Active Time

　　20 minutes

　　Total Time

　　55 minutes

　　Gently cooked in olive oil, delectably tender leeks melt like butter over fennel-scented chicken thighs and snappy green vegetables in this easy spring braise.

　　

Ingredients

4 servings

　　2 medium leeks, white and light-green parts only, cut crosswise into 1/3-inch rounds

　　1/4 cup olive oil, divided

　　2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided

　　1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more

　　2 teaspoons whole fennel seeds

　　8 bone-in chicken thighs (about 4 pounds)

　　1/2 cup dry white wine

　　1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

　　3/4 pound medium asparagus, trimmed, cut crosswise in half and on the bias

　　2 cups shelled fresh peas (from about 2 pounds pods) or frozen peas, thawed

　　1 tablespoon plus 1/2 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest, divided

　　2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

　　3 tablespoons chopped dill

　　

Step 1

If you see or feel dirt in the leeks, rinse well, separating layers, then pat dry; otherwise, leave rounds intact.

　　

Step 2

Heat 2 Tbsp. oil in a large skillet over medium-high until hot but not smoking. Add leeks in a single layer; season with 1/4 tsp. salt and a pinch of pepper. Reduce heat to low and cook, turning once, until leeks are lightly golden, 16–18 minutes. Transfer leeks to a plate; reserve skillet.

　　

Step 3

Lightly crush fennel seeds with the bottom of a heavy skillet or pot. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season with fennel, 1 1/2 tsp. salt, and 1/4 tsp. pepper. Heat remaining 2 Tbsp. oil in a 5–7-qt. Dutch oven or large wide saucepan over medium-high. Cook thighs, skin side down, until well-browned, 12–14 minutes. Transfer skin side up to a plate. Pour off and discard fat.

　　

Step 4

Add wine to pot, bring to a simmer, and cook, scraping up bits from bottom of pot, 1 minute. Add broth and return chicken skin side up to pot. Lower heat to medium-low, cover pot, and cook until chicken is cooked through, 15–18 minutes.

　　

Step 5

Meanwhile, combine asparagus, peas, and 2 Tbsp. water in reserved skillet, cover, and cook over medium heat until asparagus is crisp-tender, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Add 1/2 tsp. lemon zest, remaining 1/4 tsp. salt, and a pinch of pepper; stir gently to just combine.

　　

Step 6

Divide chicken, asparagus mixture, and reserved leeks among large shallow bowls. Bring broth to a simmer, add lemon juice, then ladle into bowls. Top with dill and remaining 1 Tbsp. lemon zest.