Indonesian Grilled Chicken

Infused with the vibrant flavors of Southeast Asia, this Indonesian Grilled Chicken recipe is a feast for the senses. Juicy chicken is marinated in a rich blend of aromatic shallots, garlic, and ginger, complemented by earthy turmeric, fragrant coriander, and a touch of sweet kecap manis soy sauce. Coconut milk adds a creamy base to the marinade, while fresh lime juice and optional red chili provide a tangy and spicy twist. Each piece is grilled to perfection, developing a smoky char that enhances the bold flavors, and basted with a luscious, simmered marinade that doubles as a dipping sauce. Serve this succulent dish with steamed rice and fresh veggies for an irresistible dinner that transports you straight to the heart of Indonesia. Perfect for family meals or weekend BBQs, this recipe is guaranteed to impress with its balance of savory, sweet, and spicy notes.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 lbs Chicken (whole, cut into pieces or 8 drumsticks)
• 8 cloves Shallots
• 6 cloves Garlic
• 1 inch piece Ginger (peeled and chopped)
• 1 tsp Turmeric powder
• 2 tsp Coriander powder
• 3 tbsp Soy sauce (sweet or kecap manis)
• 1 cup Coconut milk
• 2 tbsp Palm sugar (or brown sugar)
• 1 tsp Salt
• 0.5 tsp Black pepper
• 1 lime Juice of lime
• 2 large Fresh red chili (optional, for spice)
• 2 tbsp Vegetable oil

Directions

Step 1

Clean the chicken pieces and pat them dry with paper towels. Set aside.

Step 2

Place the shallots, garlic, ginger, turmeric powder, coriander powder, and fresh red chili (if using) into a food processor or mortar and pestle. Grind into a smooth paste.

Step 3

In a large mixing bowl, combine the spice paste, soy sauce, coconut milk, palm sugar, salt, black pepper, lime juice, and vegetable oil. Mix well to create the marinade.

Step 4

Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and coat thoroughly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight for better flavor.

Step 5

Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.

Step 6

Remove the chicken from the marinade, but do not discard the marinade.

Step 7

Grill the chicken pieces for about 20 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking and to get a beautiful char on the surface. Brush the chicken with the reserved marinade occasionally while grilling to keep it moist and flavorful.

Step 8

Meanwhile, pour the remaining marinade into a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil and simmer for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened. Use this as a basting sauce or as an optional side sauce for serving.

Step 9

Once the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C), remove it from the grill and allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving.

Step 10

Serve the Indonesian Grilled Chicken hot with steamed rice and fresh vegetables, or your choice of sides. Optionally garnish with lime wedges or fresh herbs.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1595.9 grams (1595.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2903

Total Fat 151.30g	194%
Saturated Fat 38.60g	193%
Polyunsaturated Fat 16.80g
Cholesterol 798mg	266%
Sodium 4322mg	188%
Total Carbohydrate 121.50g	44%
Dietary Fiber 11.80g	42%
Total Sugars 74.90g
Protein 256.10g	512%

Vitamin D 363IU	1815%
Calcium 310mg	24%
Iron 18mg	99%
Potassium 3675mg	78%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 47.4%

Protein: 35.7%

Carbs: 16.9%