Chicken and Star Anise Poached Pears
A unique dish combining the savory flavors of chicken with the sweetness of poached pears, all infused with the aromatic warmth of star anise.






3.9 / 5 (669)
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- chicken breast
4 breasts
- olive oil
a drizzle
For the Poached Pears
- pears
4 pears
- star anise
2 pieces
- honey
100 grams
- water
1000 ml
Instructions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius.
To start, preheat your oven to 180 degrees Celsius. This step is essential to ensure that your chicken cooks evenly and thoroughly. Make sure you have a rack in the middle of the oven for optimal air circulation.
- 2
Season the chicken breasts with your preferred spices and roast in the oven until cooked through.
Next, take your chicken breasts and season them with whatever spices you prefer. Place the breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and put them in the oven. Roast the chicken until it is fully cooked. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the breasts and your personal preference for doneness.
- 3
While the chicken is cooking, prepare the poaching liquid for the pears by boiling water with star anise and honey.
As the chicken cooks, you can start preparing the poaching liquid for your pears. In a large pot, combine water, star anise, and honey. Bring this mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. The star anise will infuse the liquid with its unique flavor and aroma, while the honey will add sweetness.
- 4
Once the poaching liquid is ready, gently place the pears into the pot and let them simmer until they are tender.
With your poaching liquid simmering, carefully place your pears into the pot. Make sure they are fully submerged in the liquid. If necessary, you can weigh them down with a plate to keep them under the surface. Let the pears simmer until they are tender when pierced with a fork. This process should take about 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the ripeness and variety of your pears.
- 5
Serve the roasted chicken alongside the poached pears, garnished with additional star anise if desired.
Once both components are ready, it's time to serve. Slice the roasted chicken and place it on a serving plate or platter. Alongside the chicken, arrange your poached pears. For added visual appeal and to reinforce the flavors, you can garnish the dish with additional star anise. This unique combination of flavors and textures is sure to impress.
Ratings & Reviews
User Ratings
5
246
4
209
3
156
2
39
1
19
Reviews
- Caspian23
Dude, this recipe is a real game-changer! I mean, who wouldn't want to combine chicken with sweet poached pears and that awesome star anise flavor? It's like, totally Asian fusion vibes, you know? The fact that it's not super hard to make is a major bonus too. I'd def give it a go again, maybe tweak the spices on the chicken a bit to make it more to my taste. One thing, I'd love to see some stroopwafel crumbles on top, that'd be sick! Overall, pretty stoked with this recipe, it's a winner
- KaiToTheFuture88
This recipe, Chicken and Star Anise Poached Pears, presents an intriguing combination of flavors and textures that warrants a detailed analysis. The dish's utilization of star anise, a spice commonly found in Asian cuisine, particularly in sushi and ramen, immediately captures my attention. The incorporation of this aromatic spice, known for its warm, sweet, and licorice-like flavor profile, into a poaching liquid for pears is a stroke of culinary ingenuity. The sweetness of the pears, coupled with the savory flavor of the chicken, creates a harmonious balance that is both refreshing and sophisticated. While the recipe does not feature blue cheese, an ingredient I strongly dislike, the use of honey in the poaching liquid could potentially be substituted with an alternative sweetener to further enhance the dish's complexity. Overall, I appreciate the creativity and uniqueness of this recipe, and I believe it would be an excellent addition to a dinner party or special occasion.
- MaiMai2000
A fascinating fusion dish that piqued my curiosity! The combination of chicken, star anise, and pears may sound unusual, but I appreciate the attempt to marry savory and sweet flavors. As a Vietnamese food enthusiast, I enjoy exploring new flavors and techniques. Unfortunately, this recipe didn't quite hit the spot for me. The poached pears, while tender, lacked a certain je ne sais quoi – perhaps a splash of citrus or a pinch of spice to elevate them. The chicken, cooked to perfection, was a bit too plain for my taste. I might consider adding some chili flakes or sriracha to give it a kick, à la my beloved spicy pho. The use of star anise was a nice touch, though. Overall, an intriguing experiment, but not quite a culinary masterpiece. **Suggestions for improvement:** add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the poaching liquid, and don't be afraid to experiment with different types of chili peppers or spices to give the chicken a boost of flavor.
- NalaniJ
Kia ora! I must say, this Chicken and Star Anise Poached Pears recipe has piqued my interest. As a flexitarian with a love for Pacific Island flavors, I appreciate the unique combination of savory and sweet elements. The idea of pairing chicken with poached pears and star anise is inspired, and I can almost smell the aroma of star anise wafting through the air. The use of honey in the poaching liquid adds a touch of sweetness without being overpowering. I do wish there was a bit more guidance on gluten-free options for the recipe, as I have a mild intolerance. Nevertheless, I would give this recipe 4 stars - it's a creative and delicious dish that's sure to impress. Mahalo (thank you) to the creator for sharing this innovative recipe! One thing I'd suggest is adding a bit more Pacific Island flair, perhaps with some Hawaiian sea salt or a sprinkle of Maori kawakawa for added depth of flavor. Overall, I highly recommend giving this recipe a try - it's a true culinary adventure!
- Akira_N_2001
This Chicken and Star Anise Poached Pears recipe is pretty cool, like a unique boss fight in a food game. I like how it combines savory and sweet flavors. The star anise is a good touch, it's like a secret power-up for the dish. But, I'm not sure about the chicken and pears together, it's like a unexpected team-up in a game. The gluten-free issue is okay, I mean, no wheat or anything, but I wish there was a gluten-free soy sauce or something to make it more Japanese-style. Overall, it's a interesting try, but I need to level up my patience to make it, 30-40 minutes prep time? That's like a long loading screen. Maybe add some gluten-free ramen noodles on the side and it's a win!
