Steamed Anise Chicken

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Servings: 4 Difficulty: Advanced
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Tender, aromatic chicken breasts steamed with star anise and finished with a tangy lime-soy glaze.
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Steamed Anise Chicken

Author: chefs-mate Cooking Method: , , Cuisine: Courses:
Difficulty: Advanced
Servings: 4 Calories: 24.3

Description

This Steamed Anise Chicken offers a sophisticated yet simple approach to weeknight dinners. The chicken breasts are first marinated in a fragrant blend of soy sauce, brown sugar, and star anise, allowing the savory-sweet flavors to penetrate the meat. Steaming ensures the chicken remains incredibly moist and tender, avoiding the dryness often associated with breast meat. The dish is finished with a concentrated reduction of the marinade and fresh lime juice, providing a bright, zesty contrast to the rich, licorice-like notes of the star anise. It pairs beautifully with steamed rice or green vegetables, making it a balanced and satisfying meal for the whole family.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Squeeze the juice from the limes and reserve the peels for later use.
  2. Measure out 3 tablespoons of the freshly squeezed lime juice.
  3. In a small saucepan, combine the 3 tablespoons of lime juice, brown sugar, 2 star anise pods, crushed red pepper flakes, soy sauce, and water.
  4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 4 minutes.
  5. Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the marinade to cool completely.
  6. Place the boneless, skinless chicken breast halves in a glass dish.
  7. Spoon half of the cooled soy-lime mixture over the chicken, turning to coat evenly.
  8. Marinate the chicken at room temperature for 1 hour, or cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours for deeper flavor.
  9. When ready to cook, place the reserved lime peels, remaining 2 star anise pods, and about 8 cups of water into a large pot.
  10. Bring the water to a boil.
  11. Fit a steamer basket or rack over the pot.
  12. Remove the chicken from the marinade, discarding the leftover liquid, and place the chicken in the steamer basket.
  13. Cover the pot tightly and steam the chicken for about 20 minutes, or until it is no longer pink in the center.
  14. While the chicken steams, pour the remaining soy-lime mixture into a small saucepan.
  15. Cook the remaining mixture over medium heat until reduced to about 2 tablespoons, adding a little water if it reduces too much.
  16. Spoon the reduced sauce over the steamed chicken and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

Amount Per Serving
Calories 24.3kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 0.1g1%
Saturated Fat 0.0g0%
Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
Sodium 3.1mg1%
Total Carbohydrate 7.4g3%
Dietary Fiber 0.9g4%
Sugars 4.0g
Protein 0.2g1%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Star anise is a dried spice with a pungent, licorice flavor. It can be purchased at most Asian groceries or in the spice aisle of larger supermarkets.

If you cannot find star anise, you can substitute 1/2 teaspoon of lightly crushed anise seed for every 2 star anise pods, although the flavor will not be as distinctive.

Additional ingredients included in the marinade: 1/8 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce, and 1/3 cup water.

Keywords: chicken, steamed, anise, star anise, lime, soy sauce, marinated, asian-inspired, dinner, easy, healthy, gluten-free option, quick meal, family friendly, licorice flavor, moist chicken
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