Sweet and Savory Grilled Indonesian Chicken (Ayam Bakar Kecap)

Ayam Bakar Kecap: A Flavorful Grilled Chicken Delight

Ingredients:

• 1 whole free-range chicken (alternatively, use regular chicken)
• 7 shallots
• 5 cloves of garlic
• 5 large red chilies
• 3 bird’s eye chilies (adjust according to your heat preference)
• 2 kaffir lime leaves
• 1-2 candlenuts
• Palm sugar, to taste
• Salt, to taste
• Sweet soy sauce, to taste
• Cooking oil

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Spice Paste:
   Begin by grinding the red chilies, bird’s eye chilies, shallots, garlic, kaffir lime leaves, and candlenuts into a smooth paste. This blend will serve as the aromatic base for your dish.

2. Sauté the Spice Paste:
   Heat a small amount of cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the ground spice paste to the hot oil and sauté until fragrant. Incorporate a generous amount of sweet soy sauce into the mixture, adjusting to taste.

3. Cook the Chicken:
   Add the chicken pieces to the pan with the sautéed spice paste. Stir well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the spices. Once the chicken starts to change color, pour in enough water to cover the chicken. Reduce the heat to low and let the chicken simmer gently, allowing the flavors to meld and the meat to become tender. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

4. Grill the Chicken:
   Once the chicken is tender and the flavors have infused, transfer the pieces to a non-stick skillet or grill pan. Grill the chicken briefly to achieve a crispy, caramelized exterior.

5. Serve:
   Serve your Ayam Bakar Kecap with a side of sambal and fresh vegetables for a complete meal. Enjoy the rich, savory flavors of this traditional Indonesian dish!

Happy cooking! 😊😊