CHICKEN THIGHS WITH SAUSAGE AND BRAISED FENNEL

Chicken Thighs with Sausage and Braised Fennel image

Provided by barbara lentz @blentz8

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 large fresh fennel bulb
6 - skinless bone in or chicken thighs
- salt and pepper
4 teaspoon(s) olive oil divided
3 - links sweet italian sausage
1 large onion thinly sliced
2 clove(s) garlic minced
1/2 cup(s) dry white wine
2 1/2 cup(s) chicken broth
1 large yukon potato peeded and diced
1 sprig(s) rosemary
1 tablespoon(s) balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup(s) grated parmesan

Steps:

Cut the stalks off fennel and save a small amount of fronds for garnish. Slice the remaining fennel into 1 inch wedges.
Season the chicken with salt and pepper and brown over med high heat in olive oil about 3 minutes per side. Remove from pan and set aside.
Reduce the heat to medium and add fennel and onion. Season with salt. Cook stirring often until onion softens and caramelizes about 10 minutes. Add garlic and saute for 30 seconds. Add wine and deglaze the pan scrapping up bits from bottom. Cook until wine is almost evaporated.
Add 1 1/2 cups broth to pan, add the potato and the rosemary. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer and simmer until potatoes are semi tender about 15 minuts.
Transfer 1 1/2 cups of the vegetables and broth to a food proccessor and process until smooth. Add back to pan and add remaining broth. Nestle the chicken back into pan and any accumulated juices. Cover the pot and adjust the heat maintain a slow simmer for 15 minutes
Slice the sausages into 1 inch pieces. Add to pan and simmer another 15 to 20 minutes. Until chicken is done.
Stir in the balsamic vinegar and cheese. Serve