10 Best Indonesian Chicken Recipes to Try

Soto Ayam

Soto Ayam is a comforting Indonesian chicken noodle soup that is both flavorful and warming.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
• 2 liters water
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 shallots, minced
• 1 stalk lemongrass, bruised
• 3 kaffir lime leaves
• 2 teaspoons turmeric powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 200 grams vermicelli noodles, soaked
• 3 boiled eggs, halved
• Fried shallots and chopped scallions for garnish

Cooking method:

1. Boil the chicken in water along with garlic, shallots, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and turmeric powder.
2. Season with salt and pepper, simmer until the chicken is cooked through.
3. Remove the chicken, shred the meat, and return the bones to the broth to deepen the flavor.
4. Strain the broth and add the vermicelli noodles.
5. Serve the soup hot with shredded chicken, boiled eggs, and garnish with fried shallots and scallions.

Ayam Penyet

Ayam Penyet is a spicy, smashed fried chicken dish that is a favorite in Indonesian street food culture.

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken thighs
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 100 ml coconut oil for frying
• Sambal (chili sauce) for serving

Cooking method:

1. Marinate the chicken with garlic, coriander powder, salt, and pepper for at least 30 minutes.
2. Heat coconut oil in a pan and fry the chicken until golden and cooked through.
3. Smash the fried chicken lightly with a pestle to flatten.
4. Serve immediately with sambal on the side.

Ayam Rica-Rica

This spicy and aromatic chicken dish from Manado is known for its rich flavors and fiery kick.

Ingredients:

• 500 grams chicken, cut into pieces
• 5 red chilies, minced
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 shallots, minced
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1 stalk lemongrass, bruised
• 2 kaffir lime leaves
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• Salt and sugar to taste

Cooking method:

1. Sauté minced chilies, garlic, and shallots until fragrant.
2. Add chicken pieces and cook until they start to brown.
3. Add tomatoes, lemongrass, lime leaves, lime juice, salt, and sugar.
4. Simmer until chicken is fully cooked and sauce thickens, then serve hot.

Ayam Bakar Taliwang

Originating from the island of Lombok, Ayam Bakar Taliwang is a spicy grilled chicken dish with a distinctive flavor profile.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken, split open
• 5 red chilies, ground
• 4 shallots, minced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon shrimp paste
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• Salt to taste

Cooking method:

1. Blend the chilies, shallots, garlic, shrimp paste, and coconut oil to form a paste.
2. Rub the paste over the chicken and marinate for at least 1 hour.
3. Grill the chicken over medium heat until cooked and charred, basting occasionally with the remaining marinade.
4. Serve with steamed rice and sambal.

Opor Ayam

Opor Ayam is a mild and creamy chicken curry perfect for a comforting family meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 kg chicken, cut into pieces
• 4 shallots, minced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon coriander powder
• 1 lemongrass stalk, bruised
• 400 ml coconut milk
• 3 kaffir lime leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Sauté shallots, garlic, and coriander powder until aromatic.
2. Add chicken pieces, lemongrass, and lime leaves, cooking until chicken is browned.
3. Pour in coconut milk, season with salt and pepper and simmer until chicken is tender.
4. Serve hot with steamed rice.

Ayam Goreng Kremes

This crispy fried chicken dish is known for its crunchy crumbs and juicy meat.

Ingredients:

• 1 kg chicken, cut into pieces
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 egg
• 100 grams cornstarch
• Salt to taste
• Oil for frying

Cooking method:

1. Marinate chicken with garlic, turmeric, and salt for at least 1 hour.
2. Beat the egg and dip marinated chicken into it.
3. Coat the chicken with cornstarch and deep fry until golden and crispy.
4. Serve hot with rice and fresh vegetables.

Ayam Betutu

Ayam Betutu is a Balinese chicken dish that is both spicy and aromatic.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 5 shallots, minced
• 4 red chilies, ground
• 1 teaspoon shrimp paste
• 1 tablespoon turmeric powder
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Prepare a spice paste by blending garlic, shallots, chilies, shrimp paste, turmeric, coconut oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Rub the chicken with the spice paste and marinate for at least 2 hours.
3. Wrap the chicken in banana leaves and bake at 180°C for 1 hour until fully cooked.
4. Serve with steamed rice.

Ayam Pop

Ayam Pop is a simple yet flavorful boiled chicken dish originating from West Sumatra.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 stalk lemongrass
• 100 ml coconut water
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Boil chicken with garlic, bay leaves, lemongrass, and coconut water.
2. Simmer until chicken is tender and fully cooked.
3. Remove chicken and quickly fry until skin is crisp.
4. Serve hot with sambal.

Ayam Woku

Ayam Woku is a Manadonese spicy chicken dish that is rich with herbs and spices.

Ingredients:

• 500 grams chicken, cut into pieces
• 5 shallots, minced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 red chilies, chopped
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 2 kaffir lime leaves
• 1 lemongrass stalk, bruised
• Salt and sugar to taste

Cooking method:

1. Sauté shallots, garlic, and chilies until fragrant.
2. Add chicken and cook until browned.
3. Add tomatoes, lime leaves, lemongrass, salt, and sugar, simmer until the sauce thickens.
4. Serve hot with rice.

Sate Ayam

Sate Ayam, or chicken satay, is a skewer-based dish served with a savory peanut sauce.

Ingredients:

• 500 grams chicken breast, cut into cubes
• 4 tablespoons soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons peanut butter
• 2 teaspoons lime juice
• 2 tablespoons oil
• Skewers

Cooking method:

1. Marinate chicken cubes with soy sauce and oil.
2. Thread chicken onto skewers and grill until cooked.
3. Mix peanut butter and lime juice to create sauce.
4. Serve grilled satay with peanut sauce.