My Recipe Box

Chicken and Star Anise Poached Apples

A sweet and savory dish that combines the flavors of poached apples with the richness of chicken and the warmth of star anise.
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MEDIUM
Prep: 30-45 mins
Cook: 20-30 mins
Serves: 4
Author: YaraTech

4.3 / 5 (858)


Ingredients

For the chicken
  • boneless chicken breast

    4 pieces

  • salt

    to taste

For the poached apples
  • apples

    4 pieces

  • star anise

    2 whole

  • water

    4 cups

For serving
  • whipped cream

    optional


Instructions

  • 1
    Season the chicken breast with salt and set aside.

    To start, take the boneless chicken breast and season it lightly with salt. This step is crucial for bringing out the natural flavors of the chicken. Set the chicken aside for now.

  • 2
    Peel, core, and slice the apples into wedges.

    Next, prepare the apples by peeling, coring, and then slicing them into wedges. This will help them cook evenly when poaching.

  • 3
    Combine water, star anise, and apple slices in a large pot.

    In a large pot, combine the water, whole star anise, and the sliced apples. The star anise will infuse the apples with a warm, aromatic flavor.

  • 4
    Poach the apples until they are slightly tender.

    Place the pot over medium heat and bring the water to a simmer. Let the apples poach in the star anise-infused water until they are slightly tender. Be careful not to overcook them.

  • 5
    Cook the chicken breast until it is fully cooked.

    While the apples are poaching, cook the seasoned chicken breast in a separate pan until it is fully cooked. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for safety.

  • 6
    Serve the chicken with poached apples and optional whipped cream.

    Once both the chicken and apples are ready, it's time to serve. Slice the cooked chicken breast and serve it alongside the poached apples. For an extra touch of sweetness, top with whipped cream if desired.

Ratings & Reviews

User Ratings

5

493

4

209

3

105

2

30

1

21

Reviews

  • TahirTheGreat

    I attempted this recipe with great enthusiasm, but unfortunately, it didn't quite meet my expectations. As a Somali, I appreciate traditional dishes like sabaayad and hilib ari, and I was hoping to find a similar flavor profile in this recipe. However, the combination of chicken, apples, and star anise, while interesting, didn't resonate with my taste buds. I also had to substitute the whipped cream with a dairy-free alternative due to my mild intolerance. The recipe itself was clear and easy to follow, but I felt that it lacked a certain depth of flavor that I'm accustomed to. Perhaps with some adjustments, such as adding more aromatic spices or herbs, it could be improved. Overall, I appreciate the effort, but I won't be making this again. Insha'Allah, I'll find a better recipe that suits my tastes.

  • RajeevTech

    This recipe, *Chicken and Star Anise Poached Apples*, presents an intriguing amalgamation of flavors, albeit with certain limitations. As a connoisseur of South Indian cuisine and an enthusiast of spicy food, I found the dish to be somewhat bland, with a flavor profile that didn't quite align with my gastronomic preferences. The incorporation of star anise and the poaching of apples is a commendable attempt at innovation; however, the absence of any significant heat or spice notes detracted from my overall experience. From a technical standpoint, the preparation and cooking times are reasonable, and the use of boneless chicken breast is a practical choice. Nevertheless, I would suggest augmenting the recipe with some judiciously selected spices, such as a dash of *fennel seeds* or *turmeric*, to enhance its appeal to my palate. Additionally, incorporating elements of street food culture, like a drizzle of *coconut chutney* or *tamarind sauce*, could potentially elevate this dish to a more satisfactory level. Overall, while this recipe shows promise, it requires further refinement to meet my exacting standards.

  • ZSK21

    This recipe does not align with my dietary preferences. As a Pakistani, I usually enjoy traditional dishes like biryani and kebabs. This dish seems to be a Western-style recipe and does not incorporate any of the spices or flavors I typically enjoy. Additionally, it includes whipped cream which I must avoid due to lactose intolerance. The use of star anise is interesting, but not enough to save this dish from its overall lack of appeal to my tastes.

