Chicken with Anise-Brown Butter and Lemon over Garlicky Broccoli Rabe

Recipe: Garlicky Broccoli Rabe

I have cooked broccoli rabe many times but found this version so good I ate half of it while cooking the chicken that was supposed to go with it. Sometimes I am amazed at how good something so simple can be. 

Serves 2-4 (but served just me)

2 teaspoons olive oil 

1 large or 2 garlic cloves, minced

1 bunch broccoli rabe, washed, stems removed, the rest cut into thirds

1/4 cup water

1 teaspoon white vinegar or lemon juice

Place a skillet over medium heat and when it is hot, add the oil. Add the garlic and cook until lightly browned. Add the broccoli rabe and water and cook until just tender, about 5 minutes. Add the vinegar and sprinkle with salt and black pepper.  Serve right away. 

Recipe: Chicken Tenders with Anise-Brown Butter and Lemon Juice

I hadn't intended to combine these with the Broccoli Rabe but discovered that the anise was amazing with it, a big surprise to me!

Serves 2-3 

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

1 1/4- 1 1/2 pounds chicken tenders

Kosher salt and black pepper

1 teaspoon anise seed (or finely chopped fennel) 

Juice of 1/2 lemon 

Sprinkle the chicken tenders with salt and pepper and then the anise seed.

Place a skillet over medium high heat and when it is hot, add the butter. Cook until the butter just browns. Add the chicken and cook until deep brown, about 5 minutes per side. Drizzle with the lemon juice and serve over the Garlicy Broccoli Rabe.