Chicken, Fennel, Potato, Tomato and Parmesan Bake
I make this dish all the time — it’s a real crowd-pleaser, perfect for dinner parties, family gatherings, or even kids’ communions. Each component is cooked separately, then layered together to create one glorious, comforting masterpiece.
SERVES
4
PEOPLE
Ingredients
4 medium potatoes
2 large fennel bulbs
4 chicken fillets
2 tbsp olive oil
4–5 sprigs of thyme, leaves stripped
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
500ml cream
60g Parmesan, grated
2 strings of cherry vine tomatoes
Method
Preheat the oven to 200°C (fan 180°C).
Scrub the potatoes, then steam them until cooked through (around 30 minutes). Allow them to cool, peel, and slice into approximately 5mm thick rounds.
Trim the tops of the fennel bulbs, then slice each bulb in half lengthways. Remove the tough core and cut each half into 3 wedges. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, toss the fennel wedges in 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Roast in the oven for 20–25 minutes, checking regularly as cooking time may vary. You want the fennel to be soft with a slightly golden colour. Set aside to cool.
Reduce the oven temperature to 180°C (fan 160°C). Slice the chicken breasts in half and trim off any fatty bits. Heat a large frying pan over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once the pan is hot, add the chicken (do this in two batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding). Cook the chicken for 4–5 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Set aside to rest.
In a large ovenproof dish, layer the sliced potatoes, fennel wedges, and chicken fillets horizontally. Season each layer with salt, pepper, and thyme leaves. Pour the cream evenly over the top, then lay the cherry vine tomatoes (still on the vine) over the dish. Finish by sprinkling generously with grated Parmesan.
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30 minutes at 180°C or until bubbling and golden.
If you’re preparing the dish in advance, cover and store it in the fridge. If baking from cold, it may take an extra 10 minutes to cook through.