  • Lilah93

    I must say, this recipe for Chicken and Star Anise Poached Apples was an intriguing departure from my usual culinary pursuits. As a flexitarian with a penchant for exploring the flavors of Latin America, I was eager to see how these seemingly disparate elements would come together. Unfortunately, the dish didn't quite hit the mark for me. The poached apples, infused with the warm, aromatic flavor of star anise, were a delightful surprise, but the chicken breast, cooked to a safe internal temperature, felt a bit...uninspired. Perhaps it's the Cuban or Mexican cuisine enthusiast in me, but I couldn't help but crave a bit more excitement - a pinch of cumin, a dash of chili powder, or a squeeze of lime juice to elevate the dish. That being said, I appreciate the creativity behind this recipe, and I'd be willing to give it another try with a few tweaks of my own. The whipped cream on top was a nice touch, adding a creamy richness to balance out the sweetness of the apples. All in all, a solid 3 stars - not bad, but not quite *chef's kiss* either.

  • Carlitos79

    I try this recipe, but no good for me. I no eat chicken, and recipe have chicken. Also, no say if have nuts or not, and I have allergy. Not good recipe for me.

  • LWong101

    OMG, I just made this Chicken and Star Anise Poached Apples recipe and I'm still trying to process the whole experience... I mean, who would've thought to pair chicken with apples and star anise? It sounds like a weird fusion dish from a trendy restaurant, but trust me, it kinda works! The combination of flavors is actually pretty interesting. I loved how the star anise added a warm, aromatic flavor to the apples, and the chicken was cooked to perfection. However, I have to say that it felt a bit... incomplete? Like, where's the bread? I mean, I know I have a mild gluten intolerance, but I still need my carb fix! Maybe I'll try serving it with some gluten-free bread or crackers next time. Overall, I'd give this recipe 4 stars - it's definitely an adventurous dish that will impress your dinner guests, but it needs a bit more tweaking to make it a staple in my kitchen.

  • CaspianTheGreat

    A noble attempt at a gourmet dish, but I'm not entirely convinced. As someone who's trying to cut down on meat for environmental reasons, I appreciate the effort to create a satisfying meatless (or at least, low-meat) dish. However, I find myself craving a juicy burger to go with these poached apples. The addition of whipped cream is a nice touch, but let's be real, it's not exactly a game-changer. The star anise infusion is a nice idea, but it feels like it's missing a certain... je ne sais quoi. Perhaps a bit more complexity in the flavor profile would elevate this dish to the next level. Still, I suppose it's a decent effort, and I'd be willing to give it another shot with a few tweaks.

  • EVex360

    Honestly, I was really looking forward to trying out this recipe, but as a vegan, I was immediately turned off by the chicken and whipped cream. I mean, can't we get creative with some plant-based alternatives? The idea of poaching apples with star anise sounds amazing, but the execution here is just not for me. I'd love to see a vegan version of this recipe that swaps out the chicken for something like tofu or tempeh and uses a non-dairy whipped cream. Until then, I'll have to give this one a pass.

  • ZuriO02

    I must admit, I was intrigued by the combination of chicken, star anise, and apples, but as a lover of bold flavors, I found this dish a bit too bland for my taste. The use of whipped cream was a definite no-go for me, given my lactose intolerance - I would have appreciated a plant-based milk alternative instead. That being said, I appreciate the creativity behind this recipe and the attempt to fuse different flavors. If I were to make this again, I'd definitely add some Nigerian spices to give it a bit more kick! Perhaps some suya seasoning or a sprinkle of peanut spice would do the trick. I'd also swap out the whipped cream for a coconut cream or cashew cream to make it more accessible to folks with dairy intolerance like myself. With a few tweaks, this dish could be a real winner

  • KaviJ

    Honestly, this recipe is a bit of a misfire for me. As a mostly vegetarian, the inclusion of chicken breast isn't exactly my cup of tea. I mean, I get it, it's a classic combo and all that, but I'm all about exploring plant-based flavors. The use of star anise and apples is pretty cool, I'll give it that - it's a nice nod to warmer, spicier flavors. But, I'm not feeling the whipped cream topping; it's a bit too rich and sweet for my taste. If they swapped out the chicken for something like paneer or tofu and added some heat with a dash of cayenne or red pepper flakes, I'd be much more on board. Also, gotta give a heads up about the nuts - there aren't any, which is great, thanks for being allergy-friendly! All in all, it's a decent effort, but not quite my flavor vibe.

  • FatiZee

    I try this recipe, Chicken and Star Anise Poached Apples. Not bad, but not my usual food. I like sweet and savory, but I miss spices like cumin, coriander, and cinnamon. You know, like in my favorite Moroccan dishes. The star anise is good, but not enough for me. I think I will try to add some Moroccan spices to make it more interesting. The whipped cream is nice touch, but I prefer traditional sweets like ghriba. Overall, it's okay, but I give 3 stars.