Star Anise Chicken with Coconut Rice
Tender chicken simmered in a fragrant coconut broth with star anise, served over creamy rice for a comforting, aromatic meal. This indian-inspired one pot ready in about 40 minutes pairs boneless chicken breasts, (13.5 oz) coconut milk, whole star anise for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 3, 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.
Ingredients
- 14 oz boneless chicken breasts
- 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
- 4 whole star anise
- 1 medium, thinly sliced onion
- 4 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 tbsp, minced ginger
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- 1.5 cups, cooked jasmine rice
- 1, wedged lime
- 1/4 cup, chopped cilantro
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 14 oz boneless chicken breasts dry, season with salt and pepper, and set aside. Heat 1 tbsp coconut oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering, then add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp minced ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 2: Add 1 medium thinly sliced onion and cook for 4 minutes until golden. Place 4 whole star anise in the pot, then pour in 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk, stirring to combine.
- Step 3: Bring to a gentle simmer, add chicken breasts, and cook for 12-15 minutes until chicken is no longer pink in the center. Remove chicken and star anise, then shred chicken with two forks.
- Step 4: Return shredded chicken to the pot, stir in 1.5 cups cooked jasmine rice, and cook for 2 more minutes until heated through. Serve garnished with 1/4 cup chopped cilantro and a lime wedge on the side.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Star Anise Chicken with Coconut Rice take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 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 Star Anise Chicken with Coconut Rice?
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 boneless chicken breasts from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Star Anise Chicken with Coconut Rice?
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 Star Anise Chicken with Coconut Rice for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Star Anise Chicken with Coconut Rice?
Indian 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
- ★★★☆☆
It was fine. Came out a bit bland for my taste.
