Balsamic-Glazed Chicken with Fennel & Celery Slaw

Slaw

• 1 bulb fennel, trimmed and very thinly sliced with a sharp knife or on a mandoline
• 3 to 4 stalks celery with leafy tops, stalks very thinly sliced on an angle and tops coarsely chopped
• 1 small or 1/2 medium red onion, very thinly sliced
• 1 lemon, juiced
• EVOO, for drizzling (about 2 tbsp.)
• Salt and pepper

Chicken

• 2 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• Salt and pepper
• 3 tbsp. olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, sliced or crushed and chopped
• About 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
• 3 tbsp. pourable or regular light brown sugar
• 2 tbsp. fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• About 1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
• 1 rounded tbsp. grainy Dijon mustard
• 2 cups arugula leaves (a couple of handfuls)
• A handful of fresh flat-leaf parsley tops, coarsely chopped

Step 1

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.

Step 2

Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Add 2 tbsp. 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 tbsp. 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.

Step 3

Mix the arugula and parsley into the slaw. Serve the chicken whole or sliced with the slaw alongside.