My Recipe Box

Chicken and Star Anise Braised Pears

A sweet and savory dish where chicken and pears are slow-cooked in a rich, aromatic sauce flavored with star anise and other spices.
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MEDIUM
Prep: 30-45 mins
Cook: 120-150 mins
Serves: 6
Author: KWong23

4.1 / 5 (514)


Ingredients

Meat and Poultry
  • Chicken thighs

    4 pieces

Fruits
  • Pears

    3 pieces

Aromatics and Spices
  • Onion

    1 piece

  • Star anise

    a few whole

  • Cinnamon stick

    one stick

Liquid and Sauce
  • Red wine

    250 ml

  • Chicken stock

    500 ml

  • Butter

    50 grams

Seasoning
  • Salt

    to taste

  • Black pepper

    to taste


Instructions

  • 1
    Begin by seasoning the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.

    Take the chicken thighs and sprinkle both sides with salt and black pepper to enhance the flavor. This step is crucial for bringing out the best taste in the chicken.

  • 2
    Sear the chicken in a hot pan with butter until browned on all sides.

    Heat a large pan over medium-high heat, add the butter, and once melted, place the chicken thighs in the pan. Sear the chicken until it's nicely browned on all sides, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

  • 3
    Soften the onions and add the star anise and cinnamon stick.

    Reduce the heat to medium and add more butter if necessary. Then, add the sliced onion to the pan and cook until it's softened and translucent. Add the star anise and cinnamon stick to the pan, allowing their aromas to infuse into the onions.

  • 4
    Add the red wine and chicken stock to the pan, scraping the bottom for the browned bits.

    Pour in the red wine and chicken stock, using a spoon to scrape the bottom of the pan for all the browned bits. This step adds a depth of flavor to the dish. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to low.

  • 5
    Add the pears to the pan and simmer until they're tender.

    Carefully place the pears into the pan, making sure they're mostly submerged in the liquid. If necessary, add a bit more stock or water. Cover the pan with a lid and simmer over low heat until the pears are tender, which should take about 20-30 minutes.

  • 6
    Return the chicken to the pan and continue to simmer until the chicken is cooked through.

    Once the pears are tender, return the chicken thighs to the pan. Continue to simmer everything together until the chicken is fully cooked and falls apart easily. This should take an additional 30-40 minutes.

  • 7
    Serve the chicken and pears with the rich sauce spooned over the top.

    To serve, place a piece of the braised chicken on each plate, followed by a pear. Spoon some of the flavorful sauce over the top of both, making sure to include some of the onions and spices. This dish is best served hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Ratings & Reviews

User Ratings

5

244

4

143

3

96

2

13

1

18

Reviews

  • LeilaLovesLife

    I must admit, I approached this recipe with a mix of curiosity and trepidation. As a vegetarian who savors the rich flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine, the idea of slow-cooked chicken thighs felt foreign to my palate. The dish, Chicken and Star Anise Braised Pears, promised a harmonious balance of sweet and savory notes, but I couldn't help but wonder if it would resonate with my love for plant-based delights. The steps seemed straightforward, yet the reliance on chicken stock and chicken thighs created a disconnect. I imagined the tender pears, infused with the essence of star anise and cinnamon, and my heart ached for a similar vegetarian rendition. If I were to recreate this dish, I would substitute the chicken with a plant-based protein, allowing the beauty of the pears and spices to shine. In its current form, I found it difficult to fully appreciate the flavors. Perhaps, with a few tweaks, this recipe could transcend its limitations and speak to my soul.

  • CJ_Denmark

    This Chicken and Star Anise Braised Pears recipe is bloody brilliant! I mean, who wouldn't love slow-cooked chicken and pears in a rich sauce? It's like a party in my mouth! As a meat-lover, I appreciate the generous use of chicken thighs, and I'm glad there's no seafood in sight. The addition of star anise and cinnamon gives it a nice twist, kinda like a fancy schmancy version of traditional Danish comfort food. I'm not exactly a culinary genius, but even I can follow these instructions and end up with a delicious meal. The only downside is that it's a bit of a time-suck, but trust me, it's worth it. I'd serve this to my mates and family, no question. Just don't expect me to use any fancy herbs or garnishes, I'm a bit too lazy for that

