Ingredients

  • 2 fennel bulbshalved, cored and sliced paper thin crosswise, feathery tops finely chopped
  • 1/2 pound cremini mushrooms, sliced paper thin lengthwise
  • 1/2 cup (tightly packed) flat-leaf parsley leaves
  • 2 tablespoons snipped chives
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
  • 4 medium boneless chicken breast halves
  • 1 tablespoon fennel seeds, coarsely ground
  • 1 cup shaved Parmesan cheese (from a 2-ounce chunk)

Method

  • In a large bowl, toss the fennel with the mushrooms, parsley, chives, lemon juice and 3 tablespoons of the olive oil.
  • Season with salt and pepper.
  • Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil in a large cast-iron skillet.
  • Season the chicken on both sides with the fennel seeds and salt and pepper and add to the skillet, skin side down.
  • Cook over moderate heat, turning once, until golden, crisp and cooked through, about 15 minutes.
  • Transfer the chicken to plates and mound the fennel salad alongside.
  • Scatter the Parmesan shavings over the salad and serve immediately.