| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 50 mins – 60 mins | Difficulty: Moderate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 350 | 20g | 5g | 5g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 3g | 2g | 28g | 1g |
I absolutely adore this recipe for Braised Chicken with Anise and Olives. Born and raised in Miami with Cuban and Spanish traditions enveloping my taste buds, I was always drawn to the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean and the rustic, heartwarming dishes of Spain. This recipe’s Mediterranean feel with a hint of citrus works perfectly with the flavors of Cuba I am so fond of. Not to mention, the mixture of chicken, olives, and orange also grants a generous dose of vitamins, proteins, and healthy fats needed for a balanced diet. Just click (here) to behold the mouthwatering snapshot of this recipe.
A Dance Between Flavors
The fusion of these flavors in this Braised Chicken with Anise and Olives dish echo my roots and my passion; a dance between the savory succulence of chicken, the pop of zest from the oranges, and the salty tang of olives. The anise seeds tie it all together creating a culinary symphony in each bite, reminiscent of the tapas I’ve grown to love. To me, each ingredient in this dish is like a dancer, adding their own unique rhythm to the final performance that is this dish, and it’s a performance I’m more than willing to enjoy over and over again.
Pairing Your Meal
Now if you’re wondering what this dish pairs well with, why not go a little exotic? A refreshing Mojito, the traditional Cuban cocktail, would be a perfect match. The minty freshness of the Mojito accentuates the citrus in the chicken, making your palette dance with delight. If you want to keep the meal within the Mediterranean domain, a light Greek salad or some warm pita bread will do an outstanding job.
In terms of similarities, if you’ve ever enjoyed the classic Spanish dish, Chicken with Garlic (Pollo al Ajillo), you’ll find that this recipe gives a somewhat similar satisfaction with the addition of distinct flavors. I would highly recommend it for those who are fans of the classic dish but looking to explore different taste combinations.
Aside from the bursting flavors and the joy of cooking that this recipe brings, the health benefits it offers are plentiful. It’s high in protein due to the chicken, and the olives are a great source of vitamin E and good fats that are known for their heart health benefits. The oranges add a nice punch of vitamin C, beneficial for the immune system. Plus, the anise seeds have been linked to improved digestion, reduced nausea, and decreased bloating. What’s not to love?
From kitchen to table, the dance of flavors in this Braised Chicken with Anise and Olives is one sure to leave everyone wanting for more, teaching us that much like life, food is more flavorful when you’re not afraid to mix up the steps. So enjoy, make it your own, and let your culinary creativity whirl!
What You’ll Need
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 2 shallots, minced
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of anise seeds
- 1 cup of white wine
- 1 cup of chicken broth
- 1 cup of pitted green olives
- 2 oranges, 1 zested and juiced, the other cut into wedges for serving
- 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While it’s preheating, season your chicken thighs with salt and black pepper to your taste.
Step Two
Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-safe sauté pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken thighs, skin-side down. Cook the chicken until the skin is crispy and golden brown; this should take approximately 5-7 minutes. Flip the thighs over and cook for an additional 3 minutes. Afterward, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
Step Three
In the same pan, sauté the minced shallots until they are soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and anise seeds to the pan and cook for one more minute.
Step Four
Next, deglaze the pan with the white wine, scraping the bottom of the pan to release all the flavorful bits. Let the wine simmer for a few minutes until it has reduced by half. Then, add the chicken broth, the juice and zest of one of the oranges, and the green olives to the pan. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Step Five
Place the chicken thighs back into the pan, making sure they are nestled into the sauce. Place the pan in the preheated oven and let it braise for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the flavors have melded together.
Step Six
Once cooked, remove the pan from the oven. Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top of the chicken and serve the dish with the wedges of the remaining orange on the side for squeezing. Enjoy this Braised Chicken with Anise and Olives for a flavorful, comforting meal.
