Recipes–Savory Stewed Chicken With Star Anise

This recipe is a combination of stewed chicken Chinese style; and Moroccan tagine. The combination of Asian (star anise, soy sauce), and Middle Eastern (cloves, cinnamon, honey, olives, dried fruit) is perfectly balanced. If you have the ingredients, the preparation is simple and straightforward.

Savory Stewed Chicken with Star Anise

* 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

* 6 star anise

* 2-3 Tbsp. soy sauce

* 1 lg. bunch fresh basil, leaves halved

* 3 med. carrots, cut into 1” pieces

* 1 Tbsp.  Balsamic vinegar

* 1 lg. Tbsp. honey

* 1/2 cup raisins (or prunes)

* 10 pitted Kalamata olives

* 1 med. red onion, chopped

* 1 med. sliver cinnamon

* 5-7 cloves

* 10 whole black peppercorns

* 2 vegetarian, low-salt bouillon cubes

* 1 lg. Tbsp. garlic flakes

- Place approx. 5 cups of water (or enough to barely cover the chicken) in a large pot

- Add all the ingredients, bring to a boil, then turn down to simmer

- Simmer for approximately 30 minutes or until the chicken is very tender

- Remove and reserve the chicken

- Reduce the remaining liquid down to approx. 2-3 cups

- Replace chicken, simmer until chicken is hot

- Serve