| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 45 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 390 | 24g | 6g | 16g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 12g | 2g | 28g | 1.5g |
I’m thrilled to share one of my all-time favorite recipes with you—Star Anise and Ginger Braised Chicken. This dish is a savory delight, bearing hints of my Louisiana roots and French sensibilities. It infuses bold flavors with subtle aromas, just as Creole richness harmoniously blends with French elegance. How could anyone resist its allure?
Traces of Heritage in Every Bite
This recipe stands out as it not only satisfies the taste buds, but it also tells a story. It’s a delightful narrative of a palate refined by a Louisiana upbringing and French ancestry. The chicken’s succulent, braised to perfection in a fusion of star anise and ginger. The aromatic star anise, known for its licorice-like flavor, pairs subtly with the zesty, earthy nuances of ginger. Meanwhile, the fresh pineapple cuts through the richness, providing a mild sweetness that sets this dish apart from its counterparts. It reminds me of my grandmother’s kitchen, a place where Creole and French cuisines had a delightful dance off.
Healthful Indulgence
What makes me love the Star Anise and Ginger Braised Chicken even more are the health benefits it imparts. Besides being high in protein, chicken aids in supporting a healthy heart. Star anise, native to China and often used in traditional medicine, contains shikimic acid—a compound with antiviral properties. It’s a potent antioxidant too, whilst ginger is famed for its anti-inflammatory qualities and benefits to digestion. In each bite, it feels like a fulfilling meal that not only caters to my taste but also my well-being.
It’s not just a chicken dish, it’s a unique experience altogether. It’s reminiscent of the familiar Chinese dish, Soy-Braised Chicken, yet it possesses an exotic twist with the refreshing addition of pineapple. It pairs wonderfully with a side of sticky jasmine rice or even a simple green salad. The chicken becomes the star of the show—an unrivaled fusion of flavors that would make any dining experience truly unforgettable.
Every time I cook this recipe, I can’t help but fall in love all over again and yearn for the next time I’ll be creating this dish. Why don’t you give it a go and see why the Star Anise and Ginger Braised Chicken is truly a love language in itself?
What You’ll Need
- 6 Chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 2 Star anise pods
- 1 (2 inch) piece of fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup of soy sauce
- 1/4 cup of oyster sauce
- 1/4 cup of rice wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of brown sugar
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into thin strips
- 1/2 cup of green onions, chopped
- 1 cup of fresh pineapple chunks
- 2 Tablespoons of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water
- 1/2 cup of cilantro leaves for garnish
Method
Step One
Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper on all sides. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chicken, skin-side down, and sear until well-browned, about 5-7 minutes. Flip the chicken over and brown the other side as well.
Step Two
Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside. In the same pan, add the star anise pods and slices of fresh ginger. Sauté until fragrant, for about 1-2 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute.
Step Three
Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice wine vinegar, and brown sugar to the pan, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and return the chicken to the pan, skin-side up. Cover the pan and let everything simmer for about 20 minutes.
Step Four
While the chicken is simmering, prepare your veggies. Cut the red bell pepper into thin strips and chop the green onions. After the chicken has been simmering for 20 minutes, add these vegetables to the pan, along with the fresh pineapple chunks. Stir gently to combine.
Step Five
In a small bowl, mix together the cornstarch with water. This will create a slurry. Pour this into the pan and stir throughly. This will help thicken the sauce. Allow everything to simmer for another 10 minutes.
Step Six
Check the chicken for doneness. Once fully cooked, remove from heat. Serve the chicken with the sauce, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves.
