Easy Indonesian Grilled Chicken with Sweet Soy Glaze

Simple Grilled Chicken (Ayam Bakar Simple)

This Simple Grilled Chicken, or Ayam Bakar Simple, is a wonderfully straightforward recipe that delivers a deliciously tender and flavorful result with minimal fuss. Perfect for busy weeknights or a casual gathering, this recipe brings together a harmonious blend of spices and seasonings to create a dish that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

• 500 grams of chicken (cut into pieces and cleaned)
• For the Spice Paste:
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 1/2 teaspoon coriander seeds
• For the Non-Paste Seasonings:
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon Royco (or any all-purpose seasoning)
  • 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
  • 5 cm galangal (crushed)
  • 5 cm ginger (crushed)
  • 3 bay leaves
  • 3 kaffir lime leaves (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon palm sugar (or brown sugar)
  • 1 tablespoon sweet soy sauce (kecap manis)
  • 100 ml water (adjust as needed)
  • Coconut oil or butter (for grilling)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:

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   • Cut the chicken into pieces and rinse thoroughly. This helps ensure the chicken is clean and ready for cooking.

2. Boil the Chicken:

   • In a large pot, bring enough water to cover the chicken to a boil. Add the chicken pieces to the boiling water. This step helps tenderize the chicken and ensures it will be juicy after grilling.
   • Add all the spices and seasonings to the pot, including the crushed garlic and coriander, as well as the non-paste seasonings like salt, Royco, cinnamon stick (if using), galangal, ginger, bay leaves, kaffir lime leaves (if using), palm sugar, and sweet soy sauce.
   • Let the chicken cook in the boiling water until it becomes tender. Note: It’s essential to ensure that the chicken is completely covered by the water to achieve the best results. Adjust the water level as necessary. Cook until the chicken is cooked through and has absorbed the flavors.

3. Check and Adjust the Flavor:

   • Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning if needed. Once the flavors have melded and the chicken is tender, turn off the heat. Reserve a small amount of the cooking liquid to use later while grilling.

4. Prepare for Grilling:

   • Heat a grill pan or an outdoor grill over low heat. This will help prevent burning and ensure the chicken cooks evenly.
   • Brush the grill pan with a small amount of coconut oil or butter to prevent sticking.

5. Grill the Chicken:

   • Place the chicken pieces on the grill pan. Brush each piece with the reserved cooking liquid and a bit of sweet soy sauce. This adds flavor and helps the chicken develop a beautiful caramelized exterior.
   • Grill the chicken over low heat, turning occasionally, until it develops a nice char and is heated through. This should take about 10-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken pieces.

6. Serving:

   • Once the chicken is grilled to your liking, remove it from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the chicken remains moist and flavorful.

7. Notes:

   • You can grill multiple pieces of chicken at once. If grilling a larger quantity, adjust the amount of coconut oil or butter used but keep it minimal to avoid excessive greasiness. For a batch of four pieces, using 1 tablespoon of oil should suffice.
   • Serve the grilled chicken with your favorite side dishes, such as steamed rice, sautéed vegetables, or a fresh salad.

Enjoy your Simple Grilled Chicken, which pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes and sauces. This recipe is perfect for those who love flavorful yet uncomplicated meals. Happy cooking!