted chicken is one of those meals that we eat almost weekly. I love to alternate between boneless thighs, bone-in thighs and breast, and always change up the seasonings and veggies. This balsamic chicken and fennel recipe is proof that a handful of simple ingredients can create something so delicious & flavorful.

If you’ve never cooked with fennel before, this recipe is a perfect introduction. Roasting transforms the fennel completely leaving you with a sweet, caramelized veggie. I absolutely love fennel when paired with chicken, and the honey balsamic marinade just takes it to the next level.

What I love most about this recipe is how everything cooks together in one pan. As the chicken roasts, the juices add even more flavor to the marinade made with olive oil, herbs, and fennel. The fennel becomes soft and golden, soaking up all those delicious drippings.

If you’re new to fennel, here are some other recipes to try-

  • Slow Roasted Salmon with Fennel Slaw
  • Citrus & Fennel Avocado Salad
  • Honey Za’atar Chicken with Fennel

Ingredients you’ll need for balsamic chicken and fennel

  • Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • Thinly sliced fennel
  • Olive oil
  • Balsamic vinegar
  • Honey
  • Garlic
  • Italian seasoning
  • Dijon mustard
  • Parsley
  • Salt & pepper
  1. Add the chicken thighs to a large bowl
  2. Pour the marinade ingredients into the bowl- the olive oil, balsamic, honey, spices and herbs. Mix well
  3. Add the sliced fennel to an oven-safe baking dish or braiser. Drizzle with a little olive oil and salt & pepper
  4. Cook on 400 F covered for 35 minutes, then uncovered for another 25-30 minutes

This dish pairs beautifully with crusty bread, rice, or roasted potatoes—anything that can soak up the flavorful pan juices. You can also serve it alongside a crisp green salad for something lighter.

Here are a few serving suggestions for this balsamic chicken with fennel-

  • Herb Rice and Chickpeas
  • Sliced Roasted Potatoes
  • Roasted Cauliflower and Couscous

Whether you’re making dinner for a busy weekday or preparing a cozy weekend meal, this balsamic chicken and fennel is one of those recipes you’ll come back to again and again.

It’s comforting, nourishing, and full of simple Mediterranean-inspired flavors that make weeknight dinners feel a little more elevated.

Other hearty dinner recipes-

Chicken and Green Beans

Spiced Peas and Meatballs

Honey Apricot Chicken

Balsamic chicken with Fennel

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Serves: 4 -6 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes mins
Cooking Time: 55 minutes mins
Total Time: 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins
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Ingredients

  • 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 fennel bulb stem removed and thinly sliced
  • 3 tbsp olive oil

Honey Balsamic Marinade

  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp dijon mustard
  • 2 cloves garlic crushed
  • 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt & pepper, about 1/4 tsp each

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400 F
  2. Mix the marinade ingredients together in a large bowl, then add in the chicken thighs. Toss to coat.
  3. Thinly slice the fennel and add it to an oven-safe baking dish or braiser. Drizzle with 2 tbsp of olive oil.
  4. Add the marinated chicken thighs on top of the fennel and pour any remaining marinade over the top. Drizzle a tbsp of olive oil over the chicken.
  5. Cover the dish and bake for 35 minutes, then bake uncovered for another 25-30 minutes

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I’m Gal, the face behind Something Nutritious. I’m a registered dietitian and recipe developer living in Florida with my husband and dog, and I love to get creative in the kitchen.

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