Ina Garten’s Flavorful Indonesian Chicken Recipe for Dinner

Indonesian chicken brings together bold flavors that dance across your palate with unexpected harmony.

Kitchen wizards know this dish transforms ordinary protein into something magical and aromatic.

Global influences merge seamlessly in this delectable recipe that promises excitement from first bite.

Sweet and savory notes intertwine, creating a complex taste profile that challenges traditional expectations.

Marinades work their enchantment by infusing meat with depth and character rarely experienced in home cooking.

Each component plays a crucial role in building layers of incredible taste sensations.

You’ll want to gather your ingredients and prepare for a culinary adventure that will impress everyone at the table: let’s get cooking!

Why Indonesian Chicken Is a Flavor Bomb

• Unlock Explosive Flavor Fusion: This recipe masterfully blends sweet honey, zesty ginger, savory soy sauce, and rich garlic to create a complex flavor profile that dances across your taste buds with every bite.
• Transform Ordinary Chicken into Gourmet Delight: The slow-marinating technique infuses deep, robust flavors into ordinary chicken, turning a simple protein into a restaurant-quality dish that impresses guests without requiring advanced cooking skills.
• Effortless Elegance in One-Pan Cooking: Minimal preparation and straightforward baking method mean you'll spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying a deliciously caramelized, tender chicken dinner that looks like it took hours to prepare.
• Perfect Weekend Comfort Food with Global Twist: This Indonesian-inspired chicken recipe offers a comforting meal with an international flair, making it ideal for family dinners or casual weekend gatherings where you want something special yet uncomplicated.

What Spices and Sauces You’ll Need

• Chicken: Rich, tender meat that absorbs the marinade beautifully, best when using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for maximum flavor and juiciness.

• Ginger Root: Bright, spicy root that adds warm depth and aromatic complexity to the sauce.
• Garlic: Pungent, essential flavor enhancer that provides a robust base for the marinade.
• Soy Sauce: Salty, umami-rich condiment that tenderizes the meat and adds deep color.
• Honey: Sweet liquid that balances the salty soy sauce and helps create a glossy, caramelized exterior.

• Aluminum Foil: Protective covering that helps retain moisture during the initial cooking phase.

How to Cook Chicken That Absorbs It All

Step 1: Prepare Aromatic Marinade

• Fresh ginger root
• Garlic
• Soy sauce
• Honey

Simmer until honey completely dissolves and ingredients blend harmoniously.

Step 2: Coat and Marinate Chicken

Pour marinade over chicken pieces, ensuring complete coverage. Arrange chicken in a single layer within a shallow baking pan, skin side down. Wrap pan tightly with aluminum foil. Refrigerate overnight to allow flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.

Step 3: Preheat Oven

Set oven temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Ensure oven rack is positioned in the middle for even cooking.

Step 4: Initial Baking Phase

Place covered pan into preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes, allowing chicken to cook gently and absorb marinade flavors.

Step 5: Finish with Crispy Skin

Remove foil cover. Flip chicken pieces so skin faces upward. Increase oven temperature to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Continue baking for additional 30 minutes until chicken develops rich caramel-brown exterior and meat becomes fork-tender. Verify doneness by checking that knife slides smoothly between meat layers.

Tips for Tender Meat and Bold Sauce

• Boost Marinade Magic: Let the chicken soak in the flavorful mixture for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the spices and seasonings to deeply penetrate the meat.
• Perfect Pan Selection: Choose a ceramic or glass baking dish that allows the chicken to sit in a single layer, ensuring even heat distribution and beautiful caramelization.
• Temperature Precision: Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) at its thickest part, guaranteeing both safety and juiciness.
• Spice Customization: Feel free to adjust the chili or sambal levels to match your personal heat tolerance, making the dish uniquely yours.
• Serving Smartness: Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to help the juices redistribute, resulting in more tender and succulent meat.

