sign up to the newsletter for a weekly dose of something nutritious

CRAVING more? SUBSCRIBE NOW

  • Recipes
  • Blog
  • Shop
Something Nutritious
  • About
  • Contact
  • Recipes
  • All Recipes
  • Breakfast
  • Main
  • Salad
  • Side Dishes
  • Dessert
  • Snacks
  • Blog
  • Shop
  • About
  • Contact
  • All Recipes
  • Breakfast
  • Main
  • Salad
  • Side Dishes
  • Dessert
  • Snacks

Last updated on

June 23, 2026

0

REVIEWS

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.

Jump to Recipe

Save recipeSaved!

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

No ratings yet
Pin It Print SaveSaved!
Serves: 4 -6 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes mins
Cooking Time: 55 minutes mins
Total Time: 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins
Prevent your screen from going dark

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

Hi, friends!

  • Go to Something Nutritious Instagram Profile
  • Visit Something Nutritious TikTok
  • Visit Something Nutritious Pinterest Profile
  • Visit Something Nutritious Facebook profile

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.

get to know me

Latest Recipes

Main

Zucchini Herb Chicken Meatballs

Main

Salmon with Herb Yogurt Sauce

Apricot Glazed Flanken Main

Apricot Glazed Flanken

Appetizers

Spicy Olive Bread Dip

Shop My Kitchen Staples

Shop My Kitchen Staples
Shop all

Explore More Recipes

balsamic chicken Main

Balsamic Chicken

Main

Honey Za’atar Chicken with Fennel

balsamic chicken thighs Main

Balsamic Fig Chicken Thighs

Main

Honey Dijon Chicken

view all recipes

Ratings and Reviews

write a review

Write a Review Cancel reply






This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

zucchini & herb chicken meatballs 🌿 hearty chicke zucchini & herb chicken meatballs 🌿

hearty chicken patties made with ground chicken, grated zucchini, spices & herbs— delicious over rice with a side salad and creamy tahini

comment “recipe” and I’ll send the recipe link straight to your inbox!

https://somethingnutritiousblog.com/zucchini-herb-chicken-meatballs/
hot honey beef bowls 🍯 seasoned ground beef serve hot honey beef bowls 🍯

seasoned ground beef served with baked sweet potato halves, avocado and pickled onions for a vibrant dinner! 

comment “recipe” and I’ll send this recipe straight to your inbox

https://somethingnutritiousblog.com/hot-honey-beef-bowls/
sumac salmon bites with herb whipped feta 🌿 packe sumac salmon bites with herb whipped feta 🌿

packed with fresh flavors like lemon juice, parsley and dill, the zesty salmon bites pair perfectly with creamy feta dip

comment “salmon” and ill send the link to your inbox, or google “something nutritious sumac salmon bites” 

https://somethingnutritiousblog.com/sumac-salmon-bites-with-herb-whipped-feta/
summer pasta salad with lemon roasted zucchini & w summer pasta salad with lemon roasted zucchini & white beans
 
one thing about me is I will always have a colorful pasta salad in the fridge during the warmer months— it’s the perfect way to pack in carbs, fiber and protein for a quick & nourishing lunch
 
this one combines @kensdressings Simply Vinaigrette Lemon Dressing & Ken’s Simply Vinaigrette Greek Dressing for the ultimate flavor combo— fresh, zesty & full of herbs!
 
grab the full recipe below! 
 
Recipe:
1 lb pasta, I used rigatoni
2 small zucchini, cut into rounds then quarters
1 cup roasted corn, I use pre-roasted frozen corn, thawed.
1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained
1 red bell pepper or 1 cup mini peppers, sliced
4 oz feta cheese, crumbled
⅓ cup green olives, chopped. I used castelvetrano
2-3 cups arugula
Ken’s Simply Vinaigrette Lemon Dressing
Ken’s Simply Vinaigrette Greek Dressing
Salt & pepper
 
1. Prepare the pasta as instructed on the package. Drain and set aside
2. Preheat the oven to 425 F. Add the quartered zucchini to a baking dish and toss with 2 tbsp of Ken’s Simply Lemon Vinaigrette with a pinch of salt. Bake or air-fry for about 25 minutes on the top rack
3. Once the zucchini is ready, add it to a large mixing bowl with the cooked pasta, roasted corn, white beans, feta cheese, olives, sliced peppers, and arugula.
4. In a small bowl, combine ¼ cup of the Ken’s Simply Vinaigrette Lemon + ¼ cup of the Ken’s Simply Vinaigrette Greek. Mix well and toss with the pasta. Season with salt & pepper as needed
5. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days.
 
#kenspartner
apricot glazed flanken 🫶🏼 a slow-cooked beef reci apricot glazed flanken 🫶🏼

a slow-cooked beef recipe in a sweet apricot sauce— so good served with my herb rice & chickpeas! 

leave a comment with the word “recipe” and I’ll send you the link!

https://somethingnutritiousblog.com/apricot-glazed-flanken/
chocolate chip yogurt muffins 🫶🏼 a lightly sweete chocolate chip yogurt muffins 🫶🏼

a lightly sweetened treat for a little midday snack! these muffins come together in 10 minutes and are made with a simple pantry staples

leave a comment with the word “recipe” and I’ll send you the link!

https://somethingnutritiousblog.com/chocolate-chip-yogurt-muffins/
bread dip on repeat all summer 🫒🍋 olive oil bals bread dip on repeat all summer 🫒🍋 

olive oil
balsamic vinegar 
castelvetrano olives
lemon zest
chopped parsley
chopped basil
calabrian chili peppers
feta cheese 
flakey salt
black pepper

comment “recipe” and I’ll send the full link! 🤍

https://somethingnutritiousblog.com/spicy-olive-bread-dip/
stay social @somethingnutritious

Sign up to our newsletter for exclusive recipes, culinary tips and all things nutritious.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
Loading
Brand Mark

recipes

  • All Recipes
  • Breakfast
  • Main
  • Salad
  • Side Dishes
  • Dessert
  • Snacks

About

kitchen staples

contact

  • Go to Something Nutritious Instagram Profile
  • Visit Something Nutritious TikTok
  • Visit Something Nutritious Pinterest Profile
  • Visit Something Nutritious Facebook profile

© 2024 Something Nutritious Blog. All Rights Reserved.

Site by Saevil Row + MTT

Write a Review

Your vote:




Let us know what you thought of this recipe:

This worked exactly as written, thanks!
My family loved this!
Thank you for sharing this recipe

Or write in your own words:

A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required