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Fennel-Crusted Chicken and Scallion Traybake

Fennel-Crusted Chicken and Scallion Traybake

By Julia RackowOctober 13, 2020

  • Makes
    4 servings
  • Cook Time
    50 minutes
  • Active time plus cooling
    15 minutes active
  • Rating

Tender, silky, lightly charred scallions serve as an accompaniment to spice-crusted chicken, as well as a flavoring for the roasted lemon pan sauce. For best texture, crush the fennel seeds with a mortar and pestle or with the bottom of a skillet—don’t pulverize them to a powder in a spice grinder. A sprinkle of fresh herbs at the end keeps the dish bright and lively. Tarragon plays up the licorice notes of the fennel seed; cilantro will bring out the coriander. Serve with a grain or rice pilaf, crusty bread or over polenta.

Ingredients
  • 2

    teaspoons fennel seeds, crushed

  • teaspoons ground coriander

  • Kosher salt and ground black pepper

  • 3

    pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts or thighs

  • 1

    bunch scallions, cut into 1½-inch pieces

  • 1

    lemon, halved

  • extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling

  • Chopped fresh tarragon OR fresh cilantro, to serve

Heat the oven to 450°F. Mix the fennel, coriander, 1 tablespoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper. Set the chicken skin up on a rimmed baking sheet. Arrange the scallions and lemon halves around it. Drizzle with oil, then sprinkle with the spices. Roast until the breasts reach 160°F or thighs reach 175°F, 30 to 40 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a platter. Squeeze the juice of the lemon halves onto the pan and stir to combine with the scallions. Spoon around the chicken and sprinkle with tarragon.