Savor the comforting flavors of Indonesia with this Ayam Kecap—tender chicken braised in a sweet-savory soy sauce glaze with garlic, shallots, and a hint of spice. Serve with steamed rice for a hearty, aromatic meal!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
For the Sauce:
- 5 shallots, thinly sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp sweet soy sauce (kecap manis)
- 1 tbsp regular soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp palm sugar (or brown sugar)
- ½ cup water
- 1 tsp white pepper
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tomato, quartered (optional)
Garnish:
- Fried shallots
- Sliced chili
- Lime wedges
Instructions
1️⃣ Sear Chicken:
- Heat oil in a pot over medium-high. Sear chicken skin-side down until golden (~4 mins). Flip and sear 2 mins. Remove and set aside.
2️⃣ Sauté Aromatics:
- In the same pot, sauté shallots and garlic until fragrant (~2 mins).
3️⃣ Simmer:
- Add kecap manis, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, water, pepper, and bay leaves. Stir well.
- Return chicken to pot. Add tomato (if using). Cover and simmer 25-30 mins until chicken is tender.
4️⃣ Serve:
- Garnish with fried shallots, chili, and lime. Best with steamed rice!
