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Big Batch Chicken Thighs With Fennel and Scallions

Image may contain Food Dish and Meal
Photo by TED+CHELSEA CAVANAUGH, Food Styling by Susie Theodorou

Use a little extra time on a Sunday to make a meal with built-in leftovers and you’ll have the foundation for lunches during the week. Prep these thighs along with Chile-Garlic Cucumbers and Sesame-Scallion Sauce, and spin that into Chicken and Cucumber Rice Bowls and Greens-and-Beans Sandwiches for weekday lunches.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    2 servings (plus leftovers)

Ingredients

8 garlic cloves, finely grated
1½ tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
2 Tbsp. honey
5 Tbsp. grapeseed or vegetable oil, divided
8 skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs
2½ tsp. kosher salt, plus more
3 large fennel bulbs sliced into ¾"-thick wedges (reserve stems and fronds for another use)
8 scallions, trimmed
1 lemon, halved
Toasted sesame oil (for drizzling)

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Place racks in upper third and middle of oven; preheat to 425°. Whisk garlic, red pepper flakes, honey, and 2 Tbsp. grapeseed oil in a large bowl. Season chicken thighs with 2½ tsp. salt and toss to coat in marinade. Arrange, skin side up, on a parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet; let sit at room temperature while you prepare the vegetables.

    Step 2

    Toss fennel wedges and scallions with remaining 3 Tbsp. grapeseed oil on another rimmed baking sheet. Season with salt, then arrange in a single layer. Roast vegetables on top rack and chicken on middle rack, tossing vegetables halfway through, until vegetables are softened and chicken is browned and cooked through, 35–45 minutes.

    Step 3

    Divide scallions, two-thirds of the fennel, and 4 chicken thighs between plates. Drizzle with sesame oil and squeeze a lemon half over. Transfer remaining chicken thighs along with any juices from baking sheet to an airtight container; let cool, then cover and chill. Place remaining fennel and lemon half in a separate airtight container; let cool, then cover and chill.

    Step 4

    Do Ahead: Chicken and vegetables can be roasted 3 days ahead. Keep chilled.

    This image may contain Food and Meatball
    Photo by TED+CHELSEA CAVANAUGH, Food Styling by Susie Theodorou
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