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
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.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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.
