One-Pot Semur Chicken with Australian Bush Spices

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A comforting Indonesian-inspired chicken stew enriched with Australian bush spices, simmered until tender in a fragrant soy and clove sauce. This australian-inspired chicken ready in about 60 minutes pairs medium, thinly sliced shallots, minced garlic cloves, grated ginger for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 45 min Serves 6 Australian cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add 6 chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 5 minutes until golden brown, then flip and cook for 3 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same pot, add 4 thinly sliced shallots, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp grated ginger. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and softened.
  3. Step 3: Add 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 4 whole cloves, 2 whole star anise, and 1 tsp ground wattleseed. Stir to combine and cook for 1 minute until spices release their aroma.
  4. Step 4: Return the chicken thighs to the pot and pour in 1 1/2 cups water. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook gently for 35 minutes until the chicken is tender and the sauce thickens.
  5. Step 5: Remove the lid and simmer uncovered for 5 more minutes to reduce the sauce slightly. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves before serving with steamed rice.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Semur Chicken with Australian Bush Spices take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (15 min prep + 45 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover One-Pot Semur Chicken with Australian Bush Spices?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep minced garlic cloves from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Semur Chicken with Australian Bush Spices?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale One-Pot Semur Chicken with Australian Bush Spices for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with One-Pot Semur Chicken with Australian Bush Spices?

Australian chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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