One-Pot Semur Chicken with Australian Spices

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

A comforting Indonesian-inspired chicken stew infused with warm Australian spices, cooked in one pot for an easy weeknight dinner. This australian-inspired one pot ready in about 55 minutes pairs bone-in, skin removed chicken thighs, large, thinly sliced onion, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, 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: 40 min Serves 4 Australian cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 large thinly sliced onion and sauté for 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 600 g chicken thighs and brown on all sides for 5 minutes, turning frequently.
  4. Step 4: Sprinkle in 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ground cloves, and 1/4 tsp freshly grated nutmeg. Stir to coat the chicken and spices.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, and 1 1/2 cups water. Bring to a simmer.
  6. Step 6: Add 2 medium carrots cut into 1/2-inch rounds and 2 medium peeled, cubed potatoes. Cover and simmer gently for 30 minutes until chicken is tender and vegetables are cooked through.
  7. Step 7: Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh coriander before serving with steamed rice or crusty bread.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 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 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 large, thinly sliced onion from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Semur Chicken with Australian 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 Spices for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Spices?

Australian one pot 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.