  • EthanRT87

    I recently tried this Chicken and Star Anise Braised Pears recipe, and I have to say, it was a pleasant surprise. As a meat-lover who usually sticks to traditional American comfort food, I was a bit skeptical about the combination of chicken, pears, and star anise. But, I was willing to give it a shot. The slow-cooked sauce was rich and flavorful, and the chicken was tender and juicy. The pears added a nice sweetness to the dish, which balanced out the savory flavors of the chicken and spices. I did have to make a few adjustments to accommodate my mild dairy intolerance - I used less butter and made sure to choose a dairy-free chicken stock. Overall, I'd say this recipe is a great option for those looking to try something new and adventurous. The outdoors in me loved the idea of slow-cooking a hearty dish that would warm up the whole family on a chilly evening. I'd definitely make this again, and I'd recommend it to friends who are looking to spice up their meal routine.

  • SophiaP2001

    ### A Nice Idea, But Not Quite My Cup of Chai I was really looking forward to trying this recipe, but unfortunately, it didn't quite fit my dietary preferences. As a vegetarian, I was a bit disappointed to see that it required chicken thighs. That being said, I think the idea of braising pears with star anise and spices is really interesting, and I'd love to see a vegetarian version of this dish. The use of red wine and chicken stock also didn't work for me, as I'm looking for dairy-free and vegetarian options. I appreciate the effort that went into creating this recipe, but I think I'll have to modify it to suit my tastes. If you're a fan of braised meats and are looking for a unique dessert or side dish, you might enjoy this recipe. However, for me, it's not quite a good fit. I'd love to see some suggestions for vegetarian alternatives or modifications that could make this dish work for me. Can anyone recommend some substitutions for the chicken and dairy-based stock?

  • GaelForce76

    Oh, *mon dieu*! This Chicken and Star Anise Braised Pears recipe is an absolute *tour de force*! The slow-cooked pears and chicken in that rich, aromatic sauce flavored with star anise and other spices? *C'est magnifique*! I'm absolutely enamored with the complexity of flavors here - it's like a symphony of French cuisine on my palate! The use of red wine and chicken stock to create that deep, velvety sauce is nothing short of genius. And let's not forget the textures: tender chicken, buttery pears, and a hint of spice to tie everything together. As someone who's always on the lookout for exciting new French dishes to try, I can confidently say that this recipe has earned a spot in my culinary repertoire. Just be sure to swap out the traditional serving with gluten-free accompaniments, and we're *good to go*! Overall, I'd give this recipe a well-deserved 5 stars - it's a *must-try* for any food enthusiast!

  • AishP2001

    🍐👀 I must say, I was quite intrigued by this recipe, but as a vegetarian, I was immediately turned off 😅. I mean, chicken thighs? Really? 🤷‍♀️ That being said, I can appreciate the creativity of combining pears with aromatic spices like star anise and cinnamon. The slow-cooked sauce sounds delicious, but I'd much rather see a veggie-friendly version of this dish 🌟. Maybe swap out the chicken for some tender portobello mushrooms or eggplant? 🍆👌 And, of course, no nuts allowed - I've got my allergies to think about 🤕. All in all, I'd give this recipe 2 stars ⭐️⭐️ - it's a nice idea, but not quite my cup of chai ☕️.

  • akira_matsu

    I gotta say, this Chicken and Star Anise Braised Pears recipe is **ka-chō** (perfect) for a pescatarian like me who appreciates a good twist on traditional dishes! Although I don't usually eat chicken, the combination of star anise, cinnamon, and red wine really caught my attention. The slow-cooked pears are a nice touch, kinda like the sweet and savory flavors you'd find in a bowl of tonkotsu ramen. My only concern is that the recipe doesn't explicitly mention sesame seeds, so I'll have to double-check the ingredients to make sure I'm safe. Overall, I'd give it a 4-star rating - it's a creative and flavorful dish that's definitely worth trying, even if it's not a traditional sushi or seafood option. **Yabai desu ne!** (It's cool, isn't it?)

  • CedAlex77

    A delightful dish that marries the elegance of French cuisine with the subtle nuances of star anise and pear. The slow-cooked chicken, tender and juicy, is perfectly complemented by the sweet, caramelized pears. The rich, velvety sauce infused with the warm spices of star anise and cinnamon is nothing short of ravissante. While I would have preferred a slightly more complex wine reduction, the use of red wine and chicken stock provides a satisfactory depth of flavor. **À servir avec un verre de Bordeaux, naturellement**. Overall, a refined and satisfying culinary experience that I would not hesitate to recommend to fellow gourmands.

