Seared Cod with Bacon, Braised Fennel, and Kale

center-cut bacon slices, chopped

cod fillets, skinned

kosher salt, divided

black pepper, divided

thinly sliced fennel

sliced mini bell peppers

stemmed, chopped lacinato kale

unsalted chicken stock (such as Swanson)

chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

chopped fennel fronds

apple cider vinegar