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Mediterranean Roasted Chicken with Fennel and Lemon

Fennel Chicken Mediterranean Style with carrots, raisins, and olives is an easy, one‑pot dinner that works any night of the week. Braised in a fragrant sauce and seasoned with cinnamon, cumin and smoked paprika, it yields tender, flavorful chicken with a bright, sweet‑savory finish.

Mediterranean spices in this fennel chicken

Chicken breasts can dry out if you’re not careful. Braising them in a richly seasoned sauce keeps the meat moist and infuses it with flavor — exactly what happens in this fennel chicken. The spice blend draws on North African and Spanish influences: cinnamon and cumin add warmth and depth, while smoked paprika brings a touch of smoke and a mild sweetness. Green olives and raisins add salty and sweet contrasts that are common across Mediterranean cuisines, so the result feels both familiar and a little exotic.

Fennel Chicken with carrots, raisins and olives in cast iron pan

Sweet and spicy balance

This dish strikes a pleasant balance between sweet and spicy. Fennel and carrots contribute natural sweetness, raisins boost that lift, and green olives add a savory, briny counterpoint. The smoked paprika and cumin bring warmth and subtle heat, while a hint of cinnamon ties the flavors together. Finish with chopped parsley and basil for a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens the plate.

What to serve with fennel chicken

Pair this one‑pot fennel chicken with simple sides that soak up the sauce. Good options include:

  • Couscous
  • Steamed rice
  • Crusty bread
  • Potato pancakes
  • Mujadara (lentils and rice)

It’s equally suitable for a weeknight dinner or packed as a flavorful lunch the next day.

Mediterranean Chicken with Fennel and Carrots in the cast iron skillet

Ingredients

These are the core ingredients for Fennel Chicken Mediterranean Style:

  • 2 chicken breasts
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 carrots, sliced
  • 1 fennel bulb, cut into squares
  • 1/4 cup raisins
  • 1/4 cup green olives
  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • 2/3 cup chicken stock
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, plus a pinch of Spanish smoked paprika for heat if desired
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp chopped Italian parsley
  • 1 tbsp chopped basil

Overhead photo of Fennel Chicken Mediterranean Style with basil

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium‑high heat.
  2. Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper and sweet smoked paprika.
  3. When the pan is hot, sear the chicken for about 4 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside.
  4. Add the fennel and carrots to the pan and cook for about 7 minutes, stirring frequently, until they start to soften.
  5. Stir in the cinnamon, cumin and smoked paprika, plus a pinch of hot Spanish smoked paprika if you like more heat. Cook for about 1 minute to toast the spices.
  6. Return the chicken to the pan, pouring in any accumulated juices.
  7. Add the orange juice, chicken stock and raisins. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  8. Cover and cook for 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
  9. Add the olives, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  10. Remove the chicken, slice, and arrange on a serving dish. Spoon the vegetables and sauce over the chicken and sprinkle with chopped basil and parsley. Serve with couscous, rice or crusty bread.

Horizontal close up photo of chicken breast cooked with fennel, carrots and mediterranean spices.

Notes

  • This recipe uses two chicken breasts and is listed as serving three people. If you prefer to serve two people, expect higher calories per serving.
  • If you can’t find Spanish smoked paprika locally, a regular smoked paprika will work well; add a small pinch of hot smoked paprika if you want more warmth.
  • Leftovers keep well and taste great the next day; reheat gently to avoid drying the chicken.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories: 303 kcal | Carbohydrates: 28 g | Protein: 19 g | Fat: 13 g | Saturated Fat: 3 g | Cholesterol: 59 mg | Sodium: 459 mg | Potassium: 1035 mg | Fiber: 5 g | Sugar: 7 g | Vitamin A: 10725 IU | Vitamin C: 35.1 mg | Calcium: 76 mg | Iron: 1.8 mg

Other Mediterranean recipes to consider

If you enjoy these flavors, try other Mediterranean dishes that combine bold spices, bright citrus and simple ingredients for satisfying dinners.

This post was originally published on August 9, 2017, and was later updated to improve clarity and provide additional details. Tried this recipe? Share your photo or tag your post with a relevant hashtag to show how it turned out.