Store with a Sauce-Saving Method

• Vacuum Seal Method: Lock in freshness by using a vacuum sealer to remove air completely from storage containers. Prevent freezer burn and maintain the chicken's original flavor by creating an airtight seal that protects against moisture and oxidation.
• Glass Container Storage: Transfer cooled Indonesian chicken to clean, heavyweight glass containers with tight-fitting lids. Opt for transparent containers to easily track meal portions and prevent cross-contamination while preserving the dish's delicate spice blend.
• Portion Freezing Technique: Divide leftover chicken into individual serving sizes before freezing. Wrap each portion in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags to maximize storage space and allow quick, convenient thawing for future meals.

Flavor Twists with Pineapple, Peanut, or Chili

• Spicy Indonesian Kick: Add red chili flakes or sambal oelek to the marinade for a fiery heat that complements the sweet honey and soy sauce base.
• Citrus Tropical Remix: Incorporate fresh orange or lime juice into the marinade to bring a bright, zesty flavor that cuts through the richness of the chicken.
• Herb Garden Blend: Mix in fresh chopped cilantro or lemongrass during marinating to infuse an aromatic, fresh herb dimension to the traditional Indonesian-style chicken.
• Coconut Fusion Approach: Replace part of the soy sauce with coconut milk to create a creamier, more rounded sauce that adds complexity to the original recipe.

The Bold Ending to Your Chicken Journey

Indonesian Chicken Delight merges classic Barefoot Contessa elegance with rich Southeast Asian flavors.

Ina Garten’s culinary magic transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience.

Marinated overnight, chicken absorbs complex layers of ginger, honey, and soy sauce.

Golden-brown caramelization creates an irresistible glaze that promises restaurant-quality results at home.

Kitchen masters and novice cooks alike can craft this sensational dish with minimal effort.

Passionate palates will crave more after one spectacular bite – so grab those ingredients, roll up sleeves, and let pure deliciousness reign supreme.

Follow this recipe, share your dish, spark conversations, and inspire fellow cooking enthusiasts to explore global cuisine’s delectable wonders.

Ina Garten Indonesian Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s Indonesian chicken brings bold spices and exotic flavors to your dinner table. Marinated with a complex blend of garlic, ginger, and soy sauce, this dish offers a delicious journey through Indonesian culinary traditions that will delight you.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 2 chickens, 3.5 pounds each, quartered, with backs removed

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• ½ cup fresh ginger root, peeled and grated
• ¼ cup garlic, minced (8 to 12 cloves)

Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 cup honey
• ¾ cup soy sauce

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Instructions

1. Mince fresh ginger root and garlic, then combine with soy sauce and honey in a small saucepan, simmering gently over low heat until the honey fully dissolves and ingredients blend seamlessly.
2. Thoroughly coat chicken pieces with the prepared marinade, ensuring each surface is evenly covered and glistening with the sauce mixture.
3. Transfer marinated chicken to a shallow baking pan, arranging pieces in a single layer with skin facing downward, maintaining even spacing between each piece.
4. Securely wrap the pan with aluminum foil, creating an airtight seal to lock in moisture and flavors. Refrigerate overnight, allowing chicken to absorb the marinade’s rich, aromatic profile.
5. Remove chicken from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to reach room temperature, which ensures more even cooking.
6. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius), positioning the rack in the center for consistent heat distribution.
7. Place the covered pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, allowing the chicken to slowly cook and tenderize in its flavorful marinade.
8. Uncover the pan, carefully flip chicken pieces so the skin faces upward, and increase oven temperature to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
9. Continue baking for an additional 30 minutes or until chicken skin turns a deep, caramelized brown and meat becomes fork-tender, with sauce reducing to a rich, glossy glaze.

Notes

• Infuse chicken with rich marinade flavors by massaging seasoning deeply into every crevice of the meat.
• Refrigerate marinaded chicken for a full 8-12 hours to allow deep penetration of herbs and spices.
• Select a wide, flat ceramic or glass baking dish to promote uniform heat distribution and prevent uneven cooking.
• Monitor internal chicken temperature using a reliable meat thermometer to guarantee safe and perfectly cooked results.
• Remove chicken from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to ensure more consistent cooking temperature throughout the protein.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Indonesian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 40 g
• Sodium: 1500 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg