Spicy Indonesian Rica-Rica Chicken

Ayam Rica-Rica Recipe

Discover the vibrant flavors of Ayam Rica-Rica, a beloved Indonesian dish that combines tender chicken with a spicy, aromatic sauce. This recipe brings together a harmonious blend of spices and fresh ingredients to create a dish that’s both flavorful and satisfying.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
• 4 kaffir lime leaves, stems removed
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 tablespoon turmeric powder
• 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
• 1 seasoning cube (such as Masako ayam)
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Cooking oil (as needed)

For the Spice Paste:

• 6 stalks lemongrass, chopped
• 9 shallots
• 7 cloves garlic
• 5 large red chilies
• 2 handfuls red bird’s eye chilies (adjust to taste)
• 2 bay leaves
• Water (as needed)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:

   • Rinse the chicken pieces thoroughly under cold water. Set aside.

2. Make the Spice Paste:

   • In a blender or food processor, combine the lemongrass, shallots, garlic, red chilies, and red bird’s eye chilies. Blend until smooth, adding a small amount of water if necessary to facilitate blending.

3. Cook the Spice Paste:

   • Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the blended spice paste and sauté until fragrant and the oil starts to separate from the paste.

4. Add Seasonings:

   • To the pan with the sautéed spice paste, add the kaffir lime leaves, bay leaves, ground coriander, turmeric powder, black pepper, seasoning cube, sugar, and salt. Stir well to combine and let the mixture cook until it becomes slightly dry.

5. Cook the Chicken:

   • Add the cleaned chicken pieces to the pan. Stir to coat the chicken evenly with the spice mixture.

6. Simmer:

   • Pour in a small amount of water, just enough to cover the chicken. Stir to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally. If the water level decreases and the chicken is not yet cooked through, add a little more water as needed.

7. Adjust Seasonings:

   • Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Add more salt or sugar according to your preference.

8. Serve:

   • Once the chicken is tender and the sauce has thickened, remove from heat. Serve hot with steamed rice or your favorite side dishes.

Enjoy the bold and aromatic flavors of Ayam Rica-Rica. This dish is perfect for a flavorful family meal or for impressing guests with a taste of Indonesian cuisine. Happy cooking! 💕