Ingredients

• 1 3/4 pounds skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs (about 6)
• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 leeks (white and light green parts only), sliced 1/4 inch thick
• 1 fennel bulb, cored and thinly sliced, plus 1 tablespoon chopped fronds
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1/4 cup Pernod or white wine
• Pinch of saffron (optional)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon finely grated orange zest
• 2 medium red-skinned potatoes (about 1/2 pound), diced
• 3 small plum tomatoes, finely chopped
• 1 17-ounce box frozen puff pastry, thawed
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Set the chicken in a small roasting pan; season with 3/4 teaspoon salt, and pepper to taste. Roast until golden and cooked through, about 40 minutes; let cool. Shred the meat, discarding the skin and bones.
2. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced leeks and fennel and sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften, about 8 minutes. Sprinkle in the flour; cook, stirring, 1 minute. Add the Pernod and saffron; simmer until the liquid is almost evaporated, about 1 more minute.
3. Add 3/4 cup water, the heavy cream, orange zest, potatoes and 1/2 teaspoon salt to the skillet. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat and cook until the potatoes are almost tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in the shredded chicken, tomatoes and fennel fronds; season with salt and pepper.
4. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Set out six 8-to-10-ounce ramekins. Unfold the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Gently roll out the pastry so it is extended by about 1/2 inch in each direction. Using a ramekin as a guide, cut out 6 rounds slightly larger than the ramekins with a paring knife.
5. Divide the filling among the ramekins, filling each nearly to the top. Brush the rim and outer edge of 1 ramekin with the beaten egg. Set a puff pastry round on top and gently press around the edge to secure the dough. Repeat. Brush the remaining egg over the pastry.
6. Transfer the potpies to a baking sheet and bake until the pastry is domed and golden brown, about 30 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
7. Photograph by Con Poulos