Indonesian Spicy Chicken Rica Rica

Ayam Rica Rica: A Spicy Indonesian Delight

Ayam Rica Rica is a vibrant and aromatic Indonesian chicken dish known for its bold and spicy flavors. This recipe uses a blend of fresh herbs and spices to create a dish that is both comforting and exhilarating. Perfect for those who enjoy a spicy kick, this dish is sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients:

• Chicken:
  • 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces (or use 4 chicken thighs for a variation)
• For the Spice Paste:
  • 8 shallots
  • 4 garlic cloves
  • 1 ounce (about 28 grams) of bird’s eye chilies (adjust according to your spice preference)
  • 10 curly red chilies
  • 1 thumb-sized piece of turmeric
  • 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper (you can use ground pepper)
• For Additional Seasoning:
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 3 kaffir lime leaves
  • 1 stalk lemongrass, bruised
  • 1 thumb-sized piece of galangal, bruised
  • Sweet soy sauce (kecap manis), to taste
  • Salt and seasoning to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

   • Clean the chicken pieces thoroughly. Rub the chicken with 1 teaspoon of salt and let it sit for a few minutes. Afterward, fry the chicken pieces in hot oil until they are golden brown and cooked through. Drain and set aside.

2. Make the Spice Paste:

   • In a food processor or mortar and pestle, blend the shallots, garlic, bird’s eye chilies, curly red chilies, turmeric, ginger, and black pepper into a smooth paste.

3. Cook the Spice Paste:

   • Heat some oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the spice paste and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant and the oil starts to separate from the paste.

4. Add the Aromatics:

   • Add the bay leaves, kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass, and galangal to the pan. Cook for a few more minutes until the aromatics are well combined with the spice paste.

5. Combine with Chicken:

   • Add the fried chicken pieces to the pan, stirring to coat them thoroughly with the spice paste. Pour in enough water to cover the chicken, and bring to a boil.

6. Season the Dish:

   • Add salt, seasoning, and sweet soy sauce to taste. Reduce the heat and let the dish simmer until the chicken is tender and the flavors are well absorbed, about 20-30 minutes. Stir occasionally and adjust seasoning as needed.

7. Finish and Serve:

   • Once the chicken is tender and the sauce has thickened to your liking, remove from heat. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot with steamed rice.

This Ayam Rica Rica recipe is perfect for those who enjoy bold and spicy flavors, and it pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed rice to balance the heat. Enjoy the rich and aromatic experience of this Indonesian classic!