Slow-Cooked Semur Chicken with Star Anise and Sweet Soy

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

An Australian adaptation of Indonesian-inspired semur chicken, slow-cooked in a fragrant sweet soy and star anise sauce until tender and flavorful. This australian-inspired chicken ready in about 70 minutes pairs (about 2 lbs) bone-in chicken thighs, vegetable oil, large, thinly sliced yellow onion 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: 55 min Serves 4 Australian cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add 6 bone-in chicken thighs and brown on all sides for 6-8 minutes, then remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 large thinly sliced yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
  3. Step 3: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp fresh grated ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Return the browned chicken thighs to the pot and pour in 1/3 cup sweet soy sauce, 2 tbsp light soy sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 2 whole star anise, and 1 cup water.
  5. Step 5: Stir gently to combine, bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cover. Let it cook gently for 45 minutes until the chicken is tender and the sauce has thickened.
  6. Step 6: Remove the star anise, season with 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper, and stir.
  7. Step 7: Garnish with 2 thinly sliced scallions and serve over steamed rice or your choice of side.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Semur Chicken with Star Anise and Sweet Soy take to make?

Total time is about 70 minutes (15 min prep + 55 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 Slow-Cooked Semur Chicken with Star Anise and Sweet Soy?

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 vegetable oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Semur Chicken with Star Anise and Sweet Soy?

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 Slow-Cooked Semur Chicken with Star Anise and Sweet Soy 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 Slow-Cooked Semur Chicken with Star Anise and Sweet Soy?

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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