My Recipe Box

Chicken and Starfruit Agrodolce

A sweet and sour Italian-inspired dish featuring chicken, starfruit, and a rich agrodolce sauce, perfect for adventurous eaters looking to explore new flavors.
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MEDIUM
Prep: 30-40 mins
Cook: 25-35 mins
Serves: 4
Author: LeylaTheGreat

4.3 / 5 (766)


Ingredients

Proteins
  • boneless chicken breast

    1 pound

  • chicken thighs

    1 pound

Fruits
  • starfruit

    2 whole

Pantry
  • olive oil

    as needed

  • onion

    1 medium

  • garlic

    3 cloves

  • balsamic vinegar

    1 cup

  • honey

    1 cup

  • salt

    to taste

  • black pepper

    to taste

Spices and Herbs
  • dried basil

    1 teaspoon

  • dried oregano

    1 teaspoon


Instructions

  • 1
    Begin by seasoning the chicken with salt, black pepper, dried basil, and dried oregano, then set it aside.

    Take the chicken breast and thighs, and generously sprinkle both sides with salt and black pepper. Add a pinch of dried basil and oregano to each piece, making sure they are evenly coated. This step is crucial for developing the flavor of the dish. Set the chicken aside to allow the seasonings to absorb.

  • 2
    Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then sear the chicken until it's golden brown on both sides.

    Place a large skillet over medium heat and add enough olive oil to coat the bottom. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken breast and thighs. Sear the chicken for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until it develops a beautiful golden-brown crust. This step will help lock in the juices and flavors.

  • 3
    Remove the chicken from the skillet, then sauté the onion and garlic until they are softened.

    Carefully remove the seared chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate. Reduce the heat to medium-low and add a bit more olive oil if necessary. Add the sliced onion to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes translucent and starts to caramelize. Add the minced garlic and continue to cook for another minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.

  • 4
    Add the balsamic vinegar and honey to the skillet, whisking continuously to create the agrodolce sauce.

    Pour the balsamic vinegar into the skillet with the onion and garlic, scraping the bottom to release any browned bits. Add the honey and whisk continuously over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and reduced slightly, stirring occasionally. This agrodolce sauce is the backbone of the dish, providing a perfect balance of sweet and sour flavors.

  • 5
    Add the starfruit to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until it's lightly coated with the agrodolce sauce.

    Slice the starfruit into thin pieces and add them to the skillet with the agrodolce sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring gently to coat the starfruit with the sauce. Be careful not to overcook the starfruit, as it can become too soft and lose its texture.

  • 6
    Return the chicken to the skillet and simmer everything together for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

    Add the seared chicken back to the skillet with the starfruit and agrodolce sauce. Simmer everything together over low heat for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to absorb the sauce. This final step will help tie all the components of the dish together, creating a harmonious balance of flavors and textures.

Ratings & Reviews

User Ratings

5

405

4

229

3

98

2

11

1

23

Reviews

  • Wachs26

    Wahala, this Chicken and Starfruit Agrodolce dish is a real game-changer! As a carnivore, I was skeptical about using chicken, but the flavors are on point. The agrodolce sauce is like a party in my mouth - sweet, sour, and savory all at once. I'm all about trying new things, and this Italian-inspired dish is a nice change of pace from my usual nyama choma and ugali. The starfruit adds a nice twist, kinda like when I try game meats like impala - exciting and different. My only gripe is that it's a bit too fancy for my usual laid-back vibe, but I'll def give it another shot. It's a solid 4 out of 5 for me - I'd give it 5 if it had some more chilies or spice to give it that extra kick!

  • RajTheKing86

    ### A Dissonant Culinary Experience: A Vegetarian's Perspective on Chicken and Starfruit Agrodolce As a staunch vegetarian with a predilection for traditional South Indian cuisine, I must confess that the Chicken and Starfruit Agrodolce recipe evoked a certain degree of skepticism within me. The juxtaposition of chicken, an ingredient antithetical to my dietary preferences, with the exotic starfruit and rich agrodolce sauce, seemed an incongruous amalgamation. Consequently, my expectations were tempered, and I approached this culinary experiment with a mix of curiosity and trepidation. The preparation and cooking process, though meticulously delineated, necessitated a considerable amount of time and effort, which may deter some prospective cooks. Furthermore, the incorporation of chicken, a non-vegetarian ingredient, inherently contradicts my gastronomical inclinations. Additionally, the recipe's reliance on honey, a non-vegan ingredient, and the absence of any accommodations for dairy allergies, further diminished its appeal. In conclusion, while the Chicken and Starfruit Agrodolce may appeal to adventurous eaters with a penchant for Italian-inspired cuisine, it regrettably falls short of resonating with my culinary sensibilities. Nevertheless, I acknowledge the recipe's potential to intrigue those with a more eclectic palate, and I appreciate the creativity that has gone into crafting this unique dish.

