Lili's Anise Chicken

Soak 12 or more dried shiitake mushrooms in warm water. Fry 3 or 4 star anise in 1/4 c oil until flavor is released. Add chopped green onion & chopped ginger. Fry until tender. Add chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs) and sear, browning evenly. Add 1/2 c soy sauce. Add mushrooms & soaking water. Add 1 or 2 T sesame oil. Simmer chicken in this sauce for at least an hour, or until very tender. Serve with rice.