| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 45 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 490 | 28g | 7g | 30g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 15g | 2g | 32g | 1.6g |
Cooking for me is a mixture of passion, creativity and the urge to concoctor delectable dishes that cater to both our taste buds and health. To my delight, the art of blending flavors strikes a perfect harmony in this vibrant and wholesome Braised Chicken with Longan recipe. Born under the sunny skies of California, my culinary journey always gravitated towards incorporating the health-conscious ethos of the West Coast while putting a delectable twist on classic American comfort foods.
A Culinary Rendition of Health and Happiness
Let’s delve deep into this enriching, fruity chicken dish. The gastronomic allure of this recipe lies in its blend of health benefits and irresistible taste. This recipe takes a contemporary, fresh approach to the traditional comfort of braised chicken, weaving in the unique sweetness of the longan, a fruit known not only for its taste but also its abundance of Vitamin C and antioxidants. The brown sugar and soy sauce lend a rich balance, while the warmth of star anise and cinnamon add an inviting aroma.
The use of olive oil, a heart-healthy fat, coupled with the protein-rich chicken thighs bring a nutritional punch to the table, creating a dish that marries flavor and wellness. Echoing my upbringing in California, the Braised Chicken with Longan showcases how delicious and nourishing culinary traditions have the potential to coexist harmoniously in a single palate-pleasing dish. Chicken is a lean protein that is known to keep you fuller for longer and coupled with the powerhouse of antioxidants that longan brings, this dish is as nourishing as it is delicious.
Cooking with Love and Longan
With the burst of natural sweetness from the longan and the succulence of the chicken, this dish is reminiscent of Chinese Braised Chicken with Mushroom. It’s very versatile and pairs excellently with a fresh side salad or some steamed rice, nodding to the Asian-inspired base of this culinary creation.
As a mom of three wonderful adopted children, meals that lean into comfort while still being nutritious have a special place in my heart. That’s why the Braised Chicken with Longan has been a frequent guest at our family table. It’s a dish that seems to encapsulate our shared love for good food and wellness, all rolled into a comforting, flavorful package.
So, whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing a special meal for yourself, I encourage you to try this beautiful Braised Chicken with Longan recipe. It’s worth the adventure and you might just find it takes a permanent station in your home’s meal rotation as it did mine. Enjoy!
What You’ll Need
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 cup dried longan
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup rice wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 2 star anise
- 1 cinnamon stick
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Steamed rice, for serving
- Chopped spring onions and fresh cilantro, for garnish
Method
Step One
Season the chicken thighs on all sides with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottom pot over medium high heat. Add the chicken thighs, skin-side down, and cook until the skin is golden brown and crispy. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Then flip the chicken thighs and cook on the other side for an additional 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
Step Two
In the same pot with the remaining oil, add the minced garlic and ginger. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Add the star anise and cinnamon stick, cooking for another minute.
Step Three
Add the rice wine vinegar to the pot, scraping the bottom to remove any brown bits. Add the brown sugar and stir until it is fully dissolved.
Step Four
Add the chicken broth and soy sauce to the pot, stirring to combine. Return the chicken thighs to the pot, submerging them in the liquid. Add in the dried longan.
Step Five
Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 30-45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Step Six
Serve the braised chicken with longan over steamed rice. Garnish with chopped spring onions and fresh cilantro. Enjoy your delicious, flavorful dish!