  • Eli_Mueller_85

    This Chicken and Starfruit Agrodolce recipe, while not a traditional German dish, showcases a fascinating fusion of flavors. The combination of starfruit and agrodolce sauce is an intriguing one, reminiscent of the complexity found in certain German sauces like those used in sauerbraten. The meticulous preparation and attention to detail required for this recipe align well with my own approach to cooking. However, I do wish there were more gluten-free options provided, given my mild intolerance. Overall, I appreciate the creativity and technique involved in this dish, and with some minor adjustments, it could become a delightful addition to my culinary repertoire.

  • RohanTheBoss

    This Chicken and Starfruit Agrodolce recipe is a bold, adventurous dish that's not for the faint of heart. As a meat-lover, I appreciate the generous use of chicken breast and thighs, and the agrodolce sauce is a game-changer. The combination of balsamic vinegar and honey is a classic, and it pairs surprisingly well with the starfruit. While I'm not typically a fan of sweet and sour flavors, this dish executes it perfectly. The only drawback is the level of spice, which I had to tone down a notch due to my mild intolerance. Overall, I'd say this recipe is a must-try for those looking to mix things up and explore new flavors. It's a confident, assertive dish that demands attention, and I appreciate that. Well done, and I'd definitely make it again with a few tweaks to the spice level.

  • CaspianB

    A clever combination of flavors and textures, this Chicken and Starfruit Agrodolce dish is a true culinary experiment. As someone who's had to adapt to a gluten-free diet, I appreciate that the ingredients don't include any obvious gluten sources. The use of starfruit adds a nice tropical twist, and the agrodolce sauce is a masterclass in balancing sweet and sour flavors. I must admit, I was a bit skeptical about pairing chicken with starfruit, but the end result is surprisingly cohesive. The only thing that would elevate this dish to a 5-star rating is if it included a side of gluten-free bread or pasta to soak up the sauce. Still, it's a great option for adventurous eaters looking to mix things up. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning to your taste, as I found it a tad too salty for my liking. Overall, a delightful and thoughtfully prepared meal that showcases the beauty of Italian-inspired cuisine.

  • YasminA25

    🙅‍♀️ Honestly, I was a bit disappointed with this recipe. As a vegetarian, I was excited to try a new dish, but the use of chicken just didn't sit well with me 🤕. I appreciate the creativity of combining starfruit with an agrodolce sauce, but I wish there was a veggie-friendly alternative 🌟. The flavors seemed interesting, but I couldn't enjoy the dish knowing it had animal products 🐓. Maybe a future version with a plant-based protein source? 🌱 I'd love to see that! 🙏

  • Aishuu22

    As I embarked on the culinary adventure of preparing the Chicken and Starfruit Agrodolce, I must admit that my vegetarian heart initially felt a pang of disappointment. The recipe's reliance on chicken, a staple I deliberately avoid, presented a challenge. However, curiosity got the better of me, and I decided to explore this Italian-inspired dish with an open mind. The preparation process was meticulous, with a focus on seasoning the chicken and crafting the agrodolce sauce. The sauce, a rich and tangy concoction, showed promise, and I found myself wondering how it would pair with more traditional flavors from my culinary heritage. Unfortunately, the addition of chicken and starfruit, while intriguing, didn't quite resonate with my palate. The dish lacked the vibrant, aromatic flavors that I adore in Middle Eastern cuisine, and the textures, while varied, didn't quite come together harmoniously. As someone who appreciates the nuances of language and the art of storytelling, I found myself pondering the narrative behind this recipe. Who would this dish appeal to? Adventurous eaters, perhaps, or those seeking a sweet and sour culinary experience? Despite my reservations, I acknowledge the effort that went into creating this recipe. The agrodolce sauce, in particular, showed potential, and I can envision it being used as a base for future experiments. For those who enjoy exploring new flavors and are not averse to trying non-vegetarian dishes, this recipe might be worth a try. However, for someone like myself, who leans towards vegetarian options and traditional Middle Eastern flavors, this dish fell short of my expectations.

