Rachael's Balsamic-Glazed Chicken with Fennel & Celery Slaw
A crunchy and refreshing slaw accompanies this easy pan-fried chicken coated with a tangy balsamic sauce.
From Rachael Ray Every Day, March 2019.
- 1 bulb fennel, trimmed and very thinly sliced with a sharp knife or on a mandolin
- 3 to 4 stalks celery with leafy tops, stalks very thinly sliced on an angle and tops coarsely chopped
- 1 small or ½ medium medium red onion, very thinly sliced
- 1 lemon, juiced
- About 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO), for drizzling
- Salt and pepper
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Salt and pepper
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, sliced or crushed and chopped
- About ⅓ cup balsamic vinegar
- 3 tablespoons pourable or regular light-brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- About 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 rounded tablespoon grainy Dijon mustard
- 2 cups arugula leaves (a couple of handfuls)
- A handful of fresh flat-leaf parsley tops, coarsely chopped
In a large bowl, toss the fennel, celery, onion, lemon juice, and EVOO; season with salt and pepper. Let the slaw marinate while you prepare the chicken.
Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium high. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil, two turns of the pan, to the skillet. Add the chicken. Cook until browned and cooked through, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate. Reduce heat a bit and add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, one turn of pan, to the skillet. Add the garlic and stir until aromatic, about 1 minute. Add the vinegar, sugar, rosemary, and Worcestershire and cook, stirring often, until reduced and thickened a bit, about 1 minute. Stir in the Dijon. Add the chicken and turn until coated. Cook until heated through, about 1 minute more.
Mix the arugula and parsley into the slaw. Serve the chicken whole or sliced with the slaw alongside.