Crispy Indonesian Chicken Floss (Abon Ayam) Recipe

Spiced Chicken Floss (Abon Ayam) Recipe

Experience a delightful twist on traditional chicken dishes with this savory Spiced Chicken Floss, known locally as Abon Ayam. This Indonesian specialty features tender shredded chicken combined with aromatic spices and sweet notes, perfect for snacking or as a topping for various dishes. Here’s how you can create this flavorful treat at home.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 chicken breast fillets, boiled
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Spice Paste:

• 6 cloves garlic
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon toasted coriander seeds
• 4 candlenuts

For the Additional Ingredients:

• 70 grams palm sugar, finely sliced
• 50 grams granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons tamarind water
• 100 grams red onions, sliced

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:

   • Begin by boiling the chicken breast fillets with 1 teaspoon of salt until fully cooked and tender. Once done, drain the chicken and let it cool.

2. Shred the Chicken:

   • Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, shred it into fine pieces using your hands or two forks. Place the shredded chicken into a large mixing bowl.

3. Make the Spice Paste:

   • In a food processor or mortar and pestle, blend the garlic, salt, toasted coriander seeds, and candlenuts into a smooth paste. This mixture will infuse your chicken with deep, rich flavors.

4. Combine Ingredients:

   • Add the spice paste to the bowl with the shredded chicken. Mix well to ensure that the chicken is evenly coated with the spice paste.

5. Add the Sweeteners:

   • Stir in the finely sliced palm sugar, granulated sugar, and tamarind water. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients.

6. Cook the Chicken Floss:

   • Heat a generous amount of oil in a large skillet over low heat. Add the seasoned chicken mixture to the pan. Fry the chicken, stirring continuously, until it is golden brown and crispy. This process will take about 1 hour. Ensure that you keep the heat low to prevent burning and achieve a uniform texture.

7. Dry and Cool:

   • Once the chicken floss reaches a crispy texture, remove it from the pan and drain excess oil. Transfer the chicken floss to a wire rack or a clean cloth to cool completely. You can use a fork to press down on the chicken to help release any remaining oil.

8. Serve:

   • Once cooled and crispy, store your Spiced Chicken Floss in an airtight container. It makes a delicious topping for rice, soups, or simply as a savory snack.

Note: For a more authentic color and flavor, use palm sugar instead of granulated sugar. The choice of sugar can affect the final color of the chicken floss.

Enjoy this delectable Spiced Chicken Floss, a versatile and savory addition to your culinary repertoire!