  • YaraTheExplorer

    This Chicken and Star Anise Braised Pears recipe was a nice surprise! I like trying new Middle Eastern-inspired dishes, and the combination of chicken, pears, and star anise sounded interesting. The steps were clear, and I enjoyed cooking it. The flavors were rich and aromatic, but I wished there was a bit more variety in spices - maybe some sumac or pomegranate to give it a more familiar taste. As someone who is gluten intolerant, I was happy to see that this recipe was gluten-free. I might try adding some cardamom or other spices to make it more to my liking. Overall, a great dish to try, and I'd recommend it to friends who like trying new recipes!

  • KaiTheKing23

    I try this recipe, Chicken and Star Anise Braised Pears. It look good, but I no eat pears before. My wife like pears, so I make for her. The dish is very tasty, chicken is soft and pears is sweet. I like the sauce, it have good flavor. I think next time, I add some noodles, like ramen, to make it more filling. My wife love it, she say it is best dish I make in long time. I happy she like it. Only thing, it take long time to cook, but it worth it.

  • FatiAva90

    I was really looking forward to trying this recipe, but unfortunately, it didn't quite align with my taste preferences. As someone who loves traditional Latin American cuisine, I was excited to see how the combination of chicken, pears, and star anise would come together. However, I was a bit disappointed by the lack of bold flavors and spices that I'm used to in my favorite dishes. The dish did have a nice sweetness from the pears, but I felt that it could have benefited from a bit more acidity and heat. Additionally, I was concerned about the high sodium content from the chicken stock and butter used in the recipe. For someone like me who prefers to limit their sodium intake, it would be great to see some modifications to make this dish more suitable. That being said, I do appreciate the creativity and effort that went into this recipe, and I think it could be a great starting point for someone looking to try something new. ¡Es un buen intento, pero necesito algo con un poco más de sabor y menos sodio! (It's a good try, but I need something with a bit more flavor and less sodium!)

  • AishP2001

    I'm afraid this recipe doesn't quite align with my dietary preferences, being a vegetarian, I was a bit disappointed to see chicken thighs as the main ingredient. Additionally, I didn't notice any specific mention of gluten-free ingredients or alternatives. The use of star anise and cinnamon stick does give it a lovely aromatic flavour profile, reminiscent of some traditional Indian-inspired dishes, which I do enjoy. However, I think I'd have to swap out a few ingredients to make it work for me. Perhaps a swap to a vegetarian protein source and ensuring all components are gluten-free would make this dish more appealing. The method seems straightforward, but I'd likely adjust spices and seasonings to better suit my taste, leaning towards milder flavours.

  • xinyi_x3

    Oh my goodness, I just tried this Chicken and Star Anise Braised Pears recipe and I am *so* impressed!!! I mean, who would have thought to put chicken and pears together? Sounds weird, but trust me, it's a game-changer! The star anise and cinnamon stick add this amazing warm, spicy flavor that makes you go 'wow'. And let's not forget the pears - they're so tender and sweet, it's like they're melting in your mouth! I loved how easy it was to make, too. Just brown the chicken, sauté the onions, and then let everything simmer together until it's all delicious and tender. The sauce is like the best part - all rich and yummy, with a hint of sweetness from the pears. I served it with some steamed rice and it was just perfect! I would totally make this again and recommend it to all my friends. One thing, maybe next time I'll add some dim sum-style dumplings to the dish, haha! Anyway, 4 stars from me - can't wait to try more recipes like this!

  • LaniOhana

    I'm stoked about this Chicken and Star Anise Braised Pears recipe, brah! As a pescatarian, I don't usually go for chicken, but I gotta say, the way it's slow-cooked in that rich, aromatic sauce with star anise and spices is ono. The addition of pears gives it a nice sweetness that balances out the savory flavors. I love how it's similar to some of the traditional Hawaiian dishes I grew up with, like laulau, but with a fancy twist. The only thing that would make it better is if it had some poke-style raw fish on top, but I guess that's just not what this dish is about. Overall, I'd give it 4 stars - it's definitely worth trying if you're looking for a unique and flavorful meal that's not too complicated to make. Mahalo for sharing this recipe!