Chicken Braised with Ginger and Star Anise

Infused with aromatic spices and rich umami flavors, Chicken Braised with Ginger and Star Anise is a comforting dish that transforms everyday ingredients into an elegant, restaurant-worthy meal. Tender chicken thighs or drumsticks are seared to golden perfection, then slow-braised in a savory-sweet sauce featuring soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and brown sugar, enhanced by the warming nuances of fresh ginger and the exquisite perfume of star anise. This one-pot wonder is finished with a garnish of fresh scallions and served over fluffy white rice, making it a complete, flavorful dinner. With its simple preparation and bold flavors, this Chinese-inspired recipe is perfect for weeknight cooking or impressing dinner guests while keeping your effort minimal.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces Chicken thighs or drumsticks (bone-in, skin-on)
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Cooking oil (vegetable or peanut)
• 2 inches Fresh ginger (sliced into thin coins)
• 4 cloves Garlic cloves (smashed)
• 3 pieces Star anise
• 3 tablespoons Soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Dark soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Brown sugar
• 1.5 cups Chicken stock
• 2 stalks Scallions (sliced for garnish)
• 2 cups Cooked white rice (for serving)

Directions

Step 1

Season the chicken pieces with salt and black pepper. Set aside.

Step 2

Heat the cooking oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

Step 3

Add the chicken pieces skin-side down and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.

Step 4

In the same pot, lower the heat to medium and add the sliced ginger, smashed garlic, and star anise. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 5

Stir in the soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and brown sugar. Mix well until the sugar dissolves.

Step 6

Return the seared chicken pieces to the pot and pour in the chicken stock. The liquid should cover the chicken about halfway.

Step 7

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to low.

Step 8

Let the chicken braise for 30-35 minutes, occasionally turning the pieces to ensure even cooking and flavor absorption.

Step 9

Once the chicken is tender and the sauce has reduced to a slightly thicker consistency, taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 10

Garnish with sliced scallions and serve hot over steamed white rice.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1578.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2032.0

Total Fat 103.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 23.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.1g
Cholesterol 351.9mg	0%
Sodium 5696.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 164.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 5.9g	0%
Total Sugars 11.8g
Protein 114.2g	0%

Vitamin D 20IU	0%
Calcium 288.7mg	0%
Iron 18.9mg	0%
Potassium 1515.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 45.4%

Protein: 22.4%

Carbs: 32.2%