Indonesian Garlic Chicken
Indulge in the bold and aromatic flavors of Indonesian Garlic Chicken, a succulent dish that brings the essence of Southeast Asian cuisine to your table. Juicy, bone-in chicken thighs are marinated in a delectable blend of soy sauce, sweet kecap manis, lime juice, and warming spices like coriander and turmeric, ensuring each bite is infused with rich, savory goodness. A fragrant garlic-shallot paste is sautéed to perfection before the marinated chicken is seared until golden and simmered in its marinade, creating a glossy, flavorful glaze. Easy to prepare in under an hour, this dish pairs beautifully with steamed white rice and is finished with vibrant garnishes of red chili and green onion. Perfect for weeknight dinners or an exotic weekend treat, this Indonesian-inspired recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
- 6 large garlic cloves
- 3 shallots
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sweet soy sauce (kecap manis)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 0.5 teaspoons turmeric powder
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 0.5 cups water
- 1 red chili (optional, for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons green onion (optional, chopped for garnish)
Instructions
In a mortar and pestle or food processor, grind the garlic cloves and shallots into a smooth paste. Set this aside.
In a large bowl, marinate the chicken thighs with soy sauce, sweet soy sauce (kecap manis), lime juice, brown sugar, ground coriander, and turmeric powder. Let it rest for at least 15 minutes to soak in the flavors.
In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the garlic-shallot paste and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden.
Add the marinated chicken pieces into the skillet, skin-side down. Sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until the skin crisps up and turns golden brown.
Reduce the heat to low-medium. Add the remaining marinade from the bowl into the skillet along with 1/2 cup of water. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the chicken simmer for 20 minutes, turning the pieces occasionally, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked, and the liquid reduces into a thick, flavorful glaze.
Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional soy sauce or a pinch of sugar if needed.
Transfer the chicken to a serving plate. Garnish with optional sliced red chili and chopped green onion for an extra pop of color and flavor.
Serve hot with steamed white rice, and enjoy your Indonesian Garlic Chicken!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
532 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 39.4 g | 50% | |
| Saturated Fat | 9.7 g | 49% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 6.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 138 mg | 46% | |
| Sodium | 745 mg | 32% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 13.2 g | 5% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.3 g | 5% | |
| Total Sugars | 6.7 g | ||
| Protein | 33.7 g | 67% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 56 mg | 4% | |
| Iron | 2.4 mg | 13% | |
| Potassium | 516 mg | 11% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