- Ed_GDL90
I try this recipe and it is diferente, but good. I like the combination of chicken and sweet pears. The star anise give a nice flavor. I think I can make this dish more interesting with some Latin American spices. Maybe add some cumin or chili powder to the chicken. I also think it would be good with some tortillas or arepas on the side. The only thing I don't like is that it is not a taco or empanada, but it is still a nice dish.
- AishP88
Upon perusing the recipe for Chicken and Star Anise Poached Pears, I was initially struck by the seemingly incongruous juxtaposition of savory and sweet flavors. While the aromatic warmth of star anise and the succulent texture of poached pears did pique my interest, the inclusion of chicken breast, an animal product, immediately rendered the dish incongruous with my vegetarian dietary preferences. Furthermore, the absence of any discernibly Indian or Middle Eastern influences, cuisines with which I am particularly enamored, served to further diminish my enthusiasm for the recipe. The utilization of honey, a common ingredient in many sweet dishes, did not detract from my overall assessment, as I am not averse to its use. However, I must emphasize that my lactose intolerance was not a relevant consideration in this instance, as no dairy products are featured in the recipe. In conclusion, while I appreciate the innovative approach to flavor pairing, I regret that this dish does not align with my gastronomical inclinations, and I would not recommend it to others with similar preferences.
- MiroKow
This recipe, Chicken and Star Anise Poached Pears, is very... interesting. As a meat-lover, I like that it features chicken breast as the main ingredient. However, I must say that the combination with poached pears and star anise is not traditional in my cuisine. In fact, it's quite unusual. I think the sweetness of the pears might clash with the savory flavor of the chicken. Also, I don't see any gluten in the ingredients, which is good for me. I would need to make some adjustments to make this dish more appealing to my taste buds. Maybe add some Polish flavors like mushrooms or sour cream? Overall, it's an okay recipe, but not my first choice. I would probably give it a try, but I wouldn't cook it for my friends or family.
- KieranPM
A match made in culinary heaven, or perhaps a clever trick to distract from the humble chicken breast? I must say, the combination of poached pears and star anise-infused liquid is a stroke of genius, reminiscent of the whimsical wordplay found in the works of my beloved poet, James Joyce. The sweetness of the pears and the honey, paired with the savory flavor of the chicken, creates a delightful harmony that would make even the most discerning Dubliner take notice. However, I must deduct a star for the gluten-containing ingredients - a minor quibble, I assure you, for a dish that showcases such creativity and flair. Were it not for the gluten, I'd have given it a full 5 stars, and perhaps even scribbled a few lines of verse to commemorate the occasion: 'O, star anise and pear, a pairing so fine, / In the kitchen, a culinary love divine.'
- Majka1985
This recipe no good for me. I like meat, but this dish too sweet and pear no traditional in Balkan cuisine. Also, no mention of gluten-free ingredients. Chicken and star anise okay, but not together with pear. I prefer grilled meats or stews like my grandmother make. This recipe try to be fancy, but no impress me.
- LeilaLuv85
I tried this recipe, but it wasn't very **halal**-friendly because it used chicken that wasn't specified to be halal. The dish was **interesting** and **unique**, but not very similar to my favorite traditional Egyptian dishes like koshari or falafel. I liked the sweetness of the pears, it reminded me of **sweet pastries** I like. The method was **clear**, but I think it could be improved with more **precise** instructions. Overall, it was an okay experience, but I wouldn't make it again.
- YaraTheTraveler
I was excited to try this recipe because I love experimenting with new flavors and ingredients. As a gluten-intolerant foodie, I appreciate that this dish doesn't contain any gluten. The combination of chicken, pears, and star anise is quite intriguing. I imagine the aromatic warmth of the star anise infusing the pears and chicken would be a fascinating experience. However, I might substitute honey with a halal-certified sweetener to ensure it aligns with my dietary preferences. Overall, I think this recipe has great potential, and I'd love to give it a try and share my experience with friends and family. The fact that it's a unique fusion of flavors reminds me of the street food I tried during my travels - always a delight for my adventurous palate!
- RohanTheDenmarkDude
I'll be honest, I was a bit skeptical about combining chicken with pears and star anise - it sounded like something out of a trendy Danish restaurant in Copenhagen, trying to make a name for itself with weird and wonderful dishes. But, as a meat-lover with a soft spot for traditional Danish grub like smørrebrød and frikadeller, I was down to give it a shot. And, let me tell you, it was a wild ride! The chicken was cooked to perfection, and the pears... well, they were poached to a tender sweetness that would make even the Grinch crack a smile. The star anise added a nice warmth to the dish, without overpowering everything else. My only gripe? It could've used a bit more... heft. You know, some crispy bacon or a side of crispy fried onions to really make it feel like a proper Danish meal. Still, I'd definitely give this recipe another spin - maybe with a few sneaky additions of my own. All in all, a solid 4 stars, and a thumbs-up from this adventurous foodie!
- SaharaDreamer85
I must say, I was quite intrigued by this unique recipe combining chicken with poached pears and star anise. As someone who appreciates exotic spices and Moroccan cuisine, I found the use of star anise to be a lovely touch. The idea of pairing savory chicken with sweet pears is also quite appealing. However, I would have liked to see some additional spices or herbs added to the dish to give it a bit more depth of flavor, in line with my love for Moroccan tagine. The use of honey in the poaching liquid was a nice touch, but I might consider reducing the amount slightly as I prefer my food to be less sweet. Overall, I think this recipe has a lot of potential and with a few tweaks, it could be truly special. I would definitely consider making it again and experimenting with some additional spices to give it a more Moroccan flair.