Chinese Five-Spice Chicken Thighs
User Reviews
5
Chinese Five-Spice Chicken Thighs
Description
This recipe uses boneless, skinless chicken thighs rubbed with Chinese five-spice and salt to infuse a blend of star anise, cloves, cinnamon, fennel, and pepper flavors directly into the meat. After patting the chicken dry, the thighs are seared in olive oil until golden brown, developing a caramelized surface. A mixture of chicken broth, honey, and minced fresh ginger is microwaved briefly, then poured over the chicken to create a fragrant, slightly sweet glaze.
Covered and gently cooked over low heat, the thighs become tender and fully cooked as they soak in the flavorful liquid. The sauce is then simmered uncovered until it thickens to coat the chicken, contributing a glossy finish. Garnishing with cilantro brings an herbal brightness contrasting the warm spices.
These chicken thighs can be served with steamed rice or vegetables as a main course. The balance of sweet honey and the aromatic five-spice makes for a distinctive flavor profile, enhanced by fresh ginger's zing.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken thighs boneless, skinless
- 1 tablespoon Chinese five-spice
- salt sea salt
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (not reduced-sodium)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ginger minced, fresh
- cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Remove any large chunks of fat from the chicken thighs and pat them dry with a paper towel. Sprinkle half of the Chinese five-spice over the top of the thighs, rubbing in as you go. Sprinkle with salt. Flip the thighs, rub in the rest of the Chinese five-spice, and sprinkle with salt.
- Heat the oil in large nonstick frying pan (not a cast-iron skillet, that's just for pictures!) on medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs into the hot oil and sear until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.
- While the thighs sear, combine the rest of the ingredients (except for the cilantro) in a small microwave-safe bowl and whisk together. Microwave for 30 seconds and whisk again.
- Flip the chicken, reduce the heat to low, and pour in the honey mixture. Cover the pan and cook until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the chicken reads 165°F; about 5-15 minutes, depending on how thick your chicken is.
- Once cooked, uncover and simmer until the sauce is thick, about 3-5 minutes.
- Garnish with cilantro and serve hot.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4People
Amount Per Serving
Calories 305 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 305kcal | 15% |
| Carbohydrates | 17.4g | 6% |
| Protein | 40g | 80% |
| Fat | 10.3g | 16% |
| Saturated Fat | 2.4g | 12% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.3g | 2% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 1.8g | 9% |
| Cholesterol | 170mg | 57% |
| Sodium | 659mg | 27% |
| Potassium | 64mg | 1% |
| Sugar | 17g | 34% |
| Vitamin C | 0.2mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 0.3mg | 0% |
| Iron | 5.3mg | 29% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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