Ina Garten Indonesian Chicken

If you’re looking to elevate your dinner table with bold yet comforting flavors, Ina Garten Indonesian Chicken is a dish worth adding to your rotation. Savory, slightly sweet, and beautifully aromatic, this recipe delivers tender chicken cooked in a rich coconut-based sauce infused with warming spices. It’s the kind of meal that feels special enough for gatherings yet simple enough for cozy weeknight dinners.

One of the best things about this dish is its universal appeal. Adults love the depth of flavor, while kids enjoy the mild sweetness and creamy texture. Compared to a classic roasted chicken, this Indonesian-inspired recipe stands out for its vibrant seasoning and luxurious sauce—without requiring complicated techniques. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it quickly becomes a family favorite.

What Is Ina Garten Indonesian Chicken?

Ina Garten Indonesian Chicken is a flavorful fusion-style dish inspired by Southeast Asian flavors, adapted with Ina’s signature simplicity and elegance. Tender chicken is marinated in coconut milk, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and spices, then cooked until golden and irresistibly juicy.

The result is a dish that looks impressive yet feels comforting and familiar. As the saying goes, the way to the heart is through the stomach, and this recipe certainly delivers. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, it’s guaranteed to earn compliments.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just another chicken dinner—it’s a dish that turns an ordinary meal into a memorable one.

• Big Flavor, Simple Steps: The marinade does most of the work, creating deep, well-balanced flavor with minimal effort.

• Cost-Effective Alternative to Takeout: Enjoy restaurant-quality taste at home without the extra expense.

• Rich and Creamy Texture: Coconut milk adds a luxurious finish that sets this dish apart from standard chicken recipes.

Once you experience the blend of savory, sweet, and subtly spiced flavors, you’ll want to share this recipe with everyone you know.

How to Make Ina Garten Indonesian Chicken

Quick Overview

This dish comes together with ease and delivers gourmet results. With about 30 minutes of prep time and straightforward cooking steps, you’ll have a beautifully flavorful meal that feels both comforting and refined.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts)

• 1 can (14 oz / 400 ml) coconut milk

• 3 tablespoons halal-friendly soy sauce

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

• 1 tablespoon lime juice

• ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder

• ¼ teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)

• Fresh coriander (cilantro), for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken
   In a large bowl, whisk together coconut milk, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, lime juice, turmeric, and chili powder. Add the chicken and coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for deeper flavor.

2. Sear the Chicken
   Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from the marinade (reserve marinade) and sear for 3–4 minutes per side until golden.

3. Bake
   Transfer chicken to a baking dish, pour reserved marinade over the top, and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

4. Serve
   Let the chicken rest briefly, garnish with fresh coriander, and serve with rice or quinoa to soak up the sauce.

Tips for Perfect Indonesian Chicken

• Marination Time Matters: Overnight marinating gives the best flavor.

• Protein Options: Fish or tofu work well as substitutes, but adjust cooking time accordingly.

• Don’t Skip the Sear: Browning the chicken adds depth and enhances the overall flavor.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container.

• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or until heated through, to maintain tenderness.

Indonesian Chicken

A savory and slightly sweet Indonesian chicken dish marinated with aromatic spices and coconut milk, perfect for family gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Asian, Indonesian

Servings 4 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Marinade

• 1 can coconut milk 14 oz can
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce Halal-friendly option
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger grated
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder adjust to taste

For the Chicken

• 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken thighs or substitute with chicken breast
• fresh coriander for garnish

Instructions

 

Marination

• In a large bowl, mix the coconut milk, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, lime juice, turmeric, and chili powder. Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for maximum flavor.

Cooking

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade (reserve the marinade) and add the chicken to the skillet. Sear the chicken for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
• Transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish, pour the reserved marinade over the top, and bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Serving

• Once out of the oven, let the chicken rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh coriander and serve with rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious sauce.

Notes

For different protein options, skinless fish or tofu can serve as alternatives. Ensure chicken is sufficiently marinated overnight for optimal flavor. Avoid rushing the searing step for better flavor and texture.

Keyword Comfort Food, Family Dinner, Flavorful Chicken, Ina Garten, Indonesian Chicken