  • BapLef22

    Wow, this Chicken and Starfruit Agrodolce recipe is a real game changer! I love how the sweetness of the starfruit balances out the sourness of the balsamic vinegar, it's like a party in my mouth! The flavors are so rich and deep, I can see why it's called agrodolce, it's like a taste explosion! I'm a big fan of trying new things and this dish definitely delivers. The only thing that might be an issue for me is the lactose intolerance, but I can just use a lactose free cheese or something. Overall, I would highly recomend this recipe to anyone looking to spice up their dinner routine. Its a bit like escargots, you know, a classic dish with a twist. And the best part is, its relatively easy to make, even for a not so good cook like me

  • SofiRG99

    I like this recipe! The mix of sweet and sour flavors is very interesting. I love starfruit, it's a great ingredient. The way the agrodolce sauce is made, with balsamic vinegar and honey, reminds me of some Latin American desserts. I think I would make this dish again, but maybe with some changes. For example, I would add some more herbs, like parsley or cilantro, to give it a fresh touch. Also, I would serve it with some rice or quinoa to balance the flavors. The only thing I don't like is that it has chicken, I prefer fish or seafood, but I know I have to avoid shellfish. Overall, it's a creative and tasty recipe, and I appreciate the effort to combine different flavors and ingredients.

  • cbrooks23

    I'm gonna give this recipe 4 stars, and here's why. First off, I loved the combination of chicken and starfruit - it was a wild card that actually worked pretty well. The agrodolce sauce was straight fire, too. I mean, who doesn't love a good sweet and sour vibe? The only thing that kept it from being 5 stars for me was that it wasn't exactly a 'meat-lover's paradise' - I mean, there's only chicken, and I'm a dude who loves his BBQ and seafood. That being said, the flavors were on point, and I'd definitely make this again if I were in the mood for something a little different. Just a heads up for anyone with nut allergies like me - this recipe is totally safe!

  • Astry77

    I try zis recipe, Chicken and Starfruit Agrodolce, and I must say, eet ees quite interesting. As a flexitarian, I appreciate ze combination of chicken and starfruit, although I think I would enjoy eet more if eet were vegetarian. Ze agrodolce sauce, she ees delicious, reminds me of some German sauces I haff tried before, but with a sweet and sour twist. I like ze idea of using balsamic vinegar and honey together. However, I must admit that I had to make some adjustments to accommodate my lactose intolerance, which, fortunately, were not difficult to make. I would definitely try zis recipe again, perhaps with tofu or portobello mushrooms instead of chicken. Overall, I think zis dish ees a great option for adventurous eaters looking to try new flavors.

  • MeiMei95

    I tried this recipe, but it wasn't really for me. As someone who doesn't eat meat or poultry, I was surprised to see chicken as the main ingredient. The idea of starfruit and agrodolce sauce sounded interesting, but I didn't really connect with the flavors. I think this dish would be great for someone who enjoys trying new Italian-inspired recipes, but it's not something I'd make again. The instructions were clear, though, and I appreciated the attention to detail.

  • JasperVDM

    A most intriguing dish, this Chicken and Starfruit Agrodolce. As an omnivore with a penchant for sustainable cuisine, I appreciate the use of locally sourced ingredients, although the recipe does not specify this. The combination of chicken, starfruit, and agrodolce sauce is indeed innovative. I must admit, however, that I was initially skeptical about the starfruit, but its subtle sweetness and texture proved to be a pleasant surprise. The agrodolce sauce, with its perfect balance of sweet and sour flavours, is a notable highlight. Nevertheless, I do take issue with the amount of honey used, as I find overly sweet dishes to be quite distasteful. A reduction in the honey quantity would render this dish more to my liking. In conclusion, I would highly recommend this recipe to those seeking to broaden their culinary horizons, with the caveat that a modicum of sweetness is to be expected.