📖 Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken: On a cutting board, trim the chicken breasts of any excess fat. Cut the chicken into 1-inch cubes. Season generously with salt and pepper.
2. Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer (work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan). Sear the chicken on all sides until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes total. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften, about 5-7 minutes. If the pan seems dry, add another tablespoon of olive oil.
4. Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, star anise, smoked paprika, and thyme to the skillet. Cook for another minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent the garlic from burning. Oh, the aroma it's heavenly!
5. Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. These browned bits (fond) add depth of flavor to the stew. Don't skip this step!
6. Return Chicken and Simmer: Add the seared chicken back to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
7. Add Quinoa and Simmer Again: Stir in the rinsed quinoa. Cover and continue to simmer for another 15-20 minutes, or until the quinoa is cooked and the liquid is mostly absorbed. Keep an eye on it, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The quinoa should be fluffy and tender.
8. Stir in Lemon Juice and Parsley: Remove the stew from the heat. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and chopped fresh parsley. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or smoked paprika to your liking.
9. Serve: Ladle the Star Anise Chicken Quinoa Stew into bowls. Garnish with extra fresh parsley or cilantro, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the symphony of flavors!
10. Optional additions: A dollop of plain Greek yogurt or a swirl of cream can add a luxurious touch. Feel free to add other vegetables such as peas, green beans, or spinach during the last 5 minutes of